Toni Munguia named TechPoint Foundation’s 2024 Bridge Builder of the Year

Cheryl Reed from the TechPoint Foundation for Youth recently reported that Purdue Polytechnic’s Antonia Munguia, the director of recruitment, retention and diversity who is affectionately known as “Miss Toni” to countless Polytechnic students, was named the winner of the foundation’s Bridge Builder award.

TechPoint Foundation for Youth President and CEO George Giltner and Foundation Director of Programs Jamie Inskeep presented Munguia with the award at the 2024 Mira Awards gala.

“This award recognizes visionary leaders who have transformed science, technology, engineering and math education for Indiana students who are typically underrepresented in those same industries,” Giltner said. “Toni’s work and efforts fall directly in line with our Foundation’s vision.”

Inskeep said Munguia, in addition to bringing significantly more underrepresented students into STEM study, has also been a constant support for students with challenges big and small, academic and personal.

“One graduate describes her impact: ‘Without Miss Toni’s continuous encouragement, my life’s trajectory would have taken a different course.’”

TechPoint’s Foundation for Youth is the charitable arm of the organization, which seeks to “[lead] STEM education efforts for Indiana … and has inspired student through STEM since 2001.”

At Purdue Polytechnic, Munguia has improved the retention and graduation rates of underrepresented minority students by record-setting percentages. She offers encouragement, inspires students and is committed to advancing Purdue Polytechnic as a beacon for diversity and inclusion in higher education.

Read the whole story from Cheryl Reed at TechPoint.

Additional information

• Meet the TechPoint Foundation for Youth 2024 Bridge Builder of the Year: Antonia “Miss Toni” Munguia
• Munguia receives Purdue’s Martin Luther King Jr. Dreamer Award (Purdue Polytechnic newsroom)
• Munguia receives Special Boilermaker Award (Purdue Polytechnic newsroom)