Claudia Sanchez has come a long way from early childhood language barriers to college insecurities, along with struggles to find identity and direction. Determined now more than ever, she has earned not one, but two business administration degrees (business analytics & accounting ‘20) and recently graduated from the master of science in accountancy program (MSA ‘22). Getting involved on campus helped her grow as a student leader and professional. 

“By going through two undergraduate degrees I learned that there are no shortcuts to success. You have to work hard to achieve almost everything in life,” Claudia says. 

After overcoming challenges as an ambitious transfer student and a graduate student, Claudia stood out through involvement in campus clubs and centers, including Beta Alpha Psi and the Accounting Association, and in her role as a student ambassador for The California Society of CPAs (CalCPA). Her passion and motivation is like no other, allowing Claudia to succeed and lead. Claudia is currently an audit associate for Ernst & Young Global Limited.

Throughout her academic journey, Claudia says she was inspired by her mother, sister, and partner, but also key resources at CSUSB that helped empower her such as her professors. 

“The made an impact on me. They were welcoming and open to share how to work hard and not take shortcuts in order to be successful”, she said. 

Other campus inspirations and resources for Claudia are Maria Maldonado and Iveth Diaz from the Undocumented Student Success Center on campus. The center was like a home to Claudia at CSUSB. Maria’s and Iveth’s leadership skills inspired Claudia to take on different leadership roles on campus and with the Undocumented Advocates student club.

“I learned so much from them. I admired their leadership skills, and the way they interacted with their students. They are both caring souls who up to this moment, I still consider my friends,” Claudia said.

Claudia started to be involved in the Undocumented Advocates club in 2018. She was able to serve on this club as the president, and later as the community outreach coordinator. She also served as student representative for the Undocumented Alumni Chapter and Leadership Development Officer on the board.

Her involvement didn't stop there. She was active with CalCPA and Betal Alpha Psi, recruiting new members, to peer mentoring students, and helping new officers/leaders. Among other projects, Claudia was involved with the launch of workshops offered to community college students and high schools. In fact, CSUSB came together with CSUSB faculty, CalCPA and Betal Alpha Psi to present financial literacy workshops. It is by being involved with the Accounting Association that Claudia had the opportunity of working closely with JHBC’s Accounting and Finance Department on various initiatives. After a yearlong internship with a local CPA firm, Claudia took some time to complete her MSA and was recently hired at EY.