BROWNSVILLE, Texas — Daniela Muñoz, a student in the architecture program at Texas Southmost College (TSC), has been selected to represent the college at A/E/C Day, an event hosted by Millennium Engineers Group on April 24.
This event gives students a clear, real-world view of how architecture, engineering, and construction professionals work together throughout the lifecycle of a project. Seeing how each discipline connects within the bigger picture helps students build a more practical and integrated understanding of their future careers.
Just as valuable are the connections students make with experienced professionals. These interactions can inspire new ideas, provide guidance, and play an important role in shaping the next generation of industry leaders.
“I think it’s such a great opportunity to represent this community because it has helped me grow so much—not only within the field, but as a person as well,” Muñoz said. “I am forever grateful for that. It’s so cool to bring exposure to the architecture program.”
Students must be nominated by an instructor to attend A/E/C Day. Muñoz was nominated by two instructors, including Texas Southmost College Architecture Program Coordinator Jose Gonzalez.
“She has some of the best work,” said Gonzalez. “She’s able to communicate ideas clearly, has good presentation qualities, and has a lot of confidence.”
Muñoz will participate in A/E/C Day’s Student Public Speaking Showcase, where students present their perspectives on industry-related topics while receiving professional feedback and recognition for their communication skills.
In 2024, TSC graduate Johnathan Flores earned top honors in the competition. Flores is pursuing his undergraduate studies at Texas Tech University’s Huckabee College of Architecture.
“I think it helps that I have an interest in architecture and the field in general,” Muñoz said. “To bring that to light is really inspiring and motivating me to talk about it with people.”
From an early age, Muñoz was drawn to artistic pursuits, which she said shaped her decision to study architecture.
“I feel like architecture is an intricate art within itself. There are so many different things you can involve in architecture.”
Her cousin, Laura Sada, an architect based in Monterrey, Mexico, also inspired her to pursue a career in architecture.
“I think we’re all aware that architecture is not an easy program,” Muñoz said. “I like the challenge of it. It’s inspiring to see more women in the industry because it is considered to be male dominated. I want to break the stereotype.”
Sergio Lainez, an adjunct instructor in TSC’s architecture program, also nominated Muñoz to participate in A/E/C Day. Muñoz currently works as a design intern at Lainez’s firm, Lainez | Architects.
“I nominated Daniela because of her exceptional dedication and the technical proficiency she has demonstrated at Lainez | Architects,” Lainez said. “She consistently goes beyond her assigned tasks, showing a level of professional curiosity and initiative that made her a standout candidate for A/E/C Day recognition.”
As she prepares to complete her associate degree at the end of the spring semester, Muñoz expressed sincere gratitude for the support and guidance provided by the program’s instructors.
“I began as a completely different person than I am now,” Muñoz said. “I feel like they played a huge part in it. I think it’s reflected in my work and the public speaking aspect of it. My first presentation, I literally bawled my eyes out, and now I’m fine presenting in public.”
After graduating from Texas Southmost College, Muñoz intends to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution, ultimately achieve her goal of becoming a licensed architect.
For more information on TSC’s architecture program, visit Architecture – Texas Southmost College.
