���ϲ�����

When Yadira Fernandez Delgado ‘25 enrolled in the ���ϲ����� in Los Angeles program, she never imagined that a casual scroll on TikTok would change everything. After posting a simple comment, “would you be down for an intern?”, she landed an internship at Dream Studio DTLA, a Latina-owned photography studio.

“I’d been so focused on business that venturing into a creative studio was a big risk,” Fernandez Delgado said. “But it ended up opening my eyes to community-building, storytelling, and using business as a way to empower voices that often go unheard.”

At Dream Studio DTLA, Fernandez Delgado learned firsthand how branding and partnership strategies can elevate not only a company, but also the people behind it. She organized the studio’s first-anniversary pop-up event, inviting local Latina-owned brands and vendors, and even stepped in front of the camera herself for her first-ever modeling shoot.

“I discovered I love connecting people,” she said. “Seeing these creatives, many of them Latinx, grow their visibility because of our work was profoundly meaningful. It showed me how business tools can drive cultural and social impact.”

Andrea Baltodano, founder of Dream Studio DTLA, added that Yadira’s impact was unmistakable.

“I’m incredibly proud and honored to have had Yadira on our team in Los Angeles,” said Baltodano. “Her work ethic, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment left a lasting impression on our studio and clients—her contributions truly elevated our work.”

While excelling at her marketing internship, Fernandez Delgado was also navigating courses in Writing for Cinema and Television, Media Law & Ethics, and LA Art & Architecture, all outside her usual business curriculum.

“I’d always seen myself as the ‘business school person,’” she said. “Being immersed in creative classes showed me that business isn’t just numbers; it’s also ideas, innovation and human connection.”

For Fernandez Delgado, higher education was never a guarantee. Growing up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as a first-generation college student, she saw college as both an incredible opportunity and an intimidating unknown.

Supported by the Odyssey Program, joining the Latinx Hispanic Union and caring mentors at the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, she gained more than just confidence—she found her voice.

Now pursuing a 3+1 degree in Business Analytics, Fernandez Delgado transformed a TikTok comment into an internship opportunity in Los Angeles, where her passion for business and creativity ignited.

“I’ve lived in North Carolina almost all my life,” said Fernandez Delgado. “Getting the chance to study in L.A., dive into new creative industries, and experience a whole new sense of culture helped me embrace so many new passions. It’s shown me just how much further I can go.”

Fernandez Delgado credits the faculty, staff and mentors at ���ϲ����� for guiding her especially as a first-generation student. The Odyssey Program not only provided scholarship support but also a close-knit community that nurtured her growth.

“I’ve met so many mentors. People who taught me I can dream big, be vulnerable and discover what really fuels me,” she said. “Whether it was a professor, a staff member or a fellow student, they understood my background and helped me see my own strength.”

Throughout her time at ���ϲ�����, she built strong relationships with faculty and staff who supported her evolving goals, whether in finance, creative entrepreneurship or even a potential path to law school.

“I’ve been all over the place with my ambitions,” she said. “My mentors never discouraged me. They said, ‘Okay, how can we help you grow?’ That’s been a huge part of my journey.”

Although her path is still unfolding, Fernandez Delgado is at peace with the unknown. Looking back, she sees how far she’s come: from her family’s encouragement to attend college, to discovering scholarship programs at ���ϲ�����, to flying across the country for an internship found through social media.

“I hope my story shows fellow first-gen students that stepping outside your comfort zone can unlock opportunities you never knew existed,” Fernandez Delago said. “Sometimes all it takes is one TikTok comment and a university that believes in your potential to realize you can do something extraordinary.”