Thunderbird graduate envisions a future where culture and language are at the forefront

Editor's note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2022 graduates.

Undergraduate student Grace Guerrero spent much of her childhood traveling to and from Central America to visit her family in Guatemala. Prior to enrolling in the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, Guerrero knew that she needed a program that welcomed and understood her culture while supporting her academic success.

"My mother was born and raised in Guatemala, and I grew up in Seattle speaking Spanish and English at home. I went to a Spanish-speaking elementary school to keep up with my language because my heritage is very important to me," Guerrero said. "I have always envisioned a future where my roots and language could be a part of my work, and that was a huge part of what brought me to Thunderbird in the first place."

Guerrero will graduate with a Bachelor of Global Management from Thunderbird and Bachelor of Science in supply chain management from the W. P. Carey School of Business with a minor in economics.

Guerrero has also been selected as a recipient of the 2022 Moeur Award from the ASU Alumni Association. Since 1901, the Moeur Award has been presented to those undergraduates with the highest academic standing who have completed all their coursework toward their degree at ASU within eight consecutive fall and spring semesters.

Question: What motivates or inspires you?

Answer: I am deeply motivated by the thought that I can make a difference in the world. No matter how big or small, I want to be able to offer my input and leave my mark, whatever it may be.

Question: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at Thunderbird?

Answer: The teacher that has taught me the most important lesson here at Thunderbird School has been Professor Mary Sully De Luque. She was not only an incredible teacher but has also become a significant mentor to me and has taught me incredible lessons about leadership and understanding your self-worth. Huge thanks to her for helping me get to where I am now.

Question: What advice would you give to someone just starting a program at Thunderbird?

Answer: Take advantage of every event that Thunderbird offers! There are so many interesting speakers and seminars that Thunderbird offers that you cannot find in any other programs. Use these as opportunities to explore different paths and to meet new people. T-bird students and alumni are genuinely Thunderbird's biggest assets, and you can learn tons from them!

Question: What are your plans after graduation?

Answer: After graduation, I hope to start off my career in government and public service consulting, and hopefully build a path towards being a diplomat one day.