“Self-belief and hard work will always earn success.” These words embody the journey of Enrique Madrid, a recent accounting graduate whose dedication, tenacity, and commitment to his community have propelled him to success. With a strong desire to honor his family and leave a lasting impact on the world, Enrique is proof that perseverance can turn uncertainty into achievement.
Enrique’s path at Cal State LA began with uncertainty. Graduating high school during the COVID-19 pandemic left him questioning his future, and his initial academic performance didn’t provide much clarity. However, Enrique knew college was part of his journey, even if he was unsure where it would lead. Everything changed when he took “Intro to Accounting” with Professor Kunkel.
“Professor Kunkel’s real-world experience opened my eyes to a world of opportunities,” Enrique recalls. Office hours with Professor Kunkel provided a space to ask insightful questions and gain a deeper understanding of accounting. This mentorship showcased the value of professors with hands-on experience, capable of guiding students and providing invaluable resources.
As a first-generation Mexican American and the second in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree, Enrique views himself as a beacon of hope. He embodies the belief that “a win for one is a win for everyone.”
Before his junior year, Enrique sent tailored outreach templates to several accounting firms, hoping to secure an internship. One firm responded, offering him the chance to start immediately. That hands-on experience ignited his passion and solidified his career goals.
Motivated by this opportunity, Enrique set out to revive ALPHA (Association of Latino Professionals For America) with the help of the Professional LA chapter that pushed him to bring their student opportunities to Cal State LA. ALPFA is the largest Latino association for business professionals and students with chapters nationwide and over 23,00 members. ALPFA is dedicated to enhancing opportunities for Latinos and building leadership and career skills.
His vision was to build a sense of community where students could encourage one another to reach their full potential.
Enrique’s journey wouldn’t have been possible without his support system, including Zeidy Cabrera, the College of Business and Economics career placement coordinator. “Zeidy believed in me,” Enrique shares. “Zeidy caring for the whole of the CBE was what brought me to her. Offering a helping hand to any student or organization that asked especially mine. Zeidy adds, “Enrique took the initiative to attend events and push himself. His hard work and drive are unmatched, and I know he’ll excel in everything he pursues.”
As the only child of immigrant parents, Enrique’s dream is to retire his parents to honor their sacrifices. “Everything they’ve done for me over the years inspires me to work harder,” he says.
Enrique encourages students to get involved, join clubs, and build a strong community. “Your community invigorates your college experience,” he explains. “It helps you thrive and provides a network you can rely on for decades to come.”
Through self-belief, hard work, and the support of his community, Enrique Madrid is rising to success and leaving a legacy for future students to follow. With the first step being a position at 1 of the top 4 accounting firms, EY (Ernst & Young).