Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2025 graduates.
Growing up with a spirit of adventure and a love for the outdoors, Kembly Gonzalez’s path led her down a road to blend her passion for people and sports.
The Hamilton, California, resident grew up in a tight-knit family, riding dirt bikes, quads and hunting with her dad. Gatherings and special occasions always involved celebrations, and weddings were her favorite.
She wondered how she could pursue a career that would allow her to blend her love for the outdoors and creating experiences that bring people together.
It was while working at Starbucks that Gonzalez discovered the Starbucks College Achievement Plan and Arizona State University.
The Starbucks College Achievement Plan is a first-of-its-kind partnership with ASU that allows all eligible U.S. partners (employees) to earn their first bachelor’s degree through ASU’s top-ranked online degree programs.
Through ASU Online, she found the perfect degree program that would launch her career goals forward and the flexibility to balance her coursework with work and spend quality time with loved ones.
“Education has been my pathway to growth, and Starbucks has given me the opportunity to truly blossom in aspects of my life I didn’t know I was capable of,” she said. “Through SCAP, I’ve gained an understanding that education is not just about me but also about uplifting my family, my store, and my community.”
Gonzalez graduates this fall with a bachelor’s degree in tourism and recreation management from the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
“Thank you, Starbucks, for giving me the opportunity to let my light shine,” she said. “My journey throughout these four years has been the best learning experience. SCAP gave me the chance to live our Starbucks’ mission in my own community.”
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 biggest “aha” was being selected by Erin Schneiderman to participate in an internship with the NFL for Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas! It was great to be behind the scenes to see how all the pieces come together. I was given an official badge and gear, and got to work with an incredible team from ASU. It was surreal to be invited to network with the organizers of the event.
This experience led me to discover that I am a natural-born planner and that the sports industry offers a lot of opportunities to choose from. This experience was so impactful that I decided to return again and intern for Super Bowl LX 2026 in Santa Clara.
Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU Online — in the classroom or work — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
A: Education requires acts of courage and challenging situations at times. I have learned that being uncomfortable is part of growth. In life, you face unexpected challenges, and how you pick yourself up is important as you push towards new goals. Starbucks has been a great motivation for me to keep striving for greatness even during tough times. Starbucks gave me the opportunity to pursue higher education despite the adversity.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU Online?
A: Professor Erin Schneiderman’s background in special event management makes her such a tremendous resource. She is so knowledgeable and supportive and has a tremendous network to help students pursue their passion in event planning.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I plan to pursue a career in the event management industry. I am very passionate about sharing my creativity and hope to one day become a wedding planner to showcase that in many beautiful ways. I want my clients to feel confident in sharing their ideas, and myself, as the planner, to be able to deliver their vision and more. Starbucks has shown me the ability to create a better experience for our customers. I want that positive impact to carry on to my future career. These skills will be valuable when I own my own business because I understand that at the heart of customer service is building relationships with clients.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: I would use the $40 million towards climate change and its impact on the tourism industry. It is damaging beaches, forests and other natural attractions that people enjoy visiting. It also causes storms, floods and extreme weather that can damage roads, hotels and important travel buildings. As the weather changes, some places have shorter tourist seasons or become less enjoyable to visit. This leads to problems for businesses, less money for communities and fewer visitors overall. Some new places may become popular in the future, but many well-known tourist spots are now at risk and may struggle to survive if climate change continues.
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