Last November, UVU’s Women’s Success Center held its inaugural Women Awards ceremony to recognize change-makers in the community who contribute to help women graduate from UVU. The recipient of the Outstanding Alum Award was Krystal Guerra, a Woodbury alum. She shared her feelings on receiving the 2019 Outstanding Alum award, what she’s been doing since graduation, as well as the impact UVU has had on her life.

“Receiving the 2019 Outstanding Alum award fills me with gratitude, humility, and excitement,” said Krystal Guerra, “because I was someone who had a lot stacked against them as a first-generation Latina. Starting as a small-town girl not knowing how I would pay for college, to receiving this recognition is a testament to the system UVU offers and the person I became along the way. I want others who come from a similar background to see that it is possible! I am proud of who I am and where I come from, and thankful that UVU equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to make it where I am.”

“I’m a Utah native of Mexican descent, and both of my parents are immigrants from Mexico. I grew up in Santaquin, Utah, where diversity was limited. I learned to work at a young age as my dad was a farmer, and I would spend summers selling produce on the side of the road operating my own fruit stand. This sparked my interest in marketing, business, and selling, and it wasn't until high school that I understood I could have a career in marketing. I worked hard through high school because my mom ingrained in me the importance of furthering my education. My mom spent her life working in a factory standing long hours in the heat. She used to tell me that I should go to school so I could work in an air-conditioned office and wear dresses to work. I had the opportunity to visit UVU while in high school through several business/marketing competitions and fell in love with the campus vibe. I earned a decent scholarship to get me through my first year in school, and I thought I would transfer after my associate’s degree, but I was hooked on being a wolverine. I became a first-generation and first to graduate college in my family. I’m proud that I was able to do it without student loans.”

“Since graduating, I’ve had the opportunity to work in tech for 10 years in the field of marketing, working with hundreds of clients and gaining wide experience in event programming, media relations, digital marketing, and demand generation. I currently work for Instructure as a Senior Demand Generation Manager. Previously, I rose from the ranks of an intern to become the VP of marketing for my last company, where I was actively involved in helping raise over $8 million in venture capital. I am also the CEO and founder of Guerra Media—an agency dedicated to advocating for inclusivity, women in leadership, and preparing young adults for career success. In 2019, I was recognized as one of Utah’s 30 Women to Watch by Utah Business Magazine, and I have been featured in several publications, conferences, podcasts, and news channels including: ABC4, Fox13, and KSL5. In 2018, I became the co-founder of the Utah Latino Business Expo—an event focused on bringing business, community, and culture together. I continue to speak all around the nation and plan to release a book in the near future. My hope is to help inspire others to aspire higher and show them that it's possible to succeed and rise above adversity. I feel that I have an obligation to help others ascend the ladder of success.” 

“My experience at UVU was incredible! I am so thankful that UVU welcomed me and created a space where I could feel like I belonged, and there was room for me at the table. I became involved because I knew I was going to need financial aid, and I also knew that I had a lot to learn because the aspirations I had for myself weren't like anything my family was prepared to help guide me with. I relied heavily on my counselors and attended most summers to ensure I was on track to graduate because I couldn't afford to waste any time. I got involved with student government after my first year and worked in the Clubs and Organizations office. I eventually ran for a VP position and became part of the executive student council, where I participated in the transition to university status, the groundbreaking of the new library, and the selection process of the new UVU president (Matthew Holland). I was also involved with the UVU Multicultural Center, Women's Success Center, and the Center for the Advancement of Leadership (CAL program). I even got a job on campus at the UVU Math Lab. I appreciated my professors like Troy Nielson and Ramendra Thakur, who not only helped me with my schooling questions but helped prepare me for life after college. I also have great appreciation to UVUSA for all the leadership skills and networking opportunities. On top of all that, I also became a freshman orientation leader for a summer giving tours.”

“I like to say that my parents gave me my work ethic, but UVU gave me my start. It really was the vehicle that has allowed me to choose my own adventure and become the person I am in my career today. The education was great, and of course a degree makes a difference, but I feel like I am degreed for life with the people and leadership skills I gained by getting involved and taking advantage of all the resources campus had to offer. It was more than just attending school for me. UVU became my friends and extended family and became a space where I felt like I could succeed. I enjoyed moving away for college and living near the campus to allow me more time to be involved and focused with my studies.”

“If I could share one thing with every UVU student, it would be that regardless of where you come from or how far behind you feel, it’s okay. There is someone who can help you if you're willing to ask the questions, and that there is room for you at UVU to succeed and turn your dreams into reality. Be intentional, relentless in your pursuits, and get involved! The campus has so much to offer outside of your classroom.”