Fernanda Sebastian is a first generation collegiate that has just completed her second year at California Polytechnic State University. She is an aspiring Veterinarian, majoring in animal Science. Fernanda’s involvement with Girls Inc. has been transformative. She first joined Girls Inc her junior year in 2021 and actively participated in our weekly programming sessions, demonstrating interest in personal growth and community engagement.

Her leadership potential quickly became evident as she joined the Teen Advocacy Council, where she collaborated with peers to address pressing issues affecting girls in our community. Recognizing her outstanding commitment and leadership qualities, Fernanda was selected to represent Girls Inc. of San Diego as a National Brand Ambassador.

After graduating high school, Fernanda was selected to intern for our Eureka! STEM Summer Camp at UCSD. In addition she was awarded $10K by the Kia America Scholarship Program.

In 2025 Fernanda was awarded $5K by the San Diego Foundation. She continues to trail-blaze opportunities for under-served communities most recently securing a Hispanic Serving Institution grant to fund her newly founded club, Latinos in Veterinary Medicine.

Within Veterinary Medicine, Latinos are a minority with only 20% of students identifying as Hispanic and only 0.5% of vets in California are Latinx. This observation has fueled her ambition to break barriers. As she rises in her career, she aims to be a mentor and a resource, especially for young girls from backgrounds like hers. Her goal is to serve as a testament that, no matter the barriers, it’s possible to overcome challenges and rise to the top.

In her own words: “With the help of Girls Inc. I became confident and happy in my own skin and learned how to value my own experiences that brought me to the place I stand now. Even when I’m scared, I take the fear by the hand and move forward”

Fernanda’s message is clear: hard work is the key to success, and she’s determined to pave the way for other girls to follow.