Karen Vielma-Cortes

My name is Karen Vielma-Cortes. I am a third-year business major concentrating in wine business strategies and marketing. I am the eldest of three sisters and a first-generation college student. I am a proud and independent Mexican-American woman. I fell in love with Sonoma State University in the sixth grade when I first saw the beautiful campus and I decided I wanted to someday graduate from SSU.

I work for the Green Music Center and as a coordinator for the Human Services Coalition in Join Us Making Progress (JUMP). I am the Event Manager for the Love Your Melon Club on campus and a member of the Business Management Club. I spent my past Spring Break volunteering in Portland, OR as a participant of Alternative Breaks through Join Us Making Progress (JUMP) and have volunteered with other parts of JUMP as well. I have also worked as Event Staff for Associated Student Productions (ASP) and served on the Advisory Council for the Senator of School of Business and Economics last year.

The main challenge I have faced at SSU has been learning to balance my academics and work, while still being involved on campus and with the community. Overall, I’ve had a very positive experience at SSU and I am glad I can call it my home away from home. Being involved on campus has been one of the best decisions that I have made. Sonoma State has given me many great opportunities, connections, experiences, and friendships.