Karyna Cortes Lopez ‘25 has secured a full-time job before graduation, soon starting as a department specialist in the supply chain department at Albertsons Companies. The management major previously worked as a supply chain management Intern there, where she gained hands-on experience across eight rotational departments within the food retail supply chain. During the internship, Karyna identified her areas of interest and refined her career goals based on real-world exposure. By the end of the program, she was selected to travel to Boise, Idaho, to present a 30/60/90-day onboarding guide designed for HR professionals.
The management major in the Barney School of Business pursued a business degree due to her strong desire to challenge the status quo. “I am determined to soak up every piece of knowledge to build something of my own—breaking away from the cycle where Latinos are often expected to work endlessly for someone else's success. My goal is to empower myself and others to lead, own, and thrive in spaces where we have long been underrepresented.”
Karyna states that UHart contributed to her professional growth by exposing her to new habits, diverse perspectives, and the challenges of balancing academics while learning more about herself. “It may sound simple, but there’s significant growth that falls under that umbrella. I am not the same woman who first walked in.”
She adds that Barney helped prepare her to achieve her professional goals through its strong focus on career readiness. As a first-generation college student, she viewed these events and workshops as essential to making the most of her college experience. She also cites the Allan Center for Career and Professional Development as a valuable resource.
Karyna notes that her time at UHart was instrumental in shaping the professional connections she has today. Through her involvement in the Student Government Association for two years and serving as president of the Hispanic and Latino Student Association, she built lasting relationships with students, faculty, and administrators who have become friends, mentors, and resources. These leadership roles allowed her to create genuine connections beyond the classroom, with people who not only supported her goals but also challenged her to grow, saying, “I’m grateful to UHart for creating an environment where building this kind of meaningful network was possible.”
In addition to the extracurriculars mentioned, Karyna was also a member of the Barney Leadership Council, STRIDE, LEAD Women's Advancement, and the Commuter Student Association. She recalls her memorable experience at UHart as the return of Latin Night in April 2025.
Karyna Cortes Lopez ‘25, Barney School of BusinessI’m grateful to UHart for creating an environment where building this kind of meaningful network was possible.