Welcome back to another profoundly inspiring episode of The Defying All Odds Podcast! In this compelling conversation, we delve into the remarkable journey of Diego Rivas Lazala, a recent graduate from Columbia University's Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science with a major in Computer Science. Diego is an individual whose life story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence against a backdrop of significant change. Born and raised in the vibrant city of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Diego's path to success began with a courageous leap across continents.His story unfolds with his move to New York City in December 2009, a pivotal moment that plunged him into a new cultural landscape. Diego recounts the initial period of navigating various neighborhoods within the Bronx, eventually finding a semi-permanent home between 173rd and 174th streets. His academic journey continued at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Catholic school from 5th to 7th grade, before a subsequent move to Elmwood Park, North New Jersey, where he embarked on his high school years. Here, he attended a technical high school within the esteemed Bergen Technical School System, immersing himself in engineering technology and gaining exposure to a myriad of engineering facets that would shape his future. His dedication culminated in his acceptance into Columbia University, a significant achievement where he majored in Computer Science and became deeply involved with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE).Looking ahead in his career, Diego is poised to embark on a traditional software engineering path with Bank of America after graduation, eager to "be a sponge" and absorb every possible learning opportunity in his first year. Beyond his professional aspirations, his passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stands out. He describes it as a vital "offline hobby" that relentlessly forces him to learn and test his knowledge in the most physical and traditional ways—a powerful reminder that true mastery often comes from direct, hands-on engagement beyond screens and textbooks. Moreover, Diego’s commitment to family shines through as he expresses his intention to support his mother’s inspiring endeavors in building a women’s empowerment non-profit, an initiative dedicated to bringing businesswomen together to enhance their soft skills and foster a supportive community. Diego Rivas Lazala’s journey is an inspiring blueprint for how dedication, cultural adaptation, and a proactive spirit can lead to remarkable personal and professional triumphs.🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! 🔔Diego RIvas LazalaEmail: drlazala@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/diegowrl/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diegolazala/GitHub: dwr2118As always, thank you for listening in and be sure to check out The Defying All Odds Podcast On YouTube, Spotify, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and contact us via email. LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thedefyingalloddspodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedefyingalloddspodcast/videosSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5FAsCF8TnXQVN6kk9UpUraInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedefyingalloddspodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedefyingalloddspodcast?lang=enEmail: thedefyingalloddspodcast@gmail.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-defying-all-odds-podcast/