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601 Circle Dr.Prospect Hall, Room 320
El Paso, TX 79902
(915) 747-5051
loyacenter@utep.edu
MinerAlert
MinerAlert
Fuel Your Mindset (FYM) is a workshop series that equips students with practical skills and inspiration to grow as leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Each session focuses on themes like confidence, branding, career readiness, and the entrepreneurial mindset to help students stand out.
This Spring 2026, MLCIC is offering three workshops as part of the series.
February 18, 2:00-3:30 PM
Union East, Andesite Room 102B
Jeff Villalobos
Join us for the first Fuel Your Mindset workshop focused on Early-Stage Legal Foundations for Founders! A practical session designed to help entrepreneurs make informed legal decisions from day one, led by Jeff Villalobos, Senior Attorney at Vela Wood!
This workshop provides a clear overview of the core legal considerations founders and founding teams should understand in the earliest stages of building a business. Participants will learn how smart legal decisions around structure, documentation, and intellectual property can reduce risk and support long-term growth.
🔹 What to Expect:
Understand key entity selection concepts, including LLCs vs. corporations, and how liability, taxes, and future investment considerations factor into the decision
Strategies to organize your thoughts and deliver with impact
Identify essential early-stage legal documents such as founder agreements, operating agreements, and customer agreements
Learn how to develop a proactive legal strategy that protects your brand and intellectual property while positioning your business for scaling, partnerships, and funding
This is your chance to boost your confidence, grow your presence, and take your communication skills to the next level.
Join us for a Fuel Your Mindset workshop focused on Early-Stage Legal Foundations for Founders!
March 3, 2:00–3:30 PM
Union East – Andesite Room 102B
Join us for the next Fuel Your Mindset Workshop with Square Communications! This interactive session, Stop Cold Calling: Build a Customer Attraction System, will explore how digital marketing has transformed the way businesses connect with customers. This workshop is designed to help students and aspiring entrepreneurs understand how business development has evolved from outbound outreach to inbound, attraction-based strategies. You’ll learn how a strong digital presence, intentional branding, and social media positioning allow businesses to attract customers organically; shifting the dynamic so customers are now seeking you.
What to Expect:
Fuel your mindset with digital marketing strategies that help brands stand out, attract the right audience, and grow in today’s evolving business landscape!
March 25, 2:00–3:30 PM
Union East – Desert Canyon 102D
Join us for the last Fuel Your Mindset interactive session! Imparted by Louie Rodriguez, Vice Provost for Professional Development, Engagement, and Strategic Initiatives at UTEP; it will be focused on building emotional intelligence as a practical tool for personal, academic, and professional success. This workshop introduces emotional intelligence as a skill set you can actively develop and apply in everyday situations. Participants will gain greater self-awareness, learn how to work more effectively with others, and build strategies to navigate challenges in classrooms, workplaces, and team environments with confidence.
What to Expect:
Fuel your mindset with the emotional intelligence skills you need to thrive in school, work, and life.
September 18, 2:00-3:30 PM
Union East, Acacia Room 102A
Gracie Cain Viramontes | EMAJJ
Kick off our new Fuel Your Mindset workshop series with "Speak with Confidence" a powerful session designed to help you strengthen one of the most important skills for success: communication.
Whether you're pitching an idea, presenting in class, or networking at events, this workshop will give you the tools to express yourself clearly and confidently.
🔹 What to Expect:
Simple techniques to overcome nerves and speak with clarity
Strategies to organize your thoughts and deliver with impact
Tips to engage your audience and build presence
Insight from an experienced guest speaker in public speaking and leadership
This is your chance to boost your confidence, grow your presence, and take your communication skills to the next level.
Join us and start fueling your mindset for success!
September 24, 2:00-3:30 PM
Union East, Acacia Room 102A
Louie Rodriguez | UTEP Office of the Provost
Join us for the next session in the Fuel Your Mindset workshop series: "Executive Presence." This workshop is all about developing professional presence and leadership qualities that help you stand out; whether in an interview, a presentation, or a boardroom.
🔹 What to Expect:
What executive presence really means — and why it matters
How to carry yourself with confidence, clarity, and credibility
Verbal and nonverbal communication techniques to elevate your presence
Real insights from a guest speaker with leadership and industry experience
Whether you’re preparing for internships, leadership roles, or the workplace, this session will help you project confidence and professionalism at every step.
Join us and start building the mindset of a leader.
October 8, 2:00-3:30 PM
Prospect Hall, Ideation Room 318
Ruben Alvarez | Marketing Hunters
Join us for the next session in the Fuel Your Mindset workshop series: "Build Your Personal Brand." Learn how to define, communicate, and elevate your unique value in a way that opens doors and creates opportunities.
🔹 What to Expect:
How to identify your strengths, values, and voice
Tips for building a strong presence online and in person
Strategies to stay authentic while standing out
Advice from a guest speaker who’s built a brand that drives impact
Whether you're applying for jobs, launching a venture, or growing your network, this workshop will help you shape a personal brand that speaks for itself.
Join us and start owning your story with confidence!
October 22, 2:00-3:30 PM
Union East, Acacia Room 102A
Miguel Anaya | Tech Frontier
Wrap up this semester’s Fuel Your Mindset series with "Stand Out with AI", a forward-thinking workshop focused on using AI tools strategically to elevate your personal and professional journey.
🔹 What to Expect:
How to use AI to craft standout résumés and cover letters
Smart ways to apply AI in job searches, interviews, and career planning
Creative uses of AI in entrepreneurship, content creation, and everyday productivity
Practical advice from a guest speaker using AI in their work or business
Whether you're entering the job market or building your brand, this workshop will help you harness AI to amplify your impact — the right way.
