Leading with Determination: The Inspiring Story of Lluvia Hernandez-Aguirre
For Lluvia Hernandez-Aguirre, education has always been more than a pathway to opportunity—it has been a central value instilled by her parents. Though they did not have the chance to pursue higher education themselves, they emphasized the importance of learning, often placing academics above all else. That foundation carried Lluvia into her role as a first-generation college student, determined to build a future that would inspire both her family and her younger brothers.
Graduating high school in 2020 during the height of the pandemic made the start of her higher education journey particularly challenging. “I didn’t always feel comfortable asking questions,” she admits, recalling the uncertainty of those early steps. But her determination—and her vision of paving the way for her siblings—kept her moving forward. At Governors State, she not only earned her Bachelor of Arts in Management and MBA in Management in just five years, but also stepped into influential leadership roles as Vice President of ALAS (Association of Latinx American Students), student senator, and Student Trustee on the Board of Trustees. Each experience, she explains, taught her how to adapt to different professional environments and strengthened her confidence.
Mentorship also played a pivotal role in her success. Lluvia credits Dr. Rhea, former Director of the Honors Program (now Honors College), as someone who consistently encouraged her to advocate for herself and find community on campus. “He gave me the courage and confidence I needed,” she shares.
Her career path took an unexpected but rewarding turn when she accepted an internship in the construction industry. Though unfamiliar with the field, she embraced the challenge and grew to love the complexity and variety of the work. Now serving as a Project Administrator at Cabo Construction Inc., Lluvia thrives in an industry where every project presents new opportunities to learn and grow.
Beyond her career, Lluvia has remained deeply connected to GovState, returning as a keynote speaker for the Honors College banquet and a panelist for the Hispanic Heritage Symposium and networking events. “Representation matters,” she says. “Growing up, it was rare for me to see Latinas in professional spaces. By returning to GovState, I hope to be that person for someone else—even if it’s just one student.”
Her message for students is clear: “With a clear goal and determination, you can accomplish anything. You are in the room for a reason, and you are just as deserving of being there as anyone else.”
Outside of her professional and alumni roles, Lluvia enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and reading widely—activities that help her balance the demands of a busy career. Looking forward, she hopes her legacy will inspire others not to shy away from spaces where they may be underrepresented. “Sometimes you have to take the setbacks and keep moving forward, because where else are you supposed to go?”
A Message from the Alumni Association at GovState:
Lluvia, thank you for sharing your journey with us. Your resilience, leadership, and commitment to representation embody the spirit of Governors State University. We are proud to celebrate you as a Jaguar alumna and inspired by the way you continue to break barriers and open doors for future generations.
Author: Gillian Vinson, Alumni Relations Associate