Creighton pharmacy students bring STEM mentorship to Puerto Rico
For second-year distance pharmacy students Gabriela Díaz and Deborah L. Jorge Guzmán, the path to becoming pharmacists is rooted not only in academics, but in service. This year, both were selected as mentors for the Semillas de Triunfo (Seeds of Success) 2025–2026 STEM Ambassadors Program, an initiative of Ciencia, Puerto Rico, that helps middle and high school girls explore the world of STEM.
With clinical rotations sites difficult to secure on the island, this opportunity became a meaningful way to apply their learning, support their communities and live out Creighton’s mission in real time.
Empowering Puerto Rico girls through STEM
Jorge, a mother of three, was inspired to serve because she knows how transformative mentorship can be.
“Growing up in Puerto Rico, I saw how encouragement in STEM opens doors for young women who might doubt their potential,” she says. “I wanted to help the next generation see that they belong.”
For Díaz, her motivation is personal as well.
“When I was younger, I didn’t always have someone to guide me,” she shares. “Now that I’m in pharmacy school, I want to be that support for someone else.”
As mentors, Díaz and Jorge guide students through projects, questions and exploration. They hope to spark curiosity and confidence, helping young women in Puerto Rico see new possibilities for themselves in STEM. “I want them to feel comfortable asking questions, setting goals and imagining themselves as STEM professionals,” Díaz says.
Jorge, a mentor to a middle-school girl, adds, “Science is a tool for creating positive change. Their voices and ideas matter. My goal as a mentor is to encourage my mentee as she creates a STEM Ambassador project that will positivity impact her school or community.”
Living out Creighton’s Jesuit values
Even studying remotely, both students feel deeply connected to the values of Creighton’s PharmD program. Jorge credits Creighton’s emphasis on cura personalis—care for the whole person—for shaping her approach to mentorship.
“Through coursework, service projects and interprofessional collaboration, I’ve developed strong communication skills and a deeper understanding of how to support others’ growth with both knowledge and compassion,” she says. “Cura personalis reminds me that each student’s journey is unique and deserves individualized attention. Creighton prepared me to listen, guide and support with both compassion and knowledge."
Díaz says the distance pathway strengthened her communication and leadership skills as well. “Studying pharmacy at Creighton has helped me learn how to communicate clearly, manage my time and explain complicated topics in simple ways, which helps a lot when supporting younger students,” she says.
Inspiring future STEM leaders
Serving in this program, and representing both Creighton University and Puerto Rico, is meaningful for both students.
“It’s an honor to bridge Creighton’s values with my home island,” Jorge says. “Being part of this program is a way to celebrate Puerto Rican talent and showcase how Creighton students live out the University’s mission globally, through compassion, excellence and service.”
Díaz agrees: “I’m proud of where I come from and proud of the education I’m receiving. This program helps me to connect to both parts of my identify, and I can show girls in Puerto Rico that someone from their community can reach opportunities like this.”
Their work is a reminder that a mission is more than a set of values, but rather, something to live and share.
Learn more about how Creighton’s PharmD Distance Pathway supports students across the globe and how Creighton’s mission-centered education shapes professionals committed to service, justice and care for the whole person.
Alumni with opportunities for distance pathway students are invited to contact Rhonda Jones at RhondaJones2@creighton.edu, who can help connect these opportunities with Creighton students and support their continued learning and service.
