Ariel Huguet

Ariel Huguet developed a plan to convert gas-and-propane dependent food trucks to sustainable electric technology. It helps the environment and lowers entry barriers for food entrepreneurs.

With a background in restaurant work, the idea was a natural for Ariel, who once thought college wasn’t his path. But at age 26, working in the hectic New York City restaurant scene, Ariel suffered a stroke. Three months later he was back training for Brazilian Jujitsu, determined to regain his health. He and a friend started a business providing martial arts training to school kids from an underserved neighborhood. Yet, the stroke changed how he thought about life. He realized his earlier choices no longer reflected what he wanted. So, he came back home to Miami, where his Cuban-born parents had put down roots, and he enrolled at FIU.

A rocky first semester wasn’t encouraging. But Ariel persevered, was accepted to the FIU Honors College and is graduating with a 3.6 GPA. FIU gave him a sense of home; professors helped revive his love of learning, and opportunities opened up. Hortensia Sampedro, adjunct lecturer in the Department of International Business, helped guide the food truck research. Ariel’s hard work paid off and he has been accepted to a master’s program in computer science at NYU.

By Karen-Janine Cohen
Writer
College of Business