Liliana Escalante Mena

My name is Liliana Escalante Mena. I was born in Los Angeles, California, but have spent most of my life in Montgomery County. After high school, I took several gap years before enrolling at Montgomery College, where I earned my associate’s degree in criminal justice. Before choosing my major, I explored courses in education and mechanical engineering, but neither resonated with me the way criminal justice did. Trusting my instincts led me to the field that felt right for me. I knew the next step was transferring to a four-year university, but I was anxious about high tuition costs, large campuses, and crowded classes. 

When I learned about the Universities at Shady Grove, my path to earning a bachelor’s degree became much simpler. I was excited to continue my education on a campus close to home that offered financial aid and scholarship opportunities, along with smaller class sizes. USG provides a welcoming environment where you can build close relationships with advisors, professors, and classmates. I always felt heard, respected, and supported by faculty who genuinely cared about my success.

While at USG, I served as vice president and later president of the Criminology and Criminal Justice Association, Marketing and Social Media Manager for the Tau Sigma National Honor Society, and a Communication Fellow. I also participated in public speaking, leadership, and diversity workshops beyond my academic requirements.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice in May 2026. Although I originally had an interest in investigations, my passion has shifted toward emergency communications. I want to be there for people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives by helping to get the assistance they need as quickly as possible. The leadership opportunities, student organizations, and extracurricular experiences at USG really helped me develop the confidence and communication skills to pursue this career. I am currently moving through the hiring process for a 911 dispatcher position with the Montgomery County Police Department and am excited about beginning my career in emergency communications. 

My advice to future USG students is to get involved and step outside of your comfort zone. Many of my best experiences happened outside the classroom—at campus events, job fairs, or simply by connecting with new people. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. I am so grateful for my time at USG and proud to be part of such an amazing community.