Accommodating advocate
by Nathaniel Miller
Eduardo Velazco tries to live his life by his motto, “Growth is on the other side of comfort.”
He marked personal growth when, after earning his Bachelor of Psychology at San José State University, Velazco left his hometown of San Jose, California, to attend St. Mary’s University — his first time living outside the state.
He sensed growth again when he presented at the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology conference in New Orleans in April about the pros and cons of using artificial intelligence to assist people with disabilities in the workforce.
His next big chance to grow will happen on Saturday, May 16, when he is awarded his Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology during the Spring 2026 Commencement.
“I have a better sense of my faith, of my direction and I feel I can go out into the world and apply myself. When I look back, I barely recognize myself when I first came into this program,” Velazco said.
Originally wanting to be an applied behavior analysis therapist for children diagnosed with autism, Velazco saw the workplace discrepancies for people with disabilities. Now, he is focused on becoming an advocate and workplace consultant on best practices of inclusion and hiring people with disabilities.
Researching Industrial and Organizational programs, Velazco said St. Mary’s University’s ranking by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology made his decision easier. When attending campus for the first time, it instantly felt like home.
“I talked to a few professors and was sold on this University,” he said. “I can’t say why because I didn’t get to try the food or do a tour of the campus, but something was calling me to this place. And if I feel like I’m being called to do something, I want to go forth and do it.”
Velazco was able to work with local organizations, including the McNay Art Museum, to discuss accessibility and is conducting a survey with disABILTYsa to broaden the conversation on workplace accommodation policies.
During an internship with the waterpark Schlitterbahn, he used the lessons learned from class in real time, such as how to form and collect accurate data to present it to C-suite level executives.
“This program is very practice and research-heavy,” Velazco said. “That’s what made me credible as a professional and effective as a leader.”
Eduardo Velazco“I have a better sense of my faith, of my direction and I feel I can go out into the world and apply myself because, when I look back, I barely recognize myself when I first came into this program.”
Strong in his faith, Velazco was also looking for a Catholic university to help him grow in that aspect of his life. Since coming to St. Mary’s, Velazco joined the Catholic Student Association and served as a graduate assistant for the Center for Catholic Studies.
Jason King, Ph.D., the Beirne Director of the Center for Catholic Studies, said Velazco was vital in the collection of data for the Center’s study on the benefits of a Catholic-based education.
“Eduardo was a great part of the Center for Catholic Studies, bridging data analysis and the Catholic faith,” King said. “He enhanced the Center by putting his analytic gifts to work, enabling us to better share the Catholic intellectual tradition.”
Looking back on his program, Velazco said he wishes he had come to the University for his undergraduate studies if he had known how beneficial it would be for him. After graduation, he has accepted a three-month internship in learning and development — an area that focuses on employee skills and ways to improve overall performance — at the electrical construction company Alterman, Inc.
“I feel like I’m going in the right direction, and I know I am going to miss St. Mary’s” he said. “I trust God’s plan.”
