MinerAlert
MinerAlert
January 2026
By Alexandra Sanchez ’17
Crystal Saavedra ’14 ’21 chose UTEP for many reasons, all of which helped her discover her purpose and chart a path in public service. An opportunity along that path would eventually lead her to an incredible role at the White House with former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Like many students, Saavedra thought she’d leave her hometown after high school. But her love for El Paso and desire to make a difference led her to UTEP, a choice that became the foundation for a career built on service, leadership, and connection.
“I wanted to stay home, and I wanted to find a way to make something meaningful out of it,” Saavedra said.
As a business student, Saavedra quickly discovered that UTEP offered access to meaningful, hands-on opportunities. During her freshman year, she secured her first internship that was a pivotal moment affirming she was exactly where she needed to be.
“There’s something special about being at a border institution and a Hispanic-serving university,” she said. “We bring something different to the table.”
One of the most transformative experiences of Saavedra’s time at UTEP came through the Archer Fellowship Program, which she describes as life-changing. Selected as the only participant from the UT System in her cohort, Saavedra competed with students from institutions with larger pipelines to Washington, D.C.
At the time, UTEP did not have designated funding for the fellowship, so Saavedra fundraised her way to Washington with support from the UTEP and El Paso communities. Faculty members across colleges also stepped in, including Dr. Hadjimarcou (now the Dean of the College of Business) mentoring her, assisting with coursework, and advocating for resources that helped her succeed.
“UTEP professors took a real interest in my path,” she said. “They did what they could to make sure I stayed on track.”
Through the Archer Fellowship, Saavedra interned at the White House, an experience that expanded both her professional skills and her understanding of leadership at the highest level.
Her involvement didn’t stop there. Student organizations such as Delta Sigma Pi, Women in Business, and the American Marketing Association played an equally important role. These communities encouraged collaboration, mentorship, and confidence, all values she still carries today.
After graduating, Saavedra’s career path wasn’t immediate or straightforward. She returned to UTEP, working in the College of Business and later the Alumni Association while completing her master’s degree. In 2020, she made another leap volunteering in a highly demanding professional environment at a pivotal moment.
“I tell students this all the time: sometimes you have to say yes, even when it doesn’t make sense yet,” she said.
That leap led Saavedra back to Washington, D.C., where she spent nearly three years working in scheduling and advance operations supporting former Vice President Kamala Harris. Her role focused on detailed planning, logistics, and coordination, from domestic engagements to international travel, all requiring precision, adaptability, and long hours.
Through those experiences, Saavedra gained a deeper understanding of leadership, representation, and responsibility. She credits the experience with shaping the professional she is today. Now, Saavedra is back in El Paso, serving as Deputy Assistant to the Mayor. In her role, she supports scheduling, communications, and strategic coordination — continuing her commitment to public service at the local level.
“There’s something powerful about coming home and giving back to the community that raised you,” she said.
For Saavedra, everything began with saying “yes” to UTEP, from seizing opportunities to embracing the belief that staying rooted can take her further than she ever imagined.