Kasandra Guaman-Narvaez

Hi! My name is Kasandra Guaman-Narvaez, a 24 year old full time mom, student and worker. Recently graduated from Caldwell University with my bachelor's in Business Administration. Currently enrolled at Rutgers Business School to earn my master's in Business of Fashion. Proud of coming from farm working parents who work hard for a better life. I became a mom at the age of 16 but this didn't stop me on achieving my goals. During the age of 8 I went through a significant change in my life and this was when my parents decided to go back to their motherland, Ecuador. Having the opportunity to see how people live in Ecuador made me realize how important education is. After having my baby at the age of 16 I was so lucky to keep going to school, my parents always helped me in many ways that’s why I’m here growing as a professional. The economy is another thing that's why my parents were immigrants in this country, they worked hard and went back to Ecuador taking their daughters. My wish was to come back to Jersey and continue with my studies and so I did. In 2014, I arrived but not alone, with my 10-month-old baby, leaving my parents and sisters. With only 17 years old I decided to come back and grow. It was hard but not impossible when you have a family that gives you their support. I am happy and thankful to have fulfilled what I promised one day, to not give up no matter what the circumstances would be. This is just the beginning.