Adrian D’Mirez: Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Future

By Cesar A Reyes

Adrian D’Mirez, a civil engineering student and dedicated community advocate, is one of this year’s proud recipients of the VIDA Scholarship. Originally from Texas and now based in San Diego, Adrian spent years engaged in environmental and LGBTQIA+ advocacy, driven by a vision of sustainability, equity, and empowerment.

“It feels incredible to be recognized as a VIDA Scholar,” Adrian shared. “This award is both encouragement and support. It tells me that my hard work and my identity are valued.” For Adrian, the scholarship is more than financial relief. It is a sign that his efforts and presence matter. “It helps ease the financial challenges of school so I can stay focused on my education and continue showing up for my community.”

A strong believer in the power of grassroots support, Adrian emphasized the broader impact of programs like VIDA. “Scholarships like this are powerful because they are not just financial aid, they are a message that LGBTQIA+ Latinx students belong and deserve to thrive,” he explained. “VIDA’s work uplifts youth who might otherwise be overlooked, creating opportunities that ripple out beyond the individual.”

Through his academic journey and activism, Adrian continues to build bridges between sustainable design and social justice. His goal is to ensure that communities not only survive, but flourish. When asked to choose a single word that represents his journey and the spirit of VIDA, Adrian states that “The WORD is Resilience.”

“Our community has always had to be resilient: overcoming barriers, pushing for recognition, and creating spaces of belonging,” he said. “VIDA embodies resilience by turning challenges into opportunity, and by reminding us that resilience is not just about survival, it is about thriving and opening doors for those who come after us.”