If you were to ask Areli Gomez, a proud Peoria Public Schools alumna and graduate of Manual High School’s Class of 2020, to sum up her path to becoming a Tool Design Engineer at Caterpillar, she’d probably describe it as a “journey”—an exciting, challenging, and rewarding one at that. And, oh, what a journey it’s been! From the Intro to Engineering class with her favorite teacher, Mr. Rice, to full-circle moments mentoring the next generation of talent, Areli's story is one of grit, gratitude, and growth. It’s also one heck of a testament to the transformative power of Peoria Public Schools' Next Level Career Pathways.
For Areli, it all started in seventh grade at what is now Annie Jo Gordon CLC, where a social studies career project first sparked her interest in engineering. By the time she reached Manual High School, her love of hands-on learning had found a home in Mr. Rice’s classroom and the workshop. “Intro to Engineering was the class where everything clicked for me,” Areli says. “Mr. Rice’s passion for teaching and his belief in his students made all the difference. I loved working in the weld shop and wood workshop—being able to design and create things with my hands sealed the deal. This is what I wanted to do.”
But her path wasn’t without its twists and turns. Areli initially explored a medical field program at Midstate College while still a MHS student, but when the college unexpectedly closed, she found herself at a crossroads. Enter Mr. Rice, who, in true mentor fashion, stepped in with a lifeline—a spot in Manual’s Essentials for Life (E4L) program, a collaboration with Caterpillar. “He called me immediately and asked if I was still interested,” Areli recalls. “Of course, I said yes.”
Through the Essentials for Life (E4L) program, Areli gained invaluable skills—not just in engineering but in collaboration and communication. And Areli didn’t just participate in the program—she became a trailblazer. She was the first student to complete the entire E4L program and transition into a full-time engineering position at Caterpillar. Talk about setting the bar high!
After graduating from Manual, Areli continued her journey at Illinois Central College and later Bradley University, where she earned her degree in mechanical engineering. Along the way, she navigated obstacles, including the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, but she never lost sight of her goals. And when Caterpillar offered her a full-time engineering position at the same building where she had interned, it felt like the culmination of years of hard work and determination.
Today, Areli is not only thriving in her role at Caterpillar but also giving back to the community that shaped her. She mentors current E4L students from Manual, sharing her story and inspiring them to dream big. “It’s a full-circle moment,” she says with pride. “I love being able to guide these students, just like I was guided.”
Of course, Areli’s story wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the village that helped her get here. Her mom, a constant source of encouragement, was her rock during the toughest times. “There were moments when I wanted to give up,” Areli shares. “But my mom was always there to motivate me, to tell me it was going to be okay. She played such a big part in my success.”
And let’s not forget the incredible staff at Manual High School—from Mr. Rice, who ignited Areli’s passion for engineering, to her JROTC mentor Sergeant Oertwig, who instilled discipline and confidence, to her school counselor Ms. Burrell, who guided her every step of the way. Each one left an indelible mark on Areli’s journey. “It wasn’t just one person—it was the entire tribe at Manual,” she says. “Even teachers I didn’t have much one-on-one time with made an impact. They all believed in me.” A special shoutout also goes to Amy Pizano, the HR Manager at Caterpillar and Essentials for Life (E4L) liaison, whose leadership and mentorship helped bridge the gap between Areli’s high school experience and her professional career. Together, this supportive community—and her mom, who never stopped encouraging her—helped Areli rise to every challenge, proving that success is truly a team effort.
Areli is paying it forward in more ways than one. Inspired by the scholarships that helped her graduate debt-free, she recently established a scholarship for Hispanic students at Manual pursuing STEM careers. “I want to give hope to students who might feel like college isn’t an option because of the cost,” she explains. “This is my way of giving back to the place that gave me so much.”
And as for Caterpillar? They also deserve a shout-out for recognizing Areli’s potential and investing in her growth. By partnering with Peoria Public Schools to train the next generation of workers, they’re not only empowering students like Areli but also strengthening the community as a whole.
So, what’s Areli’s advice to current students? “Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to try new things,” she says. “You never know what you might fall in love with. And don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek help. The teachers and staff at Manual are there for you—they want to see you succeed.”
Areli Gomez’s journey is proof that with the right mix of passion, perseverance, and support, anything is possible. To the students of Peoria Public Schools: If Areli can do it, so can you. And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll find yourself mentoring the next generation, just like she is.
Thank you, Areli, for showing us what’s possible. And thank you, Caterpillar, for helping to make those possibilities a reality. Together, you’re building more than machines—you’re building futures.