MBA Alum Perla Zuniga: 2024 Innovation for Social Impact Competition Winner
December 10, 2024
December 3, 2024 – Perla Zuniga, MBA ‘24, showcased her MBA Capstone project entitled, KAMBIANDO, at the CSUMB International Responsible Business Social Impact (IRBSI) Symposium, where she was honored as a winner of the Innovation for Social Impact Competition.
Perla Zuniga, MBA '24
Empowering Latinas: Breaking Barriers, Creating Change
“This is a deeply personal venture born from my experiences as a Latina navigating societal expectations and limited opportunities in the United States. Many Latina girls grow up with a narrow vision of what they can achieve, shaped by cultural norms that prioritize caregiving and self-sacrifice over personal aspirations. Through KAMBIANDO, I aim to break these barriers by providing young Latinas with the necessary tools and knowledge for higher education, mentorship, leadership development, and economic independence—creating a ripple effect of change in our community."
From Vision To Reality
“The CSUMB Online MBA program was instrumental in turning this vision into reality, equipping me with strategic, financial, and organizational skills. Its emphasis on social responsibility encouraged me to design a sustainable, mission-driven venture that not only generates revenue but also gives back. The support from professors and staff in the MBA program was invaluable. Their mentorship and business experience pushed me to think outside the box and see KAMBIANDO as more than just a capstone project—it became a real, viable solution for social change.
“Winning the Innovation for Social Impact Competition at the IRBSI Symposium was a powerful validation that KAMBIANDO’s mission resonates beyond my personal experience. It showed me the overwhelming support for this cause and the true potential of this venture. With every step, I remain committed to ‘changing the world—one girl at a time.’"
About Perla
Perla Zuniga was born and raised in Mexico City and immigrated to the United States at the age of 15. As a first-generation college graduate, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from CSU Channel Islands in 2003 and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Cal State Monterey Bay in 2024.
Due to her undocumented status upon arriving in the U.S., Perla gained experience in various roles across multiple industries before transitioning into the public sector. She began her government career with the City of Santa Ana, where she held several high-level management positions. Currently, she serves as the Principal Management Analyst for the Finance Unit of the Huntington Beach Police Department.
Beyond her professional career, Perla is a dedicated mother of three and is actively working on launching her business venture, KAMBIANDO, a social venture aimed at empowering Hispanic girls in Santa Ana, CA.