2024-25 President's Scholars

Vanessa Fuentes

Hugh and Judy La Bounty President's Scholar

Major: Public Relations and Minor in Marketing Management

College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences

Activities: Hermanas Unidas-Chair; CLASS Council-Chair; Mexican American Students Association
Chair; American Marketing Association; Student Assistant to the CLASS Communication Department; Reading; Hiking; Tennis

Vanessa loves to learn about the “why” of communication and finds Cal Poly Pomona a haven where students can embrace and celebrate their differences as one of the most positive forms of connection. Growing up and surrounded by multimedia such as the borrowed music from her sister’s iPod, news shows in Spanish that her parents watched, or playing with her older brother’s gaming system made her realize her passion for the interconnectedness of people and their means of expression. She wants to use the skills
she is learning in public relations to strengthen community. “I would love to volunteer with organizations that help low-income Latino families in need.” Cheering on Vanessa are her family, and she is inspired by her brother who graduated with two majors, her parents who immigrated from Mexico, and upholding the dreams of her late sister, who attempted college but was unable to continue due to health reasons. “Growing up bilingual, I want to use my first language for good, whether that be with event planning or non-profits. I am planning on making change.”