Diana is a freshman at Florida International University in Miami, where she is enrolled in the Honors College, majoring in International Business with a minor in Hospitality and Tourism. During high school, Diana became aware of foster students facing challenges in accessing essential items, and as a former foster child herself, she was inspired to make a difference. Diana founded the Cuda Care Pantry (CCP) at Coral Reef Senior High, offering free nutritious snacks, school supplies, personal hygiene products, and second-hand uniforms, serving over 200 students weekly. Building on CCP’s success, Diana established the Student Pantry Coalition in 2023, creating a network connecting students, parents, faculty, and nonprofits to support and manage school pantries. With nine Miami-Dade schools now involved, the coalition has impacted over 15,000 youth and families.
Diana’s philanthropic journey has earned her numerous awards, including the 2024 Miami Herald Silver Knight Award for Speech, the National Honors Society of High School Scholars 18 Under 18 Award, and recognition from the City of Doral on Human Rights Day. Diana was also named the most recent Jason Taylor Community Hall of Fame Youth Honoree, joining Heather Geronemus of UKG and Miami HEAT legend Udonis Haslem as members of the 2024 class. Currently, she continues to make her mark through various leadership roles at FIU, including serving on the Panther Community Action Board and the Student Ambassador Program.