Eric Barajas, MBA

Senior Divisional, Merchandising, Target
MBA, Purdue University
BBA, CSU Fullerton

As an aspiring leader while studying business 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 as a Personal Banker in Citi’s South Gate branch. While there, he was selected as one of only nine bankers in the U.S. to participate in the Citibank/Banamex Banker Exchange Program, sending 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. He rejoined the College Success Program…only this time as a Mentor. After three years as a Mentor, he was inspired to continue his own education—as a David C. Lizárraga Fellow, Sponsored by Toyota—earning his MBA from Purdue University!

Eric has built an exceptional career at Target over more than a decade, and is now a Senior Divisional, a high-level leadership position overseeing the company’s Dry Grocery Merchandising. He manages a core business of over $4.2B with aspirations to grow 250% in the years to come. Even despite his busy schedule and tremendous responsibilities, Eric always makes time to collaborate with the Foundation to empower the next generation of leaders!