Luis Balderas

“Veteran. Latino. First-gen. From humble beginnings to tech leadership. Creating paths for others like me” 

Hometown: Houston, TX

Fun fact about myself: I’m not claiming to be a valuation expert, but my wife, kids, and I have built a pretty solid Pokémon card collection! Collecting Pokémon cards together is our favorite way to bond, and we even practice a little strategic investing along the way.

Undergraduate School and Major: Excelsior University, Bachelor of Science in National Security (4.0)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Amazon Web Services, Security Program Manager

What has been the biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

One of the most meaningful accomplishments in my career was leading security operations for YES Prep Public Schools, a public charter school district serving over 20 campuses across Houston. After the Uvalde tragedy and an active shooter incident in our district, I took the lead in strengthening school safety to protect thousands of students, educators, and families. This work brought me to the Texas Capitol, where I advocated for increased state funding and stronger legislation to secure underserved schools. It was a pivotal moment where tactical leadership combined with long-term policy impact, reaffirming my dedication to creating safer, more intelligent systems at scale.

When you think of your school, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why?

I think of the word “service.” Being part of the Aggie network reminds me of my time in the U.S. Army—dedicated people, driven by purpose, lifting others along the way. I’m surrounded by classmates doing incredible things across the country, all rooted in service to their communities, families, and professions. My journey has always been defined by service—first to my country, then through mission-driven work in both public and private sectors, and now in my role leading security infrastructure at AWS. At Texas A&M, service isn’t just a value—it’s a way of life, and a powerful lens through which we lead.

What are one or two key aspects of this program that led you to choose the program, and why were they so important to you?

The key reason I chose the Flex Online MBA is right in the name: flexibility. As a husband, father of three, and full-time professional, I needed a program that would allow me to grow without sacrificing what matters most—being present for my family. I come from a long line of strong women who never had the opportunity to finish high school, and I was raised without a father. For me, education isn’t just personal growth—it’s a promise to honor the sacrifices made for me and a commitment to break generational cycles. This program gave me the space to be a present partner and parent while advancing in my career. It helped propel me into my current role at AWS and surrounded me with a community that believes in more than just degrees—they believe in people. Becoming an Aggie was a childhood dream, and this program helped make that dream a reality for me and for the future I’m building for my family.

What course, club, activity, or experience excites you the most and why?

The Leadership Development course, taught by Dr. Carol Binzer, was a foundational moment in my MBA journey. It challenged me to reflect on the kind of leader I wanted to become—not just in title, but in impact. It was also the first time I clearly articulated my long-term vision: to break into big tech, specifically Amazon Web Services, and grow into a leadership role within infrastructure. I shared that vision with my team during the course, and just a few months later, I made it happen. What made the course so powerful was not only the content but also the intentional space it created for executive-level thinking, strategic goal setting, and purpose-driven leadership. Inspired by concepts from Leadership 5.0, the course encouraged me to think beyond traditional leadership models and embrace what it means to be a transformative leader—one who empowers others, adapts to change, and leads with vision. Those lessons continue to shape how I lead today with clarity, humility, and a deep commitment to developing others.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to other prospective MBAs? Why?

One article I highly recommend is McKinsey’s “Embracing the Obligation to Dissent.” It reshaped how I view leadership — not as top-down direction, but as creating space for respectful disagreement that drives better decisions. The article explains how effective leaders invite dissent, engage with naysayers, and establish psychological safety to surface the best ideas. It also highlights that leadership and followership are inseparable — you can’t lead well if you’ve never learned how to challenge ideas with humility. This mindset directly prepared me for my current role at Amazon Web Services, where one of our core Leadership Principles is “Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit.” At AWS, it’s essential to speak up, challenge thinking, and then fully support the path forward. This article gave me the language and structure to practice that principle effectively, and it remains one of the most valuable pieces I’ve read on leading with both courage and respect.

What are two things you have learned that have surprised you so far – one academic and one non-academic?

Academically, I was surprised by how much I ended up enjoying Financial Accounting. I entered the course with hesitation, expecting something rigid, technical, and outside the scope of the kind of strategic, people-centered leadership I aspire to. But under the guidance of Dr. Jerry Strawser, I realized that accounting isn’t just about numbers but about understanding the financial story behind a business. It’s a fundamental tool that helps leaders ask better questions, make more informed decisions, and think with both clarity and perspective. Dr. Strawser’s ability to explain complex financial concepts in clear, real-world terms made a lasting impression. His credibility, having served as both a CFO and academic leader, helped me see accounting not as a barrier but as an asset to any executive.

Outside of academics, I was surprised by how many classmates I’ve met who share similar backgrounds, values, and goals, especially within the veteran, Latino, and first-generation student communities. I expected to gain knowledge, but I didn’t expect to build such genuine connections with people who understand where I come from and where I’m trying to go. That shared sense of purpose and belonging has been one of the most meaningful parts of the MBA experience for me.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into your MBA program?

Be yourself and don’t hold back. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that your story is your strength. When I applied, I didn’t try to fit a mold. I didn’t hide where I came from or soften what made me different. I led with who I am, and it opened doors I never imagined. This program values authenticity, character, and purpose. If you show up with clarity about who you are and why you want to grow, you will stand out—and you will be embraced by a community that truly means it when they say you’re part of the Aggie family. That mindset is not just for getting into an MBA program. It’s a launchpad for how you lead, grow, and contribute in every part of your professional life. It is also what makes the Aggie network so powerful. People want to support you when they know who you truly are. Own your identity. Be bold with your goals. Lead with purpose. The rest will follow.

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