When Daniel Mbaz arrived at DMACC from Angola just over a year ago, he faced a challenge many of his classmates never have to consider: pursuing a college degree in a language he barely spoke.
Today, the robotics student, campus leader and Phi Theta Kappa scholar is being recognized nationally for academic excellence, leadership and service.
Mbaz, a second-year student in DMACC's robotics program, has been named a 2026 Phi Theta Kappa Global Leaders of Promise Scholar, a national scholarship awarded to exceptional international students who demonstrate outstanding scholarship, leadership and community involvement.
Originally from the capital city of Luanda, Angola, Mbaz moved to Iowa in 2025 after learning about DMACC from a family member who had previously attended the college.
The transition was anything but easy.
"I didn't speak English when I came here last year," he said. "My first day in class, I was wondering, 'What am I doing here?'"
Mbaz jumped directly into robotics classes in fall 2025, relying on what proved to be ample support from classmates, professors and advisors, while gradually building his language skills one conversation at a time.
"In the beginning, it was very difficult," he said. "I just wanted to pass my classes. I didn't have a lot of expectations. But now, looking back, I'm really proud of myself."
His persistence quickly translated into success. Mbaz earned a 4.0 GPA, joined Phi Theta Kappa and became active in campus life, along with landing an on-campus job at the DMACC Ankeny library.
This academic year, he will serve as Phi Theta Kappa's Vice President of International Student Outreach for the Ankeny Campus, helping connect international students to opportunities for involvement, leadership and success.
Along the way, Mbaz discovered that leadership often begins with learning from others.
Through Phi Theta Kappa, he participated in service projects and developed skills working with students from different backgrounds and cultures. Drawing on earlier experiences performing in orchestras with musicians from across Africa and Europe, he learned how diverse perspectives can strengthen a team.
"It helped me learn to work with different people, different cultures and different points of view," Mbaz said. "That's something that has helped me a lot."
His contributions have not gone unnoticed.
"Daniel has been such a great addition to our Phi Theta Kappa chapter," said Dan Platt, DMACC associate professor of English and Phi Theta Kappa advisor. "He's thoughtful, hard-working and kind, and his work at DMACC exemplifies the spirit of the PTK Global Leaders of Promise award."
Receiving the scholarship came as a surprise. While working at the DMACC library, Mbaz opened an email announcing he had been selected.
"I was like, 'What? Really?'" he recalled. "I know it's hard for international students, so I wasn't expecting it. It motivated me to keep going. It's not easy, but it's possible."
As he prepares for the next phase of his educational journey, Mbaz hopes his story encourages other students, especially those navigating challenges far from home, to take chances on themselves.
"I just wanted to pass my classes," he said. "Now I know I can do it."
And so much more.
To learn more about Phi Theta Kappa, visit: