From aspirations to achievements: Lorena’s journey with Genesys Works Dec 5, 2024 San Francisco Bay Area Genesys Works Bay Area empowers dozens of high school students, like Lorena, through paid internships, skills training, and college application support every year. Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email Genesys Works aims to transform the lives of young people by bridging the gap between ambition and opportunity. For Lorena Romero, a 2019 Genesys Works Bay Area alumna, this bridge was life-changing. Lorena, born in Mexico City and raised in Oakland, grew up in a bustling home where the challenges of being a first-generation immigrant shaped her perspective on what was possible. “Once I started high school, I began to think about college, but as a low-income student, I thought going to college was not possible due to the cost,” Lorena shared during Genesys Works Bay Area’s 10-year anniversary celebration in November 2023. Her journey with Genesys Works began during her senior year of high school, when she became a Young Professional in their transformative program. Paired with an internship at PG&E, Lorena gained hands-on experience in compliance processes—fields she never imagined herself exploring at such a young age. “PG&E not only sparked my interest in what I wanted to study in college but gave me the confidence to carry my weight on the team,” she reflected. As a first-generation college student navigating unfamiliar terrain, Lorena faced immense challenges, from understanding financial aid and scholarships to managing college applications. “Before I joined Genesys Works, I didn’t even know there were so many scholarships available for someone like me since I wasn’t a citizen at the time,” Lorena said. With guidance from Genesys Works’ mentors, she successfully overcame these obstacles and realized her dream of pursuing higher education. Her hard work paid off when she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in information systems from UC Riverside—at just 20 years old and in only two years. “Genesys Works not only helped me cross this bridge but helped me build it,” Lorena explained. “They provided training, mentorship, and unwavering support, equipping me with the technical and soft skills essential for success in any workplace. Genesys Works isn’t just an organization—it’s a bridge of empowerment, resilience, and boundless opportunity.” Today, Lorena stands as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of Genesys Works and their ability to turn dreams into a reality.
