Isidro Sesmas never thought he would live long enough to graduate from high school. A first-generation child of immigrants from Mexico, Isidro has overcome street and gang violence, family trauma and homelessness to become an outstanding student.

A rising senior and dean’s list student at California State University, Los Angeles, Isidro is pursuing his Bachelor of Arts in English and has dedicated himself to advocating for young people from distressed communities. He volunteers at the Cal State LA Cross Cultural Centers and has worked as an ambassador to recruit students to the university. Outside of class, he combines his interests in painting, photography and music to serve the community through nonprofit organizations such as Meztli Projects and Self Help Graphics & Art to promote community wellness and mental health through art.

Isidro aspires to become a high school teacher, mentor and a resource for students with similar backgrounds and experiences.​