My name is Yuridiana Meneses Quintero. I was born in Mexico and immigrated to California at the age of 12,
facing the immense challenge of adapting to a new language, culture, and environment. Though it was difficult,
I’ve always felt deep gratitude for my mother’s courage in giving us a chance at a better life. At 16, we relocated
to Tennessee, which brought another cultural shift. Due to my immigration status at the time, I was told I would
not be able to attend college. Discouraged, I left high school at 16 to work alongside my mother in a candy factory,
where she instilled in me a strong work ethic, discipline, and integrity—values that continue to guide me today.
At 18, I began working at Volkswagen as a packer, eventually earning promotions to lead and then supervisor.
Although I was working 70–80 hours a week, I never let go of the desire to finish high school. I enrolled in GED
classes three times a week, and though it took me longer than others, completing my GED was one of the most
important decisions of my life. It opened the door to a new path—one that I was determined to walk through.
In 2012, DACA provided me with the legal ability to work and attend college. I visited multiple universities in
Tennessee, but DACA recipients were still considered out-of-state students. So, I made the difficult decision to
leave everything behind once again—this time including my family—and move to California, a state that offered
me residency and the chance to pursue higher education.
I began my academic journey at Los Angeles Mission College, where I built the study habits and structure I
needed. I later transferred to Pierce College, where I was inspired by professors from diverse backgrounds. Ms.
Carmell Stoianov, my EOP counselor, was instrumental in supporting me during a time when DACA students
faced significant uncertainty. I completed my undergraduate degree in Finance at California State University,
Northridge, where I developed a strong foundation in financial analysis, accounting, managerial economics,
business law, and strategy. Although my GPA was not as high as I had hoped—due to working two jobs and
supporting my mother—it reflects my perseverance, endurance, and determination.
Since graduating, I have consistently applied my academic knowledge in real-world settings. I’ve held leadership
roles for over a decade, including ten years as an Assistant Manager at Olive Garden, where I managed a team of
over 260 employees, oversaw hiring, onboarding, compliance, and training. I then joined Ruggable as a Senior
Manufacturing Supervisor, where I led cross-functional teams, implemented KPIs, launched new product lines,
and improved processes across shifts. Later, I transitioned into the financial sector at LMW Financial, where I
processed payroll, filed taxes, and learned the administrative backbone of running a business.
Currently, I serve as a Manufacturing Systems & Process Improvement Manager at Spartan Truck Inc., a growing
company undergoing major transformation. I am leading the implementation of Fulcrum, a manufacturing
software system that helps streamline operations, track inventory, labor, and profitability. I collaborate across
departments—sales, engineering, fabrication, accounting, and leadership—to close gaps, standardize processes,
and support continuous improvement projects such as 5S, BOM creation, and real-time data integration.
My decision to pursue an MBA is driven by a commitment to strengthen my ability to lead, scale business
operations, and support long-term growth both as a professional and future business owner. Although I’ve led
large teams and managed complex projects, I want to build on my experience with structured academic training
in finance, operations, and strategy. I also volunteer in my community by helping people file taxes, enroll in
retirement plans, apply for college aid, and understand financial systems.
My long-term goal is to open a financial and consulting firm to empower underserved communities. I envision
offering services and workshops on tax planning, opening a business, credit education, health insurance, and
college access—especially for first-generation students and immigrant families like mine. I want to make financial
literacy and opportunity accessible to those who often don’t know where to start.
CSUB’s Online MBA program stands out for its AACSB accreditation, flexible format, and practical curriculum
designed for working professionals. The online structure will allow me to continue contributing to my
organization while advancing my education. As a proud resident of California for over ten years, I am committed
to giving back to the state that gave me the chance to pursue my dreams. I want to continue growing here,
launching a business that supports others the way I was supported.
Thank you for considering my application. I am confident that the CSUB MBA program will help me reach both
my personal and professional goals—and I am equally confident that I will be a strong ambassador of the
program’s values and mission.