Born Leader
Carlos Urtecho ’10, political science, never thought of himself as a leader. Instead, leadership found him.
It started in 2005 with Conexiones, an organization striving to meet the needs of Hispanic/Latino children in Howard County schools. Urtecho quickly became involved with the theatrical group, “Teens from the Hood,” a collaboration project between Conexiones, Alianza de la Comunidad and the Foreign-born Information and Referral Network. The group performed at churches, libraries, summer camps and community events to warn people about the dangers of smoking.
During his junior year of high school, Urtecho was discouraged by the lack of unity amongst Hispanic students and their parents at Mt. Hebron High School in Ellicott City, Maryland. With the help of the Conexiones, he founded a group called the “Los Vikingos Hispanic Club” to bring students and parents together at his school.
“This was my first leadership role, and I learned a lot about starting a student organization from the ground up,” he said. “I didn’t know it then – but that experience would really help me in my future leadership roles in college.”
By the time he graduated from Mt. Hebron, Conexiones awarded him a college scholarship for his outstanding leadership. In 2006, he attended George Mason University, where he continued serving in leadership roles. He was a resident assistant, an orientation leader, a tour guide and the recruitment chairman and founder of the Delta Chi Fraternity.
Wanting to be closer to his family, Urtecho transferred to UMBC in spring of 2008 and wasted no time in getting involved on campus. He met with Greek Life and Leadership, asking what it would take to bring the Delta Chi Fraternity to UMBC.
Now, two years later, Urtecho is bringing Delta Chi to UMBC and will serve again as a founding father.
“Having Delta Chi on campus at UMBC will be a great addition to the other fraternities because it will strengthen Greek life,” he said. “The opportunity to become a founding father is a chance for UMBC students to redefine Greek life from the inside out.”
Being a founding father comes with opportunities to determine traditions, values and images that will remain at UMBC for years to come, according to Urtecho. He feels UMBC is the perfect place to start these new traditions. The Delta Chi Fraternity will be officially expanding to UMBC in February 2010.
Urtecho also serves as a tour guide, a resident assistant and president of Campus Crusade for Christ. The group has grown from seven people to 120 since he became president. After graduation, he plans on pursuing a master’s degree in higher education administration and working in residence life. He has maintained his relationship with Conexiones, serving as their alumni coordinator.
“I am very thankful for Conexiones for exposing me to the beauty that is leadership at such an early age.”
(1/19/10)
