Making global connections

Meet Chile Network Leader Pilar Osorio-Godoy ’15S (MS)

Pilar Osorio-Godoy ’15S (MS)

Tell us about your time as a student.

As someone who lived most of their life outside of the USA, moving to Rochester to study at the University of Rochester was in itself a whole new experience. From the start, I was very pleased with the diversity of the student body and the variety of classes and after-class activities was amazing. I made friends for life and made memories that will last forever. I loved Rochester so much that 8 years later, I am still here!

I joined the Dance Club and the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) and participated in several events, such as the Date-Auction fundraiser, Simon United musical presentations, the first Student Drag Show and much more! I found an amazing group of friends in ALAS (The Association of Latin American Students), participating in sports (volleyball and soccer) and social events. I even continued participating in ALAS for several years after graduating as many of my friends were PhD students and still participated in the group.

How did your experience at the University of Rochester influence your life?

My experience has given me a higher level of confidence in myself and my knowledge and experience. Not only through my professors and the University staff, but through learning from the experiences of my classmates and friends. Everyone came from different backgrounds, work, and life experiences and I realized that I had been given the privilege of higher education and that I had the opportunity of giving back on so many levels.

That’s why I decided to start volunteering my time to different organizations. Currently, I serve on the Board of Directors of Rochester Greenovation which works to reduce waste going to landfills by giving things a second life, and as President of the Board of Grupo Cultural Latinos en Rochester, which focuses on sharing Latino culture and educating communities with culture and entertainment in Western New York. And of course, as a volunteer with the University of Rochester Alumni Network!

What inspired you to get involved and volunteer?

I wanted to continue to be connected with the University and contribute towards making the alumni experience a rich and enjoyable experience for others.

In 2019, I joined an amazing group of alumni, that are mostly in Chile, as one of the Leaders of the Chile Network.

Also, I have been connecting with the leaders of the Latin Alumni Network and I am very excited that this new network has been created. I have attended some of their events and I was invited to participate in the event “Fighting 4 La Raza: The Quest for a Vibrant Future for Latinos through the Influence of our Ancestors” to share the mission and benefits of joining the Latin Alumni Network.

What’s the most rewarding part of staying connected with your alma mater?

I feel like the University has given so much to me beyond the student experience. It has given me a network of friends and colleagues, continuous growth, and being connected to the University is an opportunity for me to give back and continue to be part of an amazing community. I am very proud to be a University of Rochester alumna and I am grateful that I made the decision to come to Rochester.

What are you looking forward to next?

I hope to reignite the Chile Network as everything continues to open up post-COVID and organize an in-person event again in Santiago. We also hope to have more online networking events with other local networks in South and Central America.

I also want to increase my participation in the Latin Alumni Network and find some opportunities to mix University events with the non-profits I work with in the area. I am also working with the Eastman School of Music to supporting the promotion of the first Opera in Spanish to be presented at the Eastman Theatre. We are working directly with the director of the show to make sure we cover the whole city and reach the community.

What advice do you have for others looking to get involved?

I’d say if you want to participate, just do it! You can do absolutely anything that fits your skills and/or interests. If you can’t participate as a leader of a network, you can still offer support through other activities, sharing your ideas, etc.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

You don’t have to be in Rochester to participate as a volunteer or in an Alumni Network. You can find a group locally or participate remotely. The opportunities are extensive and very rewarding.