(Photo courtesy of Collin Gallagher)
Collin Gallagher
Connector Staff
At UMass Lowell, there are so many students with inspiring stories, and among them is Marlis Occliant, a senior industrial engineering major who has just made history as the first Black woman to graduate from her degree path at the university. Her journey, filled with perseverance, passion, and an unwavering sense of community, is one absolutely worth celebrating.
Marlis was born in Venezuela but has strong Haitian roots through her father. She moved to the United States when she was 10 years old, landing in Somerville, Massachusetts. The transition was challenging, marked by cultural shifts and the difficulty of learning English. Attending a predominantly white middle school had its pros and cons like it helped her grasp the language faster but also left her feeling disconnected at times.
Despite these challenges, Marlis found her footing and later attended Somerville High School, where she developed an interest in engineering through the school’s automotive trade program. “I’ve always loved building things,” she expressed. “Seeing how parts come together and function sparked my interest in engineering.”
Choosing UMass Lowell was purely a financial decision at first, as the school offered her a strong financial aid package. However, as she learned more about its engineering program, she felt confident that it was the right place for her. Initially, she pursued mechanical engineering but later transitioned to industrial engineering after guidance from one of her professors. “Industrial engineering allows me to work with both the technical and people side of engineering,” she explained. “I love understanding how designs impact real people and optimizing processes for efficiency.”
As a first-generation college student, navigating higher education was no easy task. “The hardest part was just getting into college, filling out the applications, handling financial aid, and figuring out what steps to take,” Marlis said. “But even after I got in, staying in college was another challenge.” She credits her success to a strong support system, including friends, professors, and especially her academic advisor, Professor Carter Keough “Having a great advisor makes a huge difference. She (Carter) helped me navigate my coursework and kept me on track.”
Her willingness to ask for help has also been a huge factor in her success. “If I have a question, I will never just sit on it,” she said. “I go to office hours, I talk to my professors and I always find a way to move forward.”
Marlis is deeply ingrained in campus life, holding leadership roles in two major student organizations: the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and the Association for Campus Events (ACE).
As treasurer of SHPE, she has had the opportunity to connect with other Hispanic engineering students and attend national conventions that open doors to career opportunities. Last year, she traveled to California for a national SHPE conference where she met representatives from over 300 companies offering internships, co-ops, and full-time jobs.
Her role in ACE, which focuses on planning student events and fostering a sense of community on campus, has helped her grow in confidence and sharpen her public speaking and organizational skills. “Both organizations have shaped me in different ways,” she said. “They’ve helped me find a family here at UMass Lowell and have made my college experience unforgettable.”
This year, Marlis is set to graduate as the first Black woman from UMass Lowell’s industrial engineering program, a milestone she is both proud of and humbled by. “It took me by surprise at first, but I’m really excited,” she said. “I want to be a role model for other students, especially my younger sisters.”
Marlis has two younger sisters, Mayra and Mailen, who look up to her as their guide through life and education. “What I do, they do,” she said. “I want to show them that if I can do it, they can do it too.”
With graduation right on the horizon, Marlis is excited about her future and the opportunities that await her in the engineering world. While she has a passion for manufacturing, she also enjoys the business side of engineering and hopes to find a role that allows her to merge both interests.
And one fun fact about Marlis? She loves the color pink. Whether it’s her wardrobe or personal accessories, pink is a staple in her life and a reflection of her vibrant personality. Marlis’s journey is one of resilience, ambition, and community. As she prepares to step into the next phase of her life, she carries with her the lessons learned, the friendships made, and the impact she has had on UMass Lowell. She is a testament to the power of perseverance and a role model for those who follow in her footsteps.
