Fiorela (Fio) Giraldo Prado de Lewis Fio serves as the senior program coordinator for the Office of Inclusion and Engagement.

W&L News Office
October 12, 2022

Q. What is your official job title?
I am the senior program coordinator for the Office of Inclusion and Engagement.

Q. How long have you worked at W&L?
My career with Washington and Lee University began in January 2021.

Q. What do you like most about working at W&L?
There are many reasons that I enjoy working at W&L:
• There is no shortage of quality events offered by the university.
• There is always something fun to do, friends to make and places to see.
• I have had the pleasure of meeting a number of talented and kind people.
• W&L attracts many highly-educated and sophisticated individuals who offer sound advice, strong support and lasting professional and personal relationships.
• I like that there are opportunities to be an active member of committees and organizations that create positive change within our community and preserve the reputation of the university.

Q. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Lima, Peru.

Q. What advice do you have for students (or parents)?
My advice to students is to always believe in yourself. You are here because of your hard work and dedication to yourself. If you continue these things while at the university, the possibility of success is infinite.

My advice to parents is to support your children’s dreams. Your support, combined with the confidence to do well, will propel them to the highest level.

Q. What is the most adventurous thing that you have ever done?
The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done was leave my family behind to travel to the U.S. as an exchange student. I recall arriving in this country and experiencing culture shock, extremely cold weather and the realization that not every part of this country looked like New York City. The best part of that adventure was the relationships that were forged. Because of this adventure, I now call Lexington my home and have fulfilled my dream of starting a family of my own.

Q. What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
Spending time with my family. I enjoy being with my daughter, watching her develop and grow into the wonderful and kind young lady that she is.

Q. If you could live anywhere, where would you build your dream home?
I have already built my dream home right here in Lexington. There’s only one other place I’d also like to be and that’s in my home country.

Q. Who most inspires you?
My daughter and my mother — my daughter because I know that with people like her in our world, we can achieve all the things that are currently out of reach; my mom because she taught me the value of hard work and dedication.

Q. What music are you listening to these days?
“No te contaron mal” by You Salsa has been on repeat nonstop.

Q. If you could have coffee with one person (living or deceased) who would it be and why?
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Sonia Sotomayor. I have a deep admiration for her and all that she has done for our country.

Q. What is your desert island food?
I can’t pick just one! First and foremost, ceviche. What kind of Peruvian would I be if I didn’t say ceviche? Honorable mentions are anticuchos and homemade apple pie.

Q. Tell us something most people don’t know about you?
My post-retirement goal is to return to Peru and run for office. I also plan to start a nonprofit organization that provides aid to victims of domestic violence.

Q. What is your secret talent?
I have been told that I am a great dancer. Put on some salsa or cumbia and I’ll dance until I drop.

Q. Anything else you’d like to share?
I love being part of the W&L community. I’m extremely grateful that I can work with so many talented individuals and I am delighted to see our students succeed. I love visitors! Stop by Elrod Commons anytime and chat!

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