Undergraduate | Humans of Stern: Camila Vazquez (BS '26)

Humans of Stern is a series in which we meet the real people who study at the NYU Stern Undergraduate College. Today, we’re excited for Camila Vazquez (BS '26) to answer our questions about everything from what drew her to choose Stern, her time studying away, and a piece of exciting news.

Name: Camila Vazquez
Class Year: 2026
Degree Program: BS in Business
Fun Fact: I’ve traveled to 16 countries in 2 years! Before NYU, I had only traveled to Mexico (where my family is from)

What brought you to NYU Stern/NYC?

As a first-generation student born and raised in The Bronx, I've always dreamt of attending NYU. During my senior year of high school, I decided to pursue business and made it a goal to travel, which further solidified my college decision. What drew me most to Stern was its unique business core focused on ethics and social impact, as well as the opportunity to study away. I am also super family-oriented; growing up in NYC and experiencing its unique culture, I knew I wanted to stay close to home!

What’s your favorite class and why?

My favorite class has been “Stern Around the World: Sustainability in Costa Rica,” taught by Professor Jill Simeone. In this course, I had the opportunity to collaborate with my team (Equipo Rana!) to help Pollen Keepers, a small, artisanal honey company, scale into international retail markets. It was such a unique and enriching experience because I was able to leverage my native Spanish in a professional setting for the first time and learn about Costa Rican sustainability. I truly appreciate how Professor Simeone made the course so engaging and helped us build strong connections that extended far beyond the classroom. She definitely left her mark as my favorite professor at Stern!

What do you do with your weekends?

Honestly, I love using my weekends for self-care and quiet moments. My favorite activities are working out, watching a movie with friends, trying new restaurants and yummy foods around the city, or spending time with family. I also enjoy picking up new hobbies. Recently, I’ve been having so much fun with pottery and dance classes!

How has your time at Stern shaped what your goals are for your future?

I’ve learned to lean into discomfort and push past my comfort zone to keep growing and adapting. As a first-gen Mexican-American, I didn’t know what to expect when starting my professional journey, and I spent much of my early days at Stern simply learning how to navigate college. Stern ultimately helped me discover a passion for using digital marketing as a tool for social impact. Now, I aspire to apply the global mindset I’ve gained to every project in hopes of creating change and reaching a wide range of people. I also aim to be a resource for fellow first-generation Latine students, providing mentorship and advice to help them thrive in both academic and professional settings!

What is your fondest memory so far during your time here?

My fondest memory so far is my time in Madrid during sophomore spring because it was filled with so many “firsts.” I was the first in my family to go abroad, the first to travel to multiple countries, and the first to live alone while navigating a completely new culture. I became a much more mature, independent, and adaptable person because of this experience, and I’m so grateful for it.

Where is the coolest place Stern has taken you globally? Or where would you like to go?

During my time in the International Business Exchange Program (IBEX) at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, I finally got to visit Japan. It has been a dream destination of mine since childhood, and I loved it so much that I actually went back three times during my semester abroad. Kyoto was my favorite; it felt so different from anywhere else I’ve been, especially with its serene nature and slower pace of life.

Where’s your favorite place in the city and why?

I love walking through Greenwich Village because of the brownstones, the quiet atmosphere, and the yummy food. 

The piers, especially Pier 45, are where I go to admire the skyline. I enjoy walking down to watch the sunset over the water.  

Anything exciting you’d like to share?

I actually just received some really exciting news: I was selected for an NYU Stern Senior Award! As a first-gen Latina, being chosen for an award that recognizes leadership and social impact fills me with so much happiness. This is truly a full-circle moment for my time here at Stern, proving that all of the hard work and dedication were worth it!