Marcelo plans to continue advocating for LGBTQIA+ causes, noting: “Although there has been significant progress for gay rights, there is still much to achieve and protect.”

Marcelo Felix Caballero has consistently persevered in his pursuit of education. In high school, he was nearly derailed by persistent bullying and the loss of his sister. Yet in 2004, he received his high school diploma. “My mindset shifted after that day,” Marcelo says. “I was no longer held back by fear or doubt.”

Though he hoped to one day earn a college degree, Marcelo focused on working in retail after high school. His passion for connecting with people and working in a team quickly led to promotion, and he was selected for the company’s leadership academy. Marcelo managed retail stores in Alabama, Texas, and New Mexico, relishing the experience to learn from different communities in these states.

The year 2020 marked a turning point. He seized the opportunity to return to school. While working full-time, he earned his associate’s degree from Tarrant County College District in Fort Worth, Texas. He is now pursuing a degree in anthropological archaeology at the University of Michigan, with aspirations of working in museum curation and historical preservation.

Marcelo is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Coming out in a conservative environment was not easy, but with the support of his grandmother and chosen family, he embraced his identity openly. Over time, he deepened his connection to queer history, joined gay sports leagues, and volunteered for LGBTQIA+ charities. In October 2023, he celebrated his marriage to his husband, a milestone that reflected both personal joy and community resilience. Looking ahead, Marcelo plans to continue advocating for LGBTQIA+ causes, noting: “Although there has been significant progress for gay rights, there is still much to achieve and protect.”

Through his studies and future work, Marcelo hopes to preserve stories that have too often gone untold. Inspired by childhood heroes like Indiana Jones and the real-life heroes he’s met along the way, Marcelo is charting a path where history, empathy, and education intersect.

CEW+ shares Marcelo’s belief in the power of education and names him a 110% Scholar.