“For the last decade, Tech has collaborated with the Goizueta Foundation to promote diversity and increase opportunities for Hispanic students and faculty members,” said Rafael L. Bras, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “Audrey will be an outstanding mentor to our Hispanic students and an effective collaborator with faculty to further these initiatives on campus.”

This three-year professorship is awarded to an outstanding, nontenured faculty member who shows academic promise and has demonstrated leadership in the campus Hispanic community. The funding provided to the recipient is used for academic/research activities and to support activities related to service as a role model for Hispanic students.

“Dr. Duarte’s credentials as a young scholar and her ability to inspire and motivate undergraduate and graduate Hispanic students to strive for excellence made her an excellent candidate for the Goizueta Fellowship,” said Archie Ervin, vice president for Institute Diversity and chair of the Goizueta Early Career Professorship committee. “Moreover, members of the Goizueta selection committee are all very confident she will achieve scholarly distinction that will contribute to Georgia Tech's growing global reputation.”

Duarte will also work closely with Goizueta Chaired Professor Carlos Santamarina and Director of Hispanic Programs Jorge Breton to help  recruit and mentor Hispanic/Latino students and faculty members.

“Throughout my career, I have been quite fortunate to benefit from outreach and retention programs for underrepresented students and am excited to be able to serve as a mentor to students participating in these programs today,” Duarte said.  “I look forward to working with the Georgia Tech and larger Atlanta area communities to facilitate the outreach, promotion and retention goals of the Goizueta Foundation.”