María Díaz

María Díaz: LMU Valedictorian jump-starts career at Honda

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LMU’s 2017 Valedictorian María Díaz graduates on the fast-track to the Honda Motor Company, where she will put her economics degree to good use in their exporting and importing department analyzing marketing trends. A native of Ecuador, María was recruited by the company at LMU’s Career Expo last fall.

“One of LMU’s best resources is their office of Career & Professional Development,” María said. “Not only was I able to perfect my resume and interviewing skills, but I was kept readily informed about professional opportunities suited to my unique skill set.”

In addition to being named Valedictorian, María is also the recipient of the Economics Department’s Micro-Economic Theory Scholar of the Year award and the Quantitative Economics Scholar of the Year award.

“LMU has taught me not only the meaning of academic excellence,” María said, “but how to relate to others and be a humbler person – virtues I believe will help me excel going forward.”

In addition to her economics major, María also minored in political science and was involved in a number of campus activities, including acting as Community Service Chair for the Residence Hall Association, and membership in the Economics Society, and Resilience, a student organization that helps students deal with issues surrounding immigration.

Originally drawn to the bluff for its top-ranked academic programs, Maria was impressed by the LMU’s campus beauty and its friendly, open student body.

“The people really spoke to me,” Maria said. “The bluff just seemed like a place I could grow and prosper.”

Looking to the future, Maria hopes to one-day work for the World Bank as an Economics Consultant, working with Presidents around the globe.

As for what advice she has for incoming Lions...?

“Don’t be afraid, just be yourself,” Maria said. “And never compromise your values.”