Meet Itzy: Building a Path to Impact

  • By taking on a leadership role in a student organization, Itzy built valuable connections that unlocked career opportunities and helped her discover the right path.
  • Itzy’s journey—from political engagement in college to auditing for government agencies—highlights her commitment to problem-solving for underserved communities.
  • Inspired by a lifelong dream to travel, her career led her to Australia, where she continues making an impact as a senior auditor.

Current Role

Senior Auditor

Career Field

Government

Degree

M.A., Public Policy
B.A., Government and Economics

School

Mills College at Northeastern University, 2017
California State University, Sacramento, 2015

  • By taking on a leadership role in a student organization, Itzy built valuable connections that unlocked career opportunities and helped her discover the right path.
  • Itzy’s journey—from political engagement in college to auditing for government agencies—highlights her commitment to problem-solving for underserved communities.
  • Inspired by a lifelong dream to travel, her career led her to Australia, where she continues making an impact as a senior auditor.

Current Role

Senior Auditor

Career Field

Government

Degree

M.A., Public Policy
B.A., Government and Economics

School

Mills College at Northeastern University, 2017
California State University, Sacramento, 2015

College Grad to Auditor

As a first-generation Mexican American and the first in her family to graduate from college, Itzy has always been driven to advocate for what is right. Her role as an auditor allows her to apply her problem-solving skills to real-world issues, particularly those affecting underserved communities.

At the California State Auditor’s Office, she focused on child welfare, helping resolve critical issues and shape legislative recommendations. Now based in Sydney, Australia, she works as a senior auditor, conducting internal performance audits for private companies and government agencies.

Opening Doors Through Connections

Itzy describes the confidence she gained as a Dell Scholar, knowing she had the program’s support behind her. While she started college as a shy student, taking on a leadership role as Vice President of Finance for California College Democrats further helped her step out of her comfort zone. She quickly realized the power of networking: “Every connection I made opened up new doors.”

Exploring a potential law career, she leveraged her network to land legal and financial advising internships. Though law school wasn’t the right fit, the experience gave her clarity. Now, she encourages others to seize similar opportunities: “It’s great for your resume, but more importantly, it helps you figure out what you actually want to do.”

Education made travel possible for me. I think a lot of young people need to see how the world works outside of their hometown. It really opens your eyes to new ways of living.

A Dream That Took Her Around the World

At 15, Itzy made a list of places she hoped to visit one day, with the Sydney Opera House at the top. Coming from a large family, travel seemed out of reach. But after graduating and launching her career, she made it to Australia—and decided to stay.

“Education made travel possible for me. I think a lot of young people need to see how the world works outside of their hometown. It really opens your eyes to new ways of living.”

Paying It Forward

Itzy is now a guide for her younger siblings, nieces, and nephews, helping them navigate college applications, financial aid, and scholarships. Her biggest advice? Stay open to possibilities.

“Believe in yourself. A lot more people believe in you than you realize, and you can get where you want to go.” She also encourages Dell Scholars to cultivate hobbies outside of work. For her, that means writing and recording music–she released three songs in the past year!

From Ambition to Achievement

Dell Scholars’ stories show how the right support fuels success. See how they’re building careers that empower them to give back to their families and communities.