8/14/2025
For Elisa Carrillo, studying computer science was more than a degree—it was an experience that was deeply rooted in the power of community. While the academic demands shaped Elisa as a software engineer, it was her involvement in B[U]ILT—Black, [Underrepresented], Indigenous, and Latino in Tech—that shaped her as a leader.
For Elisa Carrillo, studying computer science at the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science in The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was more than a degree—it was an experience that was deeply rooted in the power of community.
As the daughter of Cuban and Colombian immigrants, every step she took at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was a way of honoring her family’s sacrifices. “Achieving my goals within the Siebel School at Grainger Engineering made me feel like I was doing right by the people who made it possible for me to be here.”
“Studying at Siebel School at Grainger Engineering changed my life and opened the door to opportunities I never thought I would have access to.”
— Elisa Carrillo
While the academic demands shaped Elisa as a software engineer, it was her involvement in B[U]ILT—Black, [Underrepresented], Indigenous, and Latino in Tech—that shaped her as a leader. From discovering the organization through a sticker in a hallway to serving as Treasurer and then President, her journey in B[U]ILT became the foundation of her college experience.
“B[U]ILT started very small, with just around five of us, but it quickly became a safe place where we could talk about the issues we were facing. It was a space where I felt seen.”
Under Elisa’s leadership, B[U]ILT grew both in membership and impact. She helped launch events like Housewarming, which brought together minority students, faculty, and professors in a welcoming environment to build bridges across Siebel School at Grainger Engineering.
“Community has always been at the heart of everything I do. At Housewarming, students could meet professors and mentors who looked like them, shared their experiences, and offered support. That kind of visibility matters.”
One of Elisa’s proudest accomplishments was co-leading the B[U]ILT x NSBE Talent Pipeline Reinforcement Project, a mentorship initiative funded by the IDEA Institute. “We paired upperclassmen with underclassmen to build real technical projects together. It was paid, which helped remove financial barriers—something that hits students of color and first-gen students hard.”
The program not only helped students gain experience but boosted confidence, mentorship, and RSO engagement. Elisa was involved in every step, from grant editing and vision alignment to running info sessions and leading final presentations.
“I witnessed this program strengthen my commitment to empowering my community with resources and support. This was a major milestone and accomplishment.”
Throughout her time at the Siebel School at Grainger Engineering, Elisa leaned on and built strong relationships with mentors and allies. She credits teaching associate professor Mariana Silva as one of the most influential figures in her journey.
“Mariana changed my life. After meeting her in CS 357, I started believing in myself more. She made me feel like I belonged in computer science.” Elisa attended Silva’s weekly happy hours throughout college, gaining mentorship and community. Under Silva’s guidance, Elisa also developed for Prairielearn, an opportunity she says, “largely accelerated my growth as a software engineer.”
She also found unwavering support from senior academic advisor, Fabian Zermeno and teaching associate professor Karle Flanagan, who, she says, “taught me the power of showing up as yourself every day.”
But Elisa's deepest connection remained with her B[U]ILT community.
“I’m deeply grateful to those who stood beside me. Melissa Aninagyei-Bonsu, my partner in leadership, inspired me with her grace and ability to ensure every voice was heard. Bolden Jones brought unmatched creativity and initiative. And Nathanael Assefa—who first invited me into B[U]ILT—forever changed my life with that one conversation.”
As she transitions into her new role as a Software Engineer at Snapchat in Los Angeles, California, Elisa carries with her the lessons, relationships, and resilience she gained at Siebel School at Grainger Engineering.
“Like many students in my community, I struggled with self-doubt. But I spoke up about what I was facing, and I got the support I needed.” Elisa’s advice for current and future students? “I encourage students to use their voice and work together with their communities to make the change they wish to see within the school and greater university.”
Looking back on her four years at Illinois, one thing is clear: for Elisa, community wasn’t just part of the journey—it was what kept her going.
“By the end of my time at Siebel School at Grainger Engineering, I felt supported, valued, and seen. The relationships I built with world-class professors, brilliant students, and incredible faculty confirmed that the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign was the right choice for me. I found mentors, made lifelong friendships, and helped build a space where others could feel that too. That’s what I’m most proud of.”
Grainger Engineering Affiliations
Karle Flanagan is an Illinois Grainger Engineering computer science affiliate and teaching associate professor of statistics.
Mariana Silva is an Illinois Grainger Engineering teaching associate professor of computer science and an Education Innovation Fellow.