Leonardo Avila honored with Outstanding Alumni Award
Thursday, December 5, 2024
The graduate formally accepted the honor at the Community Colleges for Iowa state conference on Dec. 4.
Leonardo Avila, a Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) graduate, has been recognized with the statewide Outstanding Alumni Award from Community Colleges for Iowa. This award celebrates his exceptional contributions to advanced manufacturing, education and his local community.
The graduate formally accepted the honor at the Community Colleges for Iowa state conference on Dec. 4.
Leonardo’s journey began in Colombia, where he started his manufacturing career in 1998. Seeking new opportunities, he emigrated to the US, eventually settling in Dubuque, Iowa, in 2010. Realizing the need to enhance his skills, he turned to NICC. From 2014 to 2019 he earned certifications in Electromechanical Technology, Maintenance Electricity, CNC, Welding and Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Production, along with Electrical Maintenance training. These achievements laid the foundation for a thriving career in advanced manufacturing.
“As a student at NICC, I learned the importance of adaptability and perseverance. Balancing work, family and school taught me how to prioritize and manage my time effectively. I also discovered the value of lifelong learning and how every skill acquired can contribute to personal and professional growth. As an instructor at the College, I gained a deeper appreciation for mentorship. Guiding students through their own challenges reinforced the importance of patience, communication and fostering a supportive environment,” Leonardo said.
Beyond his technical skills, Leonardo’s bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English makes him a valuable asset in the workforce. His passion for professional development inspired him to return to NICC to teach credit and non-credit courses in CNC, Welding and Industrial Maintenance.
Currently, Leonardo serves as a maintenance manager at a cheese processing plant in Wisconsin. His role involves overseeing maintenance operations, troubleshooting technical challenges, managing a team of technicians and ensuring the efficiency of critical systems. He also focuses on strategic tasks such as budgeting, forecasting and implementing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency.
Leonardo praises NICC for its practical, career-oriented education, affordability and flexibility, which make it an excellent choice for individuals balancing professional and personal commitments. His success has inspired many members of his family, who have also enrolled at NICC to complete education and training to further their careers.
Leonardo remains committed to growth and innovation in his field. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the University of Dubuque, maintaining an impressive 3.9 GPA and aiming to graduate next year. In the future, he plans to pursue a master’s degree and certifications in project management and automation systems. His long-term goal is to continue advancing in leadership roles where he can drive innovation and sustainability in manufacturing and maintenance.