🌻 Full Circle: How Dr. Diana Orozco-Lapray Is Cultivating Growth Through Mentorship and Representation

When Dr. Diana Orozco-Lapray first walked onto the University of Texas at Austin campus, she couldn’t have imagined the full-circle journey that awaited her. Years later, she now stands at the front of the classroom—mentoring, teaching, and inspiring the next generation of students at her alma mater.

A proud UT Austin graduate, Dr. Orozco-Lapray earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in Human Development and Family Sciences. Her academic path has always centered on understanding how people grow, learn, and support one another—and that focus continues to shape her work today.

🌱 Passion for Mentorship and Family Growth

“Through my many years at the university, I’ve realized that I am most passionate about mentorship and helping foster growth for individuals and families,” Dr. Orozco-Lapray shared. “In the class I teach, I do this by encouraging students to reflect on their upbringing, their family, and those who mentor and influence them. In the research that I coordinate, I focus on family well-being and student success.”

Her passion for guiding others stems from her own experience growing up in one of Austin’s historically low-income Hispanic communities. Educators and mentors along the way helped her see what was possible—and she now carries that forward in every classroom she leads.

💫 Honoring Heritage and Representation

“Someone once told me that, given where I was raised, there was very little chance that I would be where I am today,” she reflected. “That idea stayed with me—and it helped me appreciate all the people who, from pre-K on, taught me to value education and put opportunities in front of me.”

Today, Dr. Orozco-Lapray continues that legacy by being a visible example for her students—especially those who see themselves reflected in her story.

“A few semesters ago, a student told me how much it meant to have a Hispanic, Latina, bilingual, Mexican-Colombian professor—someone they could identify with. I’m one of a few, but I look forward to the day when I’m one of many.”

🌻 Words of Advice for HSC Scholars

For current HSC Scholars, Dr. Orozco-Lapray encourages boldness and connection.

“Make connections and step out of your comfort zone.”

It’s a message she lives daily—mentoring students, advancing research, and creating spaces where others can see what’s possible when opportunity meets determination. Her story is a reminder that education’s greatest impact is found not just in degrees earned, but in the lives transformed along the way.

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Dr. Diana Orozco-Lapray is a three-time graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, earning her BS, MA, and PhD in Human Development and Family Sciences. She currently serves as a faculty member and research coordinator focusing on family well-being and student success. Connect with Dr. Orozco-Lapray on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dlorozcolapray

About the Hispanic Scholarship Consortium The Hispanic Scholarship Consortium cultivates leaders and scholars by providing access to education, resources, and a vibrant network of support. Through scholarships, mentorship, and leadership development, HSC empowers students to complete their college education and make a lasting impact in their communities. Learn more at hispanicscholar.org