Published: Sept. 14, 2012

Lorenzo Herrera, a senior from San Diego, came to CU-ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ with a definite objective and has not wavered from that purpose. Reflecting his intention to develop his leadership skills and to work on social action projects that help empower others, he designed his own personalized academic experience.

β€œI want to go out with a bang my senior year,” declared Herrera, who is majoring in operations and information management.

When he was an incoming freshman, Herrera participated in the held each summer through the at CU-ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ. The program provides top high school seniors and incoming CU-ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ freshmen from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to compete in a marketing campaign and a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship to the business school.Μύ Since then Herrera has served as program counselor and this past summer he coordinated the entire program.

β€œGetting involved on campus is a great way to jump start your college career,” said Herrera. β€œYou get to interact with professors and business professionals and meet other students with similar interests.”

Concerned about victims of wage theft in the community, Herrera helped establish the , a grassroots volunteer organization that helps individualsβ€”many of whom are migrant workersβ€”reclaim unpaid wages.

Last year he had an internship with a Denver startup company that makes mobile phone payment applications.

Herrera is currently serving as representative-at-large and treasurer of the. Μύ

One of Herrera’s goals for his senior year is to help develop a summer leadership program for promising Chicano and Latino high school students that will focus on social issues in the community. Working with CU-ΒιΆΉΣ°ΤΊ administration, faculty and community members, they plan to launch the program next summer. A unique feature of the program is an interactive theatre performance to showcase what participants have learned.

As he refines his career goals, Herrera draws on the many resources available on campus, such as , the , and the

β€œThe Office of Diversity Affairs has definitely had the most impact on my college career,” said Herrera, β€œby providing me with a scholarship, peer mentors, and the opportunity to build relationships with many students I can relate to at the school of business.”