Alumni Q&A: Sofia Murillo Sanchez ‘24 on How to ‘Be the Change You Want to See’

The SMU Lyle School of Engineering alumnus is a trailblazer and a door-opener. She was formerly the president of SMU SHPE and founding member of the Thrive Scholars peer mentorship program at SMU Lyle, and most recently, she was honored with the SHPE STAR Undergraduate Role Model Award. The prestigious award recognizes those who have made selfless contributions to SHPE and the Hispanic community through honor, service, and leadership. She is also a deferred admit to the the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania through the Moelis Advance Access Program for 2027. 

During her time at SMU, she turned challenges into opportunities. She helped grow the Thrive Scholars peer mentorship program by nearly 150% in two years, creating spaces where first-year students from underrepresented communities in engineering could feel supported and thrive. The retention rate for Thrive Scholar participants has been consistently higher than the average rate for all first-year SMU students. She also helped earn SMU SHPE recognition on both local and national levels, culminating in the SHPE Gold Chapter Award.

“What truly opened doors for me along the way wasn’t just my desire to change the world—it was my relentless decision to knock on every door I could find, and when none would open, to build my own,” she said. “I became the change I wanted to see, not just for myself, but for those coming behind me, so they would have a path to follow.”

Latest at Lyle caught up with Sofia to talk about her time at SMU, her many achievements, and her advice for students who want to make a lasting impact.

What’s your best memory from SMU?

My best memories came from the time I’ve spent with my family on campus, especially when they would drive up to Dallas to support me during our SHPE events. As immigrants from Colombia, those moments were incredibly special because it felt like I was showing my parents the fruits of their sacrifices and hard work. Sharing my achievements with them on campus was my way of honoring everything they’ve done to support me in pursuing my dreams. Those memories are ones I will always cherish.

Were you in any clubs, sports, or organizations while at SMU?

I was actively involved on campus, serving as an E-Board Member and Regional Leader for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and a general member of the Hispanic or Latino Association (HOLA, previously known as CHAS). I was also a founding member of the Thrive Scholars Program and am proud to see how much it has grown and flourished.

Best piece of advice for students?

Be persistent, and don’t just wait for change—be the change you want to see. If you identify a gap or something that needs improvement, speak up and share your vision with school leaders. Let them know about the work you’re doing to close that gap so they can support and back you. Persistence, proactive action, and open communication are key to making a lasting impact.

Best advice you’d give your younger self?

Don’t listen to those who doubt your capabilities—especially when that doubt comes from within. Develop selective hearing when it comes to negativity, including your own self-doubt. Only you have the power to realize your potential, and tuning out the noise will help you focus on what truly matters.

What has been your most interesting job?

Although my full-time role won’t begin until 2025, my most interesting job so far has been at Boston Consulting Group. Being part of major decision-making processes and solving complex business problems is something I’m deeply grateful for.

Describe yourself in three words.

Creative, Ambitious, and Compassionate.

What superpower would you want?

Teleportation—it would make travel so much easier and more efficient!

What’s your favorite Dallas restaurant?

Ascension is one of my favorite spots. It doubles as a café with amazing pastries, and being a coffee lover, it’s the perfect place for me.

How do you cope with stress?

While I enjoy going to the gym, my true stress relief comes from Latin dancing. Even after hours on my feet, I feel incredibly energized after dancing.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement has been driving the expansion of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within the Lyle School of Engineering and beyond. Starting locally as a founding member of the Thrive Scholars Program and leading SHPE to win the Gold Chapter Award during my presidential term, I had the privilege of identifying gaps in support for underrepresented students and collaborating with incredible peers, faculty, and staff to address them. As Region 5’s Student Representative for SHPE, I extended these efforts on a regional and national scale. Being honored with the STAR Undergraduate Role Model Award from SHPE National, as well as the Mark Shepherd and Outstanding Senior Awards from Lyle, recognized this collective impact and the ongoing work to create more inclusive spaces within engineering.

Any final thoughts?

To anyone reading this: don’t let others determine what you are capable of. Let every obstacle become your motivation. And most of all, be grateful—for the resistance that made you stronger, and for those who believed in your potential, stood by you, and helped make the impossible possible.