Mom and Uber employee finds success through ASU Online to become a first-generation college graduate
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2025 graduates.
Leeza Topete’s family arrived in the United States when she was just eight years old. Her parents did not just carry luggage, but also dreams of giving their three children the opportunities they never had.
As the youngest of three, Topete felt that responsibility deeply. Thanks to DACA, the Bullhead, Arizona, resident was able to continue her education in 2014 and completed an associate’s degree in criminology from Mohave Community College.
This fall, the transfer student and first-generation college graduate will earn a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice from the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions — this time not only for herself, but for her son, her family and her parents.
Topete mentions that working for Uber played a pivotal role in her academic journey.
The Uber-ASU partnership creates an opportunity for qualifying drivers, couriers and family members to receive 100% tuition coverage at Arizona State University toward a four-year undergraduate degree online.
“Their support went beyond the financial assistance they provided, eliminating that stress but also creating a space for me to grow both professionally and academically,” Topete said. “Because of that, I was able to stay focused on my studies and keep moving forward to my goal of graduating from ASU.”
Earning her degree through ASU Online gave her the flexibility to balance three demanding roles at once: student, employee and mother of an 8-month-old son.
“The support I received from the success coaches and academic advisors made a lasting impact,” Topete said. “They provided academic guidance, listened and remembered the little things, making me feel truly seen. They encouraged me to keep going, even on my hardest days.”
Topete is grateful not just for the flexibility that ASU Online offered, but for the sense of empowerment the Uber partnership provided.
We spoke to Topete regarding her experience at ASU Online and her plans after graduation.
Note: Interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Question: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
Answer: My passion for law enforcement started way before I worked as a 911 dispatcher in 2020. Initially, while I was pursuing an associate’s degree in education, my neighbor at that time was a 911 dispatcher in Bullhead City. She took me to work with her for one of her shifts, and that was what shifted my career path and changed my major to criminology. I realized that law enforcement was my true calling, and I’ve been committed to serving my community ever since.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: Take it one day at a time, and trust that every step brings you closer to your goal. Focus on the positives; even the small wins matter. If you stumble or face setbacks, always remember it is okay; everything happens for a reason. What matters the most is that you pick yourself back up and continue forward. Always remember that your mental health is just as important as your academic and personal progress. When things feel overwhelming, give yourself the time to pause, reflect and recharge. You deserve it.
To my Hispanic and immigrant community: “¡Esto es el resultado de un Mexicano cuando quiere salir adelante! Si se puede mi gente.” — Penta Zero Miedo.
Q: What was your favorite spot for power studying?
A: My favorite spot for my power studying is definitely my home office/library. It is not just the area in my home where I tackle homework and my workplace, but it is also a reflection of who I am. I am surrounded by shelves that are filled with my favorite books, my achievements, and all my K-pop merchandise. Every time I step into this space, I am able to tune out any distractions, focus and give my absolute best.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
Now that I’ve completed my academic journey, I am ready to focus fully on my career goal of becoming a victim advocate and working within law enforcement. This next chapter of my life is about putting my passion into practice and serving my community. I am also looking forward to dedicating more time to pursuing goals for both my professional and personal life.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: I would tackle our immigration system. I am passionate about finding ways to support individuals who have lived in the United States for over a decade in gaining their citizenship. A lot of these individuals have built lives, contributed to their communities, and they deserve a path to legal recognition. I am especially committed to advocating for immigrant children who arrived in the United States at a young age, and as they grow up, they are often faced with limited opportunities compared to their U.S.-born peers. I believe everyone deserves a fair chance to thrive, and I want to be part of the solution.
This article was written by Yoshita Yajjapurapu for ASU Online.
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