Viridiana Hernandez (Engineering Design Technology - California State University, Los Angeles)
Alumna Sets Milestone as Female Engineer
When Viridiana (Viri) Hernandez, a Culver City native, graduated from Lawndale High
School, she had no sense of direction for a career path or education. Viri was accepted
to all of her top picks at the California State Universities, however, she felt unsure
of her path. The high cost of university tuition was also worrisome as she explored
her options.
Viri talked to a family friend, a retired engineer who worked for Northrop Grumman. Since the College’s Economic Development division provides employee training to Northrop Grumman, the friend suggested that Viri look into engineering classes offered at Cerritos College.
“I jumped on his advice and drove from the South Bay to Norwalk, a city I have never heard of, and took the chance,” said Viri. “In my first class at Cerritos, I was in complete awe, and before I knew it, everything was falling into place.”
She loved the support she received from instructors and staff who pushed her to succeed. Through the College, she obtained her first professional job at Con-Tech Plastics, a contract injection molding company, where she is part of the CAD design team. When she transferred to California State University, Los Angeles, she was one of a few students who had work experience in the field.
“I’m proud of Viri for successfully building her career in engineering, often called a non-traditional field for women,” said Dr. Miodrag “Mickey” Micic, professor and department chair of Engineering Design Technology.
Viri plans to further her education and obtain a MBA with an ultimate goal to become a project engineer.
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