Eric Barajas

As an aspiring leader while a business student at CSU Fullerton, Eric maximized his engagement with the College Success Program. In addition to scholarships, he secured a long term mentor that led to a critical internship in his Junior year. “I think the individuals who interviewed me nominated me for the Program because they saw my genuine desire to give back to my community and create opportunities for others.”

Upon graduation, Eric was hired by Citi as a Personal Banker in their South Gate branch. While there, he was selected as one of only nine bankers in the US to participate in the Citibank/Banamex Banker Exchange Program, which sent him to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where he became the Program’s top performer.

Recognizing the impact that the TELACU Education Foundation had on his life, as well as the critical role that mentors played in his career development, Eric followed through on his pledge to give back, embodying TELACU’s Mission Statement. Rejoining the College Success Program—only this time as a Mentor—three years later he was inspired to continue his own education by pursuing an MBA at Purdue University, empowered by Purdue as well as The David C. Lizárraga Fellowship, Sponsored by Toyota.

Today, Eric is the Director of Merchandising/Gaming at Target! He manages a core business of over $500M and is responsible for a division captainship of $3B+ that requires company-wide collaboration with senior leadership. Yet despite his busy schedule and heavy responsibilities, Eric always makes time to collaborate with the Foundation to empower the next generation of Latinx!