Meet Desiree Figueroa: ’21 Master of Liberal Studies (MLSt) online
“I am a proud, lifelong Sun Devil,” says Desiree Figueroa, a College of Integrative Sciences and Arts alumna and program manager for student outreach and engagement at ASU’s J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute.
After receiving her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary arts and sciences from ASU’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, Figueroa decided to pursue her Master of Liberal Studies (MLSt) online at ASU’s College of Integrative Sciences and Arts.
“I chose my degrees because they both offered an interdisciplinary plan of study,” Figueroa says. “I didn’t want to feel tunneled into one specific area of study, but rather be able to explore different areas and topics at one time.”
As a program manager in the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, Figueroa uses her skills to amplify student innovators in the Venture Devils program, which catalyzes ventures and venture ideas among ASU and Maricopa Community College students.
Figueroa says she envisions a long career at ASU. Other future plans include completing her first book and possibly continuing her education at ASU.
Question: What is your favorite memory from your time as an ASU student?
Answer: Walking across the stage for the first time to receive my degree is, without a doubt, my favorite memory. It was an incredible experience to have all of my hard work, time, effort, and heart that I put into my education, recognized and celebrated. Being surrounded by my loved ones afterward, taking pictures and receiving warm hugs and congratulations is something that I cherish.
Q: What ASU student experiences stuck with you after graduating?
A: An unexpected experience that stuck with me is starting the process of writing a book! When I started my master’s degree, I had no idea what my applied project would be, but under the guidance of Professor Angela Giron, I was able to start writing a young adult novel that I hope to finish and publish one day. It was a great capstone project for a program that I enjoyed so much.
Q: Why did you choose your degrees?
A: I chose my degrees because they both offered an interdisciplinary plan of study. I didn’t want to feel tunneled into one specific area of study but rather be able to explore different areas and topics at one time. I also really enjoyed being able to customize my learning in a way that suited me. And, it was fun! I feel really lucky to be able to say that I had fun in each of my courses. Learning felt easy!
Q: Did you earn any scholarships at ASU?
A: I received the New American University Scholarship-Dean’s Award and the ASU Alumni Association Medallion Scholarship. I was a part of the Medallion Scholarship Program throughout my undergraduate career.
Q: Did you earn any awards or accolades during your time as an ASU student?
A: During my undergraduate degree, I was a member of the Hispanic Honor Society, a Barrett, The Honors College student, I was on the dean’s list every semester from fall 2016 to fall 2018, and graduated magna cum laude. During my graduate school studies, I was nominated for the Outstanding Graduate Award by the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts.
Q: What was your first job out of college?
A: My first job out of college was as an instructional assistant for Shaw Montessori Elementary. I was a student at Shaw Montessori as a child, along with my younger brother. It was cool to have my childhood principal become my boss and that was a “full circle” moment for me. I worked there for two years with students in 1st–3rd grades.
Q: Do you believe your degrees set you up for success?
A: Yes, my degrees have helped me gain a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that I carry with me throughout my career. One of the most impactful skills that I honed in on was critical thinking, which is something I find myself using nearly every day in my work.