HBSA Advisors
Who We Are
Nicole Macias
Hometown - Tempe, Arizona
Degree and Certification: BA, Interdisciplinary Studies, Spanish & Communications
Graduation Year/ School: 2003, Arizona State University
Interesting fact about yourself/ experience: I was the president of HBSA in the AY '02-'03 and now a little over 20 years later, I'm back in the HBSA familia, but this time leading the students. It's been an amazing learning experience both personally and professionally that brought me back to ASU and I'm so excited to get to support this next generation of leaders.
Current Career Position: Director of Inclusive Engagement in The Office of Inclusive Excellence
Extracurricular Involvement: I have a 6 and 3 year old and I'm very involved with their extracurricular involvement (t-ball, dance) and also with their school's PTO. However, once the weather cools down, I love to hike and run. I don't think I realized how gorgeous the desert was until I moved away and now I see its beauty in new places all the time.
Why did you accept the offer to support HBSA as our advisor: When Dr. Loui Olivas announced he was stepping down after 40 years as HBSA's faculty advisor and asked me to take over, I was both excited and daunted by the challenge. While I was sad to see the Dr. O era end, accepting the role at the 50th Anniversary Gala and witnessing the students' joy reassured me that it was the right time. I'm proud to continue Dr. O's legacy with my own touch.
Advice for being successful at ASU: Understand your purpose, and it will keep you focused on your college goals. It's easy to get sidetracked by a job or extra money, but remember why you're here. Prioritize learning and building connections—these opportunities are rare and valuable.
Lydia Aranda
Hometown: Tempe, Arizona
Degree: BS Intercultural Communication / MA Social Impact & Ethical Leadership
Graduation Year: Arizona State University & Claremont Lincoln University
Interesting fact about yourself/ experience: Award-winning speaker, serial non-profit leader, student & small business advocate; HOPE Latina BiNational Fellow
Current Career Position: Founder & Principal, DiVeritas Group
Extra-Curricular Involvement: Music, Travel, Cooking, Singing, Films
Why I wanted to be in HBSA: My father, Dr. Luis Aranda, co-founded HBSA along with Prof. Nelda Garcia, and he was the inaugural Faculty Advisor; I was fortunate to grow up around this and many early student cohorts throughout my youth and into my own undergrad member years. I'm honored to carry this forward being HBSA's first "legacy" advisor, as my father's daughter; and to serve the future generations.
Advice for being successful at ASU: Be mindful in your approach to your studies and your attention to all that is going on around you (work, family, community, hobbies), as this will help inform who you are and who you are becoming. Remember -- you are not alone -- so many of us are standing at the ready to listen, guide and cheer you on!
Michael Garcia, MBA
Hometown: Gary, Indiana
Degree: B.S. Business - Major - Suppy Chain (Purchasing & Logistics Management)
Graduation Year: 1992
Interesting fact about yourself/experience: Boxed Golden Gloves in college. Years later I took a job as Mike Tyson's sparring partner but my wife wouldn't let me do it.
Current Career Position: Operations Manager with Amazon
Extra-Curricular Involvement: HBSA, Golden Gloves Boxing, Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and did an internship with a U.S. Senator
Why I wanted to be in HBSA: It had a family type atmosphere which I liked since I was so far away from home. Also, everybody was willing to help out each other out with classes and school so you could succeed. We all wanted everyone to be successful.
Advice for being successful at ASU: Time management is critical. Also, try to be involved with as many things as possible. This will help you to get to know a lot of people. Because this will help you network more since networking is very important in school but extremely important after you graduate.
Edmundo Hidalgo
Hometown: San Luis, Arizona
Degree & Certificates: ‘88 - Economics and ‘ 2000 - MBA
Graduation Year: Arizona State University
Interesting fact about yourself/experience: Establish your network at ASU and it will stay with you the rest of your life.
Current Career Position: VP of Outreach and Partnerships at ASU
Extra-Curricular Involvement: Love sports and love to travel
Why I wanted to be in HBSA: I was recruited by Dr. O and it was my way of giving back.
Advice for being successful at ASU: Whether you are a student or a Faculty /Administrator, ASU and most companies revolve around relationships. Work your network and never burn any bridges going up or coming down.
