We’re heading back to San Francisco to celebrate a decade of URx with the community that built it. Early Bird tickets for URx 2026 go on sale Dec 4 at 9 AM ET.
Mario Vela
Assistant Vice-Provost of Career, Engaged Learning, University of Texas at San Antonio
Mario Vela is a visionary career development professional and double alumnus of The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). As a sociology and philosophy graduate with a Master of Science in Sociology, Mario’s career journey has been deeply rooted in empowering individuals and fostering inclusive career opportunities.
Mario’s commitment to social impact began at the non-profit Family Service Association in San Antonio, where he started his professional career. He then served as the Director of Partnerships at the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) in Chicago, a leading organization dedicated to advancing the employment and development of Latino professionals. Mario’s role at HACE involved cultivating strategic relationships and creating impactful programs for aspiring professionals.
Following his successful tenure at HACE, Mario joined the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in Chicago as the Director of Employer Relations. There, he played a pivotal role in establishing and managing over two-thousand global recruiting relationships, contributing to the sustained growth and success of the school’s career development initiatives.
In 2019, Mario returned to his alma mater, UTSA, as the Executive Director of the University Career Center, where he continues to make a significant impact on students’ and alumni career journeys. Currently, as the Assistant Vice-Provost of Career-Engaged Learning, Mario leads UTSA’s Classroom to Careers initiatives, driving innovation and bridging academic learning and professional success.
Mario’s vision for career development extends beyond his professional roles. He is the founder of the HSI Career Collaborative, a consultant, and mentor, engaging with students, professionals, and organizations to share his knowledge and inspire others to navigate their career paths with confidence. Mario’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion has led him to actively support initiatives that promote equal opportunities for underrepresented individuals in the workforce. Through his leadership, he strives to create a future where every individual can thrive and achieve their full potential.
The Resilient Workforce: Why First-Gen Talent is Your Next Competitive Differentiator
While employer engagement strategies have become increasingly sophisticated, we often overlook the most critical data point: the authentic voice of the talent itself.
In this session, Mario Vela moves beyond high-level theory to provide real-world insights through a live focus group of first-generation alumni currently working in the Las Vegas region.
For Global Heads of Recruiting, this is a rare opportunity to bypass the dashboard and hear directly from early-career professionals about the "hidden curriculum" of the corporate world. We will explore how first-gen talent, defined by unique adaptability and navigational capital, can become a primary driver of innovation within your organization.