Ingrid Portillo
Degree Type: Bachelor of Science in Nursing Next Steps: RN at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center
Hometown: Columbia, Maryland
When Ingrid Portillo began her college journey, she knew she was also carrying the dreams of her family and community. As first-generation college student from El Salvador, she chose Bowie State University for its strong nursing program and commitment to diversity. Portillo is now graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and will begin her career as a registered nurse at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center.
Her decision to pursue nursing was deeply personal. Inspired by her mother and grandmother — both of whom studied nursing in El Salvador — Portillo made it her mission to complete her degree, not just for herself, but for her family and community.
“I saw the disparities in healthcare firsthand. I want to be a catalyst in my community, helping those without access to proper care,” she said.
When it came time to choose a school, Portillo’s research quickly pointed her to Bowie State University. She was drawn to a place that combined a strong sense of community with the academic rigor she needed to develop skills that would allow her to make a real impact.
“I looked up the top nursing programs in Maryland, and Bowie State was one of the first that came up,” Portillo said. “At the time, I didn’t even know what an HBCU was, but I saw the diversity, the sense of community—and it reminded me of home.”
That initial connection to Bowie State set the stage for an experience that would shape Portillo’s personal and professional growth in ways she hadn’t imagined.
Impact of the Bowie State Experience
Portillo credits Bowie State for helping her grow both professionally and personally. Through her involvement in the Summer Undergraduate Research Institute and as a peer educator for the Henry Wise Wellness Center, she developed her leadership and communication skills.
“When I first came to Bowie State, I was shy and reserved,” she said. “But the people here—my professors, mentors and peers—really brought me out of my shell.”
She also founded the Hispanic Student Association, creating a space for students to connect and celebrate culture on campus. With the guidance and support of Bowie State faculty, Portillo has developed into a strong and confident professional with an enduring desire to serve and improve her community.
“Bowie State has given me confidence, community and opportunity,” she said. “Professors like Dr. Wendy Post have poured so much love and patience into me. I truly believe I’ve become a better woman because of this place.”
Reflecting on her journey at Bowie State, Portillo recommends being open to opportunities, however they come, and taking the time to tap into the HBCU culture by connecting with the community.
“Be open to every opportunity. The moment you stop complaining and start taking initiative, blessings start to flow. Talk to people, connect and be open-minded—Bowie State has so much to offer if you just reach for it.”
After graduation, Portillo will begin working as a registered nurse on the medical-surgical orthopedic floor at Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, with hopes of eventually working in the intensive care unit. She also has long-term plans to return to El Salvador to establish a nonprofit healthcare organization and serve low-income communities.