“As a first-generation Latina student, I faced a financial barrier. My family was very supportive of me attending college, but could not financially support me after being admitted to prestigious universities right after high school. I decided to stay at my local community college and instead transfer out.
My involvement with 10,000 Degrees has given me financial support and built a community that pushes me to continue with school and my personal goals. Mark, who is my Fellow, checks in on me often and makes sure I’m on track to graduate. I know that if I have any questions, I can go to him. And Ann, 10,000 Degrees Director of Career Success, has given me advice on colleges to transfer to, resumes, and more. Through 10,000 Degrees, I am more sure about my career goals.
Attending community college and soon, a four-year university, brings my family pride. My younger siblings are now looking into universities because they are inspired by me.
There is not enough diversity in the finance industry. My hope is to inspire Latina women and women from other minority communities to pursue a higher education in finance, reminding them that there are careers in finance available for us, especially from low-income communities that may not have access to the proper resources and connections. By entering finance, and specifically, asset management, it will allow me to operationalize my love for my community by educating and, hopefully, financially rejuvenating underserved communities like my own.
I am ONE Degree of Change because I am determined to persevere.”