What inspired you to pursue your field of study?

My journey into accounting began during my junior year of high school, when I enrolled in my first accounting course. I immediately connected with its logic and structure—it just made sense to me. As I continued exploring the field in college, I realized that accounting wasn’t just about numbers; it was a gateway to understanding how organizations function and how data can drive smart, ethical decisions. I eventually added Business Intelligence & Analytics as a second major because I wanted to combine my passion for finance with technology and innovation.

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What advice would you give to other young women who are interested in pursuing a similar career path as you?

I’d tell them that accounting is more versatile than it’s often perceived. It’s not just about bookkeeping—it’s about being a decision-maker. Whether you go into public accounting, forensic accounting, or leverage your skills to support social enterprises, this field gives you a foundation to pursue countless opportunities. My advice is to stay curious and don’t be afraid to blend your personal interests with your professional goals. Your background, your values, and your creativity can shape your career path in powerful ways.

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Have you had any role models or mentors who shaped your journey? If so, how did they impact your growth?

Absolutely. I’ve been lucky to have professors, supervisors, and family members who believed in me and challenged me to grow. As a first-generation Mexican American woman, representation has always mattered to me, and I’ve sought out mentors who not only guided me professionally but also helped me stay connected to my identity. One of my mentors taught me that leadership is not about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions and empowering others. That lesson continues to shape how I approach collaboration and community driven impact.

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Can you describe a moment or experience when you realized the potential of artificial intelligence to transform the business world? 

During my internship at C.T. Peters Inc., I was tasked with organizing and digitizing an art collection for an appraisal. The project was unorganized, making it hard to search or analyze. I proposed and implemented a digital catalog using Excel and Canva, applying basic business intelligence concepts I had learned in class. This system transformed a previously unmanageable archive into a searchable, shareable resource that saved time and improved communication.

That experience was a turning point for me—it showed how even simple tech solutions could create clarity, efficiency, and long-term value. It sparked my interest in applying advanced tools like AI to solve even larger, more complex challenges.

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Where do you see yourself making an impact in the future—and how do you hope to use AI or tech to do so?

My long-term goal is to launch a business that reinvests a portion of its profits into underprivileged communities—supporting education, infrastructure, and local entrepreneurship.

AI and business intelligence will be central to this vision, helping optimize supply chains and apply predictive analytics for sustainable growth.

I want to use AI not just for innovation, but to promote inclusion and cultural visibility. With the right support, I believe I can build systems that honor heritage while creating new economic opportunities. This mission drives my passion to learn, build, and give back.