Dr. Laura Gonzalez

What fears or anxieties did you have about going to college?

I was the first female in my family to try engineering in Spain. I was hoping I could make it but I was not sure, despite my grades. Then, I was the first person in my family to come to the U.S. for masters, and the first person in my family to do a PhD, and in English. I doubted myself in each and every step. Then I became a mother and started wondering how I could balance responsibilities. In the mean time, I met people that encouraged and mentored me, and have very enjoyable memories in university.

  • PhD, Finance 
  • MBA
  • MA Literature
  • BS Engineering, BA Music Education - paino

Half the work is done when we keep trying. The other half is to surround yourself by people that believe in you. In CSULB, we believe in you. That's why I joined GenExcel.

I enjoy the outdoors, whether by the sea, mountains or valleys, landscapes and animals. I like to travel, visit national parks, discover other countries. I also love different types of music, fitness, yoga, long meals with friends and family, and films.

  1. Photos of dear ones
  2. Drawings and notes from my children
  3. My favorite cup

I have had many jobs as student, from janitor to tutor, orientation volunteer, international office staff, foundation intern, or translator in the School of Law. I learned in all of them.

Behavioral finance, financial literacy, corporate and international finance, banking and financial markets, entrepreneurship, fintech.