When Jennifer Cornejo talks about earning her master’s degree at Cal State San Bernardino and preparing for her doctorate, the conversation always returns to the people who have helped her along the way: her family. Their sacrifices, encouragement and belief in her are woven into every milestone she reaches as a first-generation college student.

Those milestones continue to grow. After earning her bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2025, Cornejo began pursuing a master’s degree in public administration while taking on leadership roles across campus. She represents graduate students on CSUSB’s ASI Board of Directors, is actively involved in three councils, four committees, one subcommittee and one campus club – and she ran for ASI president in spring 2026 semester. 

Jennifer Cornejo spoke about her journey at the 2025 Scholarship Celebration for Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration scholarship recipients.
Jennifer Cornejo spoke about her journey at the 2025 Scholarship Celebration for Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration scholarship recipients.

At the same time, she is raising her 7-year-old daughter, Melody, as a single parent while working in the Jack H. Brown College of Business (JHBC) Graduate Programs Office. A recipient of both the Rose Brown Expendable Scholarship and the JHBC Single Parent Scholarship, Cornejo has also earned numerous community service awards. Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue a doctorate in educational administration and one day become a college dean.

Jennifer, 26, grew up surrounded by examples of resilience. Her mother, Marisa Barrientos, immigrated to the United States from El Salvador when she was a child. She remembers the poverty her family left behind and the challenge of learning a new language and culture.

“When my mother brought me from El Salvador to the United States, I was 7 years old,” Barrientos said. “She came with the hope that I would have a better future. We lived in poverty, and later my mom enrolled me in school, where I had to adapt to a new language and culture.”

Barrientos became a mother at a young age and set aside her own education, but she says that only strengthened her determination to make sure her children had opportunities she didn’t.

“When I became Jennifer’s mother, I could no longer continue my studies, but I supported my children so they could continue theirs,” she said. “I see in my daughter everything I was not able to do, and I feel very proud of her.”

Jennifer Cornejo, left, with her daughter, Melody, and her mother
Cornejo, left, with her daughter, Melody, and her mother

For Jennifer’s father, Carlos Cornejo, watching his daughter prepare for a doctorate represents the fulfillment of the hopes he had when he came to the U.S. at age 21.

“I came with dreams of improving my life, but then I met the mother of my children, and we started a family,” he said. “I am proud of my daughter who is achieving her goals. I believe that her daughter, her parents and the help of God are what keep her moving forward.”

He hopes prospective students, especially those wondering if their background might hold them back, see Jennifer’s story as proof that determination matters more than circumstances.

“She never gave up,” he said. “She has excelled in everything through her effort and dedication, and I hope that becomes an inspiration for other young people – that everything is possible.”

Jennifer’s stepfather, William Villeda-Avalos, shares that pride. He came to the United States from El Salvador, as well, staying with an uncle while working full-time and striving to make a new life.

“When I came to the United States, they put me to work,” he said. “At night I went to school to learn English, but because I was working, I didn’t finish. Later, I met Jennifer’s mother when Jennifer was 15, and we supported her so she could continue her studies. We are very proud of her for everything she has achieved. She is a good example for young people.”

Cornejo, third from left, with her daughter, several of her siblings and her stepfather and mother.
Cornejo, third from left, with her daughter, several of her siblings and her stepfather and mother. 

Jennifer’s academic journey – balancing graduate school, research, leadership roles on campus and motherhood – has also deeply inspired her siblings. Her older sister, Jasmine, says the whole family has watched Jennifer overcome challenges with determination and focus.

“It feels inspiring and rewarding to see how far Jennifer has come, both in her academic career and as a mother,” Jasmine said. “Jennifer has always been a driven person, determined to succeed even when she wasn’t dealt the best cards. She stayed focused and determined. She never gave up.”

Jasmine believes that Jennifer’s success is directly tied to the support system their mother and stepfather provide, especially in helping care for Jennifer’s daughter. That support allows Jennifer to devote herself fully to her education and her plans for a doctorate.

“The support Jennifer has with our mother and William plays a big role in her success,” Jasmine said. “They help with her daughter as needed so she can grow her academic career. This has offered Jennifer flexibility to really devote herself to her education.”

But Jasmine also sees something else – a shared strength passed down from their mother. “I believe Jennifer’s drive stems from our mother,” she said. “Our mother hasn’t always had an easy life, but similar to Jennifer, even though she wasn’t dealt the best cards, she showed us to never give up.”

Cornejo with her diploma in the background
Cornejo is a proud Coyote for life!

For Jasmine, Jennifer’s achievements send a message not only to their siblings and extended family, but to any young person questioning whether they can succeed in college.

“Jennifer has made us all proud,” she said. “I am proud of her as the oldest sibling, her daughter is proud of her, our parents are proud of her and our seven other siblings are proud of her. The sky is the limit for Jennifer, and she is a true inspiration that anything is achievable when you set your mind to it.”

For prospective students looking at CSUSB – especially first-generation students or students balancing work, family responsibilities or other challenges – Jennifer’s story shows that support, mentorship and community matter, and that determination can change the course of a family’s future.

For Jennifer’s family, watching her prepare for her doctorate is more than a celebration. It is the realization of a dream carried across generations and a reminder that, as her father said, “everything is possible.”

 

Behind every milestone is a support system. Watch Jennifer’s heartfelt tribute to the mother who helped make her dreams possible.