Tony Aguilar, '19, Honors His Roots While Forging His Own Future As Engineer, Author
By Tony Scott
Tony Aguilar, ’19, carries two lessons from his time at NIU that continue to guide him through his engineering career and entrepreneurial pursuits, which include founding his own clothing company and publishing his first book.
“Growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Success rarely comes from having all the answers; it comes from being willing to learn, adapt and keep moving forward,” he said.
“Another lesson from NIU was the importance of relationships,” he continued. “The people you meet, the conversations you have, and the opportunities you pursue often become just as valuable as what you learn in the classroom.”
Aguilar earned his Bachelor of Science in industrial management with an emphasis in manufacturing and now works as a process engineer for Molex in Naperville. Troubleshooting complex manufacturing challenges is a major part of his role, and one he genuinely enjoys.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of engineering is solving problems that initially seem impossible,” he said. “I enjoy being able to create systems and processes that make things work more efficiently. The biggest challenge is balancing multiple projects, deadlines and priorities while ensuring quality and consistency. Engineering teaches you to stay calm under pressure and trust the process.”
His curiosity for how things work began long before he stepped onto NIU’s campus. Growing up in Chicago as the son of Mexican immigrant parents, Aguilar learned early lessons about hard work, sacrifice and family. Those values shaped both his love of engineering and his approach to life.
“Looking back, I was always curious about how things worked. I enjoyed taking things apart, solving problems and creating solutions,” he said.
That same curiosity and appreciation for family eventually inspired him to take on a new creative challenge: writing. His first book, "La Risa del Guerrero: Wisdom and Humor for Life", grew out of the stories and lessons his father shared throughout his childhood.
“My parents immigrated from Guerrero, Mexico, and my father has always had a unique way of teaching through stories, humor and personal experiences,” Aguilar said.
Organizing years of memories into something meaningful was no small task, but completing the final chapter was a moment he’ll never forget.
“It felt less like finishing a project and more like preserving a legacy,” he said.
Writing isn’t his only venture outside engineering. Aguilar also launched his own clothing brand, GANAS Apparel, which reflects the ambition and resilience that have shaped his journey.
“GANAS Apparel is a brand centered around ambition, resilience and self-belief,” he said. “Whether through engineering, business or writing, my goal is to create things that inspire others to believe that their background does not determine their future.”
Aguilar’s drive to build, create and uplift others took root at NIU, a place he chose for its practicality — location and affordability — but stayed at because of its community.
“Being surrounded by people who wanted to see students succeed made a significant difference in my college experience,” he said.
He describes his time at NIU as transformative, both academically and personally.
“It challenged me academically while helping me develop confidence and independence,” he said. “NIU gave me exposure to perspectives and opportunities that helped shape how I view leadership, problem-solving and community today.”
Faculty support played a major role in that growth. Aguilar recalls many professors who pushed him to think critically, but one mentor stands out: Nicholas Pohlman.
“I was involved in the Research Rookies program my freshman year and had the pleasure of working with Dr. Pohlman on his granular project,” Aguilar said. “We would meet every week and discuss the project but also other topics about engineering and college life. His patience, people skills, charisma and knowledge were unique and something I looked up to.”
Today, Aguilar encourages current students to embrace opportunities and take bold steps.
“Many students underestimate what they are capable of accomplishing while they are still in college,” he said. “I would encourage my younger self to take more calculated risks, build more connections and understand that opportunities often come from simply taking action.”
Looking ahead, Aguilar hopes to continue creating through writing, speaking and content that inspires others to rethink what’s possible.
“As the son of Mexican immigrants and a first-generation college graduate, I hope my story serves as a reminder that success is not reserved for a select few,” he said. “With faith, perseverance and a willingness to learn, anything is possible.”
This is just one example of how NIU prepares students for impactful careers. Discover how NIU is fortifying our future at niuforward.com.