Cristian Ambriz

Engineering Student. Entrepreneur. Leader.

I build at the intersection of engineering, leadership, and entrepreneurship. I focus on solving problems, understanding complex systems, and creating better pathways to move forward with confidence.

Explore Portfolio Connect
Cristian Ambriz portfolio opening image
Cristian Ambriz portfolio moment 2 Cristian Ambriz portfolio moment 3 Cristian Ambriz portfolio moment 4 Cristian Ambriz working on an engineering project Cristian Ambriz portfolio moment 6 Cristian Ambriz portfolio moment 7 Cristian Ambriz at a Pioneers21 entrepreneurship event

About Me

Focused on systems, process improvement, and solutions.

I am an Industrial and Systems Engineering student at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), passionate about engineering, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and innovation.

I consider myself a motivated person who enjoys learning from different areas in order to expand my knowledge, grow professionally, and take advantage of new opportunities. I am always looking for ways to improve as a person, develop leadership skills, and become better every day.

My vision is to use technology to improve systems, create smarter solutions, and turn ideas into real projects. I am especially interested in artificial intelligence and how we can learn to work with it, manage it, and use it to build tools, automate processes, and create new opportunities.

I also enjoy working in teams and connecting with people who share the same motivation, passion, and desire to grow and move forward.

B.S. Industrial and Systems Engineering

The University of Texas at El Paso | Anticipated December 2027

4.00 Major GPA 3.50 Overall GPA English + Spanish Bilingual

Awards & Recognition

Innovation, Leadership & Growth

A collection of credentials and recognitions that reflect my commitment to continuous learning, skill development, and bringing new ideas into different fields.

Featured Achievement

Distinguished Innovator Award

Mike Loya Center for Innovation and Commerce

Recognized as one of the first recipients of the Distinguished Innovator Award for involvement in entrepreneurship, innovation programs, and startup development through the Mike Loya Center for Innovation and Commerce at UTEP.

This recognition reflects my participation in the Miners Pitch Competition, Studio G entrepreneurship programs, entrepreneurial micro-credential development, and building CA Natural as a growing business venture.

Being selected as a Top 10 Finalist in the Miners Pitch Competition and receiving this recognition represents more than an award - it reflects the work, growth, consistency, and entrepreneurial journey I have been building throughout my experience in innovation and business development.

Entrepreneurship Innovation Startup Development Pitch Competition Leadership
Distinguished Innovator Award trophy Cristian Ambriz holding the Distinguished Innovator Award at UTEP Cristian Ambriz receiving the Distinguished Innovator Award
Award Recipient

Google

Google AI Essentials

Successfully completed the Google AI Essentials program, including all five courses developed by Google. The program provided hands-on experience designing and building AI skills, using AI tools responsibly, and applying AI to improve productivity and workflows.

AI Productivity Responsible AI Prompting Workflow Design
Click to see the credential

Pioneers21

Pioneers21 Funnels & Frameworks AI Accelerator

Successfully completed the Pioneers21 Funnels & Frameworks AI Accelerator, gaining practical experience in AI-assisted business strategy, customer discovery, market validation, responsible AI, and AI-powered entrepreneurship.

AI Strategy Market Validation AI Marketing Responsible AI
Click to see the credential

Mike Loya Center for Innovation and Commerce

Entrepreneurial Mindset Micro-Credential

Completed a program focused on entrepreneurial thinking, opportunity recognition, creativity, and problem solving.

Entrepreneurship Mindset Prototyping

Tech Frontier and Mike Loya Center

Data & AI Storytelling for Entrepreneurs

Completed training focused on using data, artificial intelligence, and storytelling to communicate business ideas more effectively.

BigML Big Data Data Analysis Storytelling
Click to see the credential

IBM / Coursera

Artificial Intelligence Essentials V2

Completed foundational training in artificial intelligence concepts, AI applications for business, and emerging technologies.

Generative AI Natural Language Processing (NLP) AI Ethics
Click to see the certificate Click to see the credential

LinkedIn Learning

Excel, VBA & Access Certifications

A focused collection of technical credentials in spreadsheets, automation, data analysis, and relational database workflows.

Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Macros Microsoft Excel

The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)

Foundations of Leadership

Successfully completed the Foundations of Leadership program through the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), developing leadership, communication, goal-setting, collaboration, and personal development skills through structured leadership training.

Leadership Communication Goal Setting Collaboration
Click to see the credential

LinkedIn Learning

Excel, VBA & Access Certifications

Experience

Engineering ideas. Leading projects. Building impact.

Alumni College Coach | Harmony Public Schools

In this role, I support Harmony alumni as they transition from high school to college and adapt to university life. I work directly with students to understand their academic progress, identify challenges, and connect them with resources that can support their success. I also maintain regular communication with students, provide guidance throughout the enrollment process, and help create a stronger community where alumni feel supported and motivated to continue their education.

I currently mentor and support approximately 25-27 engineering students from Harmony Public Schools across the El Paso region, helping them overcome academic, financial, and personal challenges to support their long-term success in higher education.

Undergraduate Assistant | UTEP Department of Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering

As an Undergraduate Assistant, I help promote Industrial and Systems Engineering programs to prospective students, families, and members of the community. I participate in recruitment events, school visits, presentations, and interactive engineering activities designed to introduce students to the opportunities available within the field. I also assist with demonstrations involving robotics, automation, manufacturing, and emerging technologies while serving as a resource for students interested in learning more about UTEP and its engineering programs.

I also contribute to the IMSE Academy Professional Development Series, a program designed to help engineering students become more competitive and successful throughout their academic and professional careers. Through this initiative, I help organize networking events, resume workshops, interview preparation sessions, career development activities, and other professional growth opportunities.

In addition, I work to help international students access the same career opportunities available to U.S. students by connecting them with university resources and industry programs. I have collaborated with UTEP's Office of International Programs and have participated in outreach efforts with the Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez (UACJ) to strengthen partnerships and promote engineering opportunities for students on both sides of the border.

Sales and Marketing Intern | DropDev

During my internship at DropDev, I gained hands-on experience in business development, sales, marketing, and customer engagement. I researched potential customers, identified business needs, and introduced companies to digital and AI-powered solutions that could improve their online presence. I also contributed to marketing strategies, developed sales approaches, communicated directly with potential clients, and learned how to build relationships by focusing on the specific goals and challenges of each business.

One of the most valuable aspects of this internship was the opportunity to learn directly from DropDev founder David Marek, who became an important mentor throughout my experience. Through his guidance, I developed a deeper understanding of entrepreneurship, business strategy, and innovation. This experience also sparked my passion for Artificial Intelligence and taught me how AI can be applied responsibly to solve real business problems, improve decision-making, and create value for organizations.

LinkedIn Recognition Post

Consulting Services Intern | SEI Stackpole Electronics

During my internship at Stackpole Electronics, I worked on projects focused on warehouse organization, operational improvement, data analysis, and internal communication. I helped evaluate storage areas and developed recommendations to improve inventory organization, making materials easier to locate, manage, and track.

I also analyzed business and sales data, identified trends, summarized findings, and communicated recommendations to management to support decision-making.

In addition, I translated daily operational documents between English and Spanish, helping make important information more accessible to employees across different departments.

Recommendation Letter

Projects

Built through engineering thinking and entrepreneurial action.

Active Business Featured Venture

CA Natural

CA Natural is a natural personal care brand focused on safe, healthy products made with quality ingredients. The flagship product is a shampoo formulated for growth and strong hair, and the brand has been pitched at multiple competitions.

Top 10 Miners Pitch Finalist
Sold Out All Competitions
3+ Public Pitches
CA Natural project cover
CA Natural logo

Natural Personal Care

CA Natural

Visit Instagram Page

CA Natural started from my personal passion for creating natural products and has grown into a small business that continues to expand. The brand focuses on natural hair care and personal care products made for people who want cleaner alternatives in a time where many products rely heavily on chemicals.

Our goal is to create practical natural products that support hair growth, scalp care, skin care, and everyday personal care needs. CA Natural has developed products such as natural shampoos, hair oils, anti-hair fall products, skin care blends, coconut-based oils, face products, and natural solutions for concerns like dryness, spots, and scalp issues.

What began as an idea and personal interest has become a growing business with a bigger vision: to expand across the United States and Mexico, making natural products more accessible to more people.

CA Natural has an active Instagram page and product catalog where customers can explore products, updates, and new releases.

Volunteer

Service that expands access to STEM pathways.

FIRST LEGO Robotics League volunteer judges and participants IMSE outreach conversations with students at Orange and Blue Day IISE and IMSE student outreach exhibit at UTEP
IISE Community Engagement

Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers

Active Member & Volunteer

Volunteered through engineering outreach events, fundraising, and student engagement initiatives that connect future students with Industrial and Systems Engineering.

Volunteered at Orange and Blue Day, speaking with students and parents about the IMSE department and the opportunities it offers.

Volunteered at First-Gen, advising students who were interested in the department.

Served as a judge in the First LEGO Robotics League, evaluating teams and giving them mentorship.

Leadership

Leading with initiative, clarity, and follow-through.

Organizations

Campus involvement and student leadership.

NSLS

The National Society of Leadership & Success

Nominated to a national leadership organization and continuing to build stronger habits in leadership, goal setting, accountability, and professional growth.

IISE

Treasurer

Elected as Treasurer for the Fall 2026 semester after being an active member of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Contributed through volunteering, fundraising, and active involvement in organization events and projects.

Harmony Miners

Fundraising Director

Organizes events and partnerships with local businesses to support first-generation student success, certifications, events, and student development programs.

Speaking, Workshops & Pitch Experiences

Entrepreneurship in front of real audiences.

Cristian Ambriz at the Mike Loya Center for Innovation and Commerce
Miners Pitch Competition

Top 10 Finalist

On November 21, 2025, I had the opportunity to be one of the Top 10 finalists in the Miners Pitch Competition. I pitched CA Natural to the UTEP entrepreneurship community, presented my products, and gained experience that strengthened my confidence, business direction, and connection with customers.

Cristian Ambriz presenting at One Million Cups
One Million Cups

Entrepreneurial Speaker

Presented my CA Natural journey to the El Paso business community, shared my story as a young entrepreneur, and gained feedback to keep growing my venture.

Cristian presenting a CA Natural business idea workshop Studio G business idea workshop poster featuring Cristian Ambriz
Studio G Workshop

Business Idea Guest Speaker

Shared my entrepreneurial journey and key lessons from building CA Natural, helping students understand how to identify real problems, develop business ideas, and take action with confidence.

Cristian Ambriz presenting at Tacos and Tech-ILA
Pioneers 21

TACOS & TECH-ILA

Presented CA Natural in an entrepreneurship community setting, received feedback from founders and mentors, and used the experience to grow confidence, refine the venture, and keep moving forward with stronger business direction.

Contact

Open to internships, startup opportunities, business ideas, and meaningful collaborations.

Let’s Talk
cmambriz@miners.utep.edu LinkedIn