Vanessa Garcia ’22
What have you been up to since graduation?
Since graduating, I’ve stayed busy balancing my new career, volunteer work, and my passion for running. Professionally, I am a financial risk consultant. Outside of work, I serve on the Student Affairs Committee with the Association of Latino Professionals for America, where I help connect Latino students with corporate partners across various industries such as consulting and finance. In this role, I also support workshops focused on key professional skills, including crafting elevator pitches and preparing for interviews.
As an early-career professional, I’ve realized that the first-generation experience doesn’t end at graduation. It continues while we navigate the professional world. As a first-generation college graduate myself, I want to pay it forward and help open doors for those exploring their career paths.
Additionally, I serve on the Latino Alumni Association board at Northwestern as the community engagement chair, creating social and professional events aimed at strengthening connections among the Latino alumni network. For more information on our upcoming events, feel free to follow our Instagram page: @nulatinoalumni.
What made the biggest impact on your life at Northwestern?
Two organizations notably shaped my time at Northwestern. First, I am proud to have competed on the women’s varsity cross country team. Competing at the collegiate level was something I, as someone from a low-income background, had never envisioned for myself. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity, as it helped shape me into a more confident and resilient individual. I’ll always remember the early morning workouts along the lakefront with my teammates. The Northwestern athletics department also provided invaluable support, from medical resources to academic services, which enriched my experience as a student-athlete.
Second, my sorority, Kappa Delta Chi, played a significant role in my undergraduate journey. I was inspired by the strong, driven Latinas around me. They welcomed me and gave me a home away from home. I was surrounded by peers pursuing diverse paths in medicine, academia, engineering, and more, all while proudly embracing their identities. Being able to participate in a highly competitive athletics program while staying connected to my cultural identity best captured my Northwestern experience.
What advice would you give recent graduates as they prepare for life after Northwestern?
My advice is twofold. First, embrace the learning curve that comes with starting a new job. It’s normal not to have all the answers at the beginning. Growth happens over time.
Second, and equally important, invest in your life outside of work. Building a strong support system and staying connected with friends—whether through weekend coffee meetups or quick midweek check-ins—can make a huge difference. When work or the realities of adulting get tough, friends and family will be there to support you and help fill your life with joy.
I also encourage you to invest in hobbies and interests beyond your career. Work can sometimes become all-consuming, but maintaining interests outside of work gives you space to decompress, recharge, and even meet new people. And as always, go ’Cats!