Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Ernesto Mauricio Leads with Culture, Community and Purpose

The West Baltimore native, senior business management student and campus leader draws on his Latino heritage, family values, and experiences at Coppin to uplift fellow students and inspire the next generation.

BALTIMORE — Coppin State University has become more than a place to earn a degree for Ernesto Mauricio. It is a place where he has grown as a student, leader, and advocate for belonging and connection.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, Coppin is sharing stories from across Eagle Nation that reflect the many cultures, experiences and voices that shape its campus.

A West Baltimore native, Mauricio is a Presidential Scholar who serves as Mister Senior, a Student Ambassador and a New Student Orientation leader. He previously served as president of Latinx UNIDOS and as Mister Hearts of Harmony.

Through those experiences, Mauricio has represented Coppin at events, connected with people from diverse backgrounds, and helped fellow students feel more at home at the university.

“Coppin has become more than just a school to me. It is a community that I have evolved with,” Mauricio said. “Being involved on campus has helped me realize that leadership is not just about having a position. It is about showing up, being present for people and leaving something positive behind.”

His work with Latinx UNIDOS has given him meaningful opportunities to celebrate his culture while building community with other Latino students.

“I identify as Hispanic and Latino, and my culture is a big part of my identity,” he said. “For me, being Latino is about family, pride, resilience, and knowing where you come from.”

His heritage connects him to the values and lessons passed down through his family while inspiring him to create his own path. When Mauricio represents his culture at Coppin, he carries the people and communities that helped him reach this point.

Growing up in West Baltimore also strengthened his understanding of opportunity and representation. His upbringing taught him to work hard, value those who support him, and remain focused on the future he wants to build.

Family remains central to Mauricio’s life. He treasures time spent together through food, music, celebrations, and everyday moments. He brings that same sense of connection, respect, and mutual support to his leadership at Coppin.

“I don’t want to be successful by myself,” Mauricio said. “I want to be able to bring other people with me and create opportunities for people who may not always see themselves represented.”

Coppin has helped Mauricio develop the confidence to lead, speak publicly, network and advocate for others. While his business management studies have prepared him for the professional world, he said his involvement beyond the classroom has been equally important.

“Coppin has helped me grow into a person I don’t think I would have become without these experiences,” he said. “I’ve learned that I belong in rooms where decisions are being made, and I have something valuable to contribute.”

After graduation, Mauricio plans to pursue a career in business while continuing to grow as a leader and give back to his community. He hopes to create opportunities for others, especially young people from backgrounds similar to his own. 

“Coming from West Baltimore and being a Latino student has made me understand how important representation is,” he said. “I want young people who come from backgrounds similar to mine to see someone who looks like them and think, ‘I can do that too.’”

For Mauricio, Hispanic Heritage Month is both a celebration and a responsibility to share stories, honor those who came before him and make space for future generations.

“Hispanic Heritage Month is personal to me because it gives me a chance to celebrate a part of myself that I carry with me every day,” he said. “It’s a reminder to be proud of my culture, my family and the people who came before me.”

As he approaches graduation, Mauricio says the people he has met and the opportunities he has had to serve are among the most meaningful parts of his Coppin experience.

“Be proud, stay connected, support each other and keep making your mark,” he said. “That’s what it means to be an Eagle.”