Student Spotlight: Management Senior Builds Career-Ready Skills Through Entrepreneurship and Industry Experience
Nazarian College senior Jatziri Lopez, a management major with a minor in business law, will graduate this semester after building hands-on experience through entrepreneurship competitions, national conferences and industry internships.
In fall 2025, Lopez advanced to the top five of the 11th Annual CSUN Fast Pitch New Venture Competition. Her concept, Olga’s Salsa — inspired by her family’s taco stand in Sylmar — grew from customer demand.
“People would buy two tacos but ask for extra salsa,” Lopez said. “That’s when I knew there was demand.”
Preparing for Fast Pitch required Lopez to conduct competitor analysis, refine her business model and deliver a concise three-minute pitch. She said the experience strengthened her time management and public speaking skills. Lopez later advanced to the finals of the competition.
That same semester, Lopez attended the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Conference in Colorado with 16 CSUN students. Lopez learned she had been selected as a finalist. While at the conference, she participated in professional development workshops and interviewed with Cintas, gaining experience in navigating the recruitment process.
Her fall semester also led to an internship opportunity. Lopez connected with a recruiter from FHI Heat, a beauty brand known for its viral “Unbrush” product during Industry Night, a biannual networking event hosted by the college’s Career Education and Professional Development Center. After two rounds of interviews, she began working Jan. 26, 2026, as a business development intern.
In her role, Lopez conducts competitor analysis, researches international market opportunities and supports retailer relationship development as the company expands globally. She recently presented research on international development strategies for the company’s hair tool products.
“One of my strengths is pattern recognition,” Lopez said. “It’s necessary when you’re handling data and market analysis.”
Lopez said her coursework has directly supported her professional growth. She credits Business Law 280 with Professor Nanci Carr for strengthening her understanding of liability and asset protection, concepts she said are essential as she considers launching her own business.
As a first-generation college student and Dream Act recipient, Lopez said navigating financial aid and enrollment processes initially felt challenging. She encourages other students to seek guidance and use available resources, including mentorship from faculty and support from the Career Education and Professional Development Center.
As she continues developing her salsa venture, Lopez said her experiences have reinforced the value of preparation and persistence.