Esmeralda Martinez-Rosales ’23

Outstanding Young Alumni

Inspiring the Next Generation of Students

Guided by a passion for helping people from traditionally underrepresented groups, Esmeralda Martinez-Rosales is dedicated to supporting students as they navigate the college experience. The child of Mexican immigrants and the youngest of six daughters, Martinez-Rosales assumed she would leave high school early and start working to support her family. Instead, she became the first member of her family to attend college and graduate school.

With the support of a high school guidance counselor and the dedication of her parents—who enrolled Martinez-Rosales in programs that helped make the path to college a reality—she earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Cal State-Northridge. Driven to give back and help others realize their educational dreams, Martinez-Rosales earned her master’s degree in Counseling and College Student Personnel from California Lutheran University, all while working full-time.

A Life-Changing Experience

Martinez-Rosales found a warm and welcoming community at CLU. She connected with other first-generation students and gained valuable work experience in admission counseling. She credits Professor Angela Rowley for creating a strong sense of community among her cohort and modeling inclusive leadership.

“Attending CLU was a life-changing experience for me,” said Martinez-Rosales. “The connections I built with my peers and professors gave me the confidence to keep going, to keep working toward my goals.”

Today, as a Career and Transfer Specialist at Oxnard College, Martinez-Rosales draws on theories gleaned from her master’s program to take a holistic approach to her work. Many of the students she mentors are first-generation college students, juggling the demands of their studies with the need to provide financial support to their families. As a first-generation student who worked to support herself and her family while earning her degrees, Martinez-Rosales is a relatable inspiration to her students, a daily reminder of what they, too, can achieve.

Leaving a Lasting Impact on Students

Martinez-Rosales fosters inclusivity and cultural competence, ensuring the students and families she serves feel a sense of belonging on campus—the way she felt when she arrived at CLU. Rooted in gratitude for the opportunities afforded to her, Martinez-Rosales is instrumental in guiding her students toward opportunities that will have a transformative impact on their own lives.

“Sometimes it just takes one person to show you a path you hadn’t considered before,” said Martinez-Rosales. “It is very gratifying to be able to provide inspiration to underrepresented students, to let them know they have my support as they pursue their goals.”

She thinks often of her ancestors—especially as she walked across the stage to accept her diploma from CLU—reflecting on the opportunities they never had. To Martinez-Rosales, an education is a privilege, and she is proud to play a role in helping others carve a path toward their dreams.