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Portrait of Ingridy Foltran

Honor Society® member

Ingridy Foltran

video editor at My role as a video producer for the Office for Sustainability is to make entertaining and informative videos that promote sustainable practices and projects within the institution. I work with a team to generate concepts, write scripts, film, and edit. My goal is to increase awareness about environmental issues, showcase sustainable projects, and urge the academic community to take action through creating visually appealing content. I help to build a culture of sustainability on campus by showcasing success stories and distributing instructional content. As a video producer, I am able to use my creative abilities to create a positive influence and contribute to a more sustainable future.

  • Civil Engineering
  • Class of 2025
  • Osasco, SP, Brazil

Member since May 2023

About

I, Ingridy Nicoleti Foltran, was born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Currently, I am pursuing a degree in civil engineering and anticipate graduating in May 2025. Alongside my studies, I proudly serve as a student assistant at UTRGV's Office for Sustainability. From a young age, I developed a passion for volleyball, starting my journey in the sport at the tender age of 7. Now, at 20 years old, I have the privilege of playing for the NCAA D1, the pinnacle of collegiate volleyball in the United States.

Throughout my life, I have been driven by a relentless pursuit of my goals, always dreaming big and placing my faith in God. The desire to study and compete in the United States has been a long-standing aspiration of mine, leading me to participate in an exchange program through Xsports. This incredible opportunity allows me to showcase my academic and athletic abilities to coaches and universities, furthering my quest for excellence.

My unwavering motivation and source of strength stems from my incredible mother, a woman of unwavering determination who has always supported my pursuit of happiness and my passion for volleyball. With her guiding presence, I dedicated countless hours to studying, striving to achieve outstanding grades and secure acceptance into a top college. On the volleyball court, I continuously reinvented myself, honing my skills through consistent practice to deliver my best performance.

Upon entering UTRGV, I made it my personal mission to give my utmost in every endeavor. This commitment translates into tireless efforts in my academics, where I strive to attain exemplary grades, and on the court, where I work harmoniously with my teammates to achieve remarkable results. Every passing day, I grow more appreciative of the opportunities presented to me, and I seize them with utmost gratitude.

I take great pride in being a part of the Honors College, a testament to my unwavering dedication, which has resulted in a remarkable GPA of 4.0. Despite the challenges and the scarcity of women in the field, I fearlessly chose civil engineering as my path. My passion for sustainability fuels my desire to align my engineering projects with environmentally conscious practices, aiming to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Embracing diversity has always been an integral part of my life, particularly as an athlete in a team sport. I have learned the importance of respecting and appreciating the unique qualities each individual brings to the table. This understanding has shaped my leadership style, as I strive to uplift and inspire my teammates, valuing the strength that lies within our differences.

Through my journey, I aim to demonstrate the resilience and capabilities of women in all professions, not just engineering. I firmly believe in the power of female empowerment to effect meaningful change in people's lives. By standing tall and using my voice, I seek to challenge societal norms and stereotypes, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.

Choosing engineering, despite the challenges and gender disparities, symbolizes my determination to break barriers and excel in a field that has traditionally been male-dominated. I embrace this opportunity to contribute to the advancement of women in engineering and beyond, utilizing my knowledge and skills to create a positive impact on society.

In conclusion, my autobiography reflects a life driven by ambition, perseverance, and a deep-rooted desire to make a difference. Through my academic pursuits, athletic achievements, and unwavering dedication to sustainability, I aspire to inspire others, champion diversity, and shape a brighter future.

These were just some of my achievements:

• President List, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas, USA: Fall 2022, Spring 2022 and Fall 2021
• Student-Athlete of the week, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas, USA (August 2022).
• Most valuable player of the Start of the Year Sao Paulo Tournament, Barueri Volleyball Clube, Brazil (March 2019).
• Completion of the English proficiency course, Kumon, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
• Gold student nomination medal, Kumon, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Education

  • Campos Salles

    high school

    2019 – 2021

Honors and awards

  • UTRGV OUTSTANDING INTERNATIONAL FEMALE STUDENT

    March is Women’s History Month, and each year, the UTRGV International Admissions and Student Services (IASS) office in the Division of Strategic Enrollment and Student Affairs hosts a celebration on International Women’s Day to recognize the achievements

  • president's list

    GPA 4.0- 4 semesters in a row

  • Nominated for Student Leader of the Year 2022-2023

Goals and interests

Career goal

My chosen career path is civil engineering, which combines my urge to create new solutions with my desire to improve the world around me. I've always been fascinated by architectural structures and how they may change cities and people's lives since I was a child. Civil engineering allows me to design and create sustainable infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and buildings that not only suit current needs but also take into account long-term environmental and social consequences.
My ambition is to become a highly proficient civil engineer with experience in large-scale projects and a creative approach to addressing current and future difficulties. I'd like to work on projects that encourage sustainability and resilience by using cutting-edge technologies and environmentally friendly materials. Furthermore, as a proponent of gender equality and inclusion, I aim to use my position as a civil engineer to support diversity and female empowerment in the business. I feel that bringing new viewpoints and abilities to the field of engineering enhances the profession and leads to more comprehensive and efficient solutions.
I am determined to make my mark as a civil engineer with a combination of technical knowledge, leadership qualities, and a positive impact mindset. I am looking forward to meeting the difficulties and possibilities that will come my way as a professional, as well as contributing to sustainable development and increasing the quality of life in the communities I will serve.

Graduate school interests

My graduate school study passions are on sustainable engineering and innovative materials. I am interested in discovering new ways to address environmental issues and contribute to a more sustainable future. My long-term goal is to specialize in the research and development of sustainable infrastructure systems, renewable energy technologies, and the use of smart materials in buildings. Pursuing a graduate degree will allow me to expand my knowledge, participate in cutting-edge research, and cooperate with professionals in the subject. I am thrilled to be able to contribute to improvements in sustainable engineering and make a big contribution to tackling global environmental challenges.

Outside the classroom

As a person, I find great satisfaction and fulfillment in engaging in numerous hobbies that allow me to explore my interests and express my creativity. Photography is one of my greatest hobbies because it allows me to capture the beauty of the world around me and freeze moments in time. Whether photographing magnificent landscapes, candid portraits, or vivid cityscapes, I attempt to communicate stories and stir emotions through my lens. Photography allows me to express myself and share my unique perspective with others, bridging the gap between diverse cultures and experiences.
In addition to photography, I enjoy traveling. Exploring new places and immersing myself in new cultures piques my interest and broadens my perspectives. Each voyage delivers fresh experiences and insights, whether I'm walking through gorgeous mountains, wandering through bustling city streets, or diving into crystal-clear waters. Traveling not only allows me to see the beauties of the world, but it also develops personal growth, tolerance, and empathy as I connect with people from all cultures.
In addition, I have a strong interest in books and writing. I may escape reality and embark on imaginative adventures when I lose myself in the pages of a great book. I'm particularly drawn to stories that investigate the human condition, question society standards, and elicit introspection. Writing, on the other hand, serves as a creative outlet for me to express my thoughts, emotions, and ideas. I find peace and empowerment in the written word, whether it's writing personal musings, producing interesting narratives, or lobbying for causes near to my heart.
Volleyball, in particular, has a special place in my heart. Volleyball not only keeps me physically busy, but it also teaches me qualities like collaboration, perseverance, and discipline. The excitement of the game and the camaraderie among my teammates energize me, and I am constantly motivated to develop my talents and contribute to our team's success. Aside from volleyball, I enjoy watching and attending sporting events because they bring a sense of solidarity, competition, and celebration.
Finally, nature and outdoor activities provide me with tranquility. Hiking through beautiful forests, breathing in fresh air, and feeling the dirt beneath my feet renews my spirit and deepens my connection with nature. It brings to mind the importance of environmental conservation and the necessity to safeguard our world for future generations.
Finally, my interests include a variety of creative, cultural, and athletic activities. I am constantly looking for inspiration, growth, and moments of pure joy through photography, travel, reading, sports, and outdoor activities. These interests not only provide me a sense of fulfillment, but they also help with my personal development by allowing me to explore many aspects of life and cultivate a well-rounded perspective.

Experience

  • video editor

    My role as a video producer for the Office for Sustainability is to make entertaining and informative videos that promote sustainable practices and projects within the institution. I work with a team to generate concepts, write scripts, film, and edit. My goal is to increase awareness about environmental issues, showcase sustainable projects, and urge the academic community to take action through creating visually appealing content. I help to build a culture of sustainability on campus by showcasing success stories and distributing instructional content. As a video producer, I am able to use my creative abilities to create a positive influence and contribute to a more sustainable future.

    Feb 2022 – May 2025

Volunteering

  • Throughout my journey, I have actively participated in a variety of volunteer activities, realizing the value of giving back to the community. I've been a member of UTRGV's Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) since May 2022, helping to improve the student-athlete experience by organizing activities and influencing for their needs. In addition, from November 2022 to December 2022, I volunteered as a coach at ADC Bradesco Esporte e Educacao in Sao Paulo, Brazil, coaching young athletes and imparting collaboration and sportsmanship ideals. From November 2019 to December 2020, I also worked as a volunteer supervisor at Banco Bradesco in Alphaville, Brazil, supporting numerous community programs. In addition, from June 2019 to September 2019, I volunteered as a personal trainer in Osasco, Brazil, assisting people in reaching their fitness goals. In addition, in August 2016, I participated in fundraisers for retirement homes in Osasco, Brazil. Through these varied volunteer assignments, I have gained excellent leadership, collaboration, and communication skills while also making a significant difference in the lives of others.

    Brazil - Volleyball and UTRGV

Languages

  • English (US) Advanced
  • Portuguese (Brasil) Advanced
  • Spanish Intermediate