SDSU Student Business Association Spotlight: Hispanic Business Student Organization
Hiram Zárate, President of Hispanic Business Student Association
The Fowler College of Business’ student organizations have continued to operate effectively, host professional events, and engage with the community through virtual platforms, despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic. Throughout San Diego State University’s virtual 2020-21 school year, the Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA) has hosted virtual meetings, social events, and their Virtual Growing Networks Conference, a corporate mixer that featured workshops and guest speakers from various companies like Pepsico, GEICO, and Northwestern Mutual. Hiram Zárate (Senior, Economics) President of HBSA, describes the organization’s resources and opportunities, shares why students should join their familia, and how HBSA has impacted his college experience. Zárate also describes his career aspirations while offering advice to current students.
About Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA):
Goal/Objective of your Student Organization:
- Provide networking and career opportunities.
- Promote Hispanic business leadership and entrepreneurship.
- Assist organizations in recruiting, developing, and promoting Hispanic professionals to voice the concerns of Hispanic students and alumni interested in a career as professionals in the business world.
Q: What events, gatherings, and activities does your organization host?
All of HBSA’s meetings and social events are virtual. Our social events are fun and very interactive; we have given away some fun prizes during zumba night, game night, and Kahoot games.
Q: What virtual events has your organization organized since the pandemic began?
HBSA’s 2020 Virtual Growing Networks Conference was our biggest event last semester. This event featured a corporate mixer and workshops hosted by guest speakers from various companies like Pepsico, GEICO, and Northwestern Mutual. This semester, we look forward to hosting our annual High School Conference virtually, where student attendees will learn and practice skills through workshops.
Zárate and the rest of HBSA after their 10th annual weekender with our big familia United Latino student Association (ULSA).
Q: How does HBSA connect with the community outside of SDSU?
Q: How does your organization connect with the community outside of SDSU? HBSA has a long time relationship with Fulfilling Destiny, a non-profit organization that helps fight period poverty in San Diego. HBSA is also part of the United Latino Student Association, which promotes the voice of Latino organizations across 13 other universities across Southern California.
Q: Why should students join HBSA?
Students should join HBSA to take advantage of the resources we offer including scholarships, networking opportunities, internship opportunities, and a familia. Here at HBSA, we welcome everyone to join us. All ethnicities. All majors. All are welcome.
Q: How can a student get involved with HBSA?
Follow our instagram @sdsu_hbsa to be up to date with our events and meetings.
Q & A with the Hispanic Business Student Association President, Hiram Zárate
Name: Hiram Zárate
Major: Economics
Campus affiliations / organizations: HBSA, Equal Opportunity Program (EOP) Compact Scholars
Zárate and friends at HBSA's retreat in January 2020.
Q: As a student leader involved with an organization at SDSU, can you share why you got involved and what your experience has been like so far?
I was invited to a club meeting by a friend, but he never went so I got really nervous. However, it was an opportunity to make new friends and connections. Ever since, I have grown as a member of HBSA, learning new skills and practicing public speaking. I have also expanded my network ever since joining, which has allowed me to meet good friends here in the San Diego area with similar interests.
Q: What experience with your organization has been the most impactful?
HBSA’s 2019 High School Conference. I was a new member at the time, so I didn’t really know what to expect in terms of hosting a big event. Here I learned how a team can work together under pressure to host a successful big event.
Q: What has been your favorite SDSU memory so far?
Aztec Nights 2019 when they had the carnival was super fun. It was my first time attending and the popcorn was really good.
Q: If you could go back to your freshman year, what advice would you give yourself?
Take advantage of free food and get involved on campus. This helped me make many new friends and I know I would be down for free food.
Q: What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
Get involved and step out of your comfort zone. This ultimately forced me into positions to make new connections.
Q: What career aspirations do you have following your time at SDSU?
I want to continue to grow professionally in the economics field. I believe the skills I have learned in HBSA and at SDSU have made me more confident that I'll be successful. I would also like to begin my professional boxing career soon since it's something that I have been training for for years.
Zárate’s first time volunteering with HBSA at their 2019 High School Conference.
Q: Cats or Dogs? Dogs
Q: Instagram or TikTok? IG
Q: Morning or Night? Night
Q: Shopping - In store or online? Online
Q: Panchos or Trujillos? Trujillos hands down
Q: Favorite show to binge watch? Big mouth
Q: Hidden Talent? I like to cook
*Group photos were taken before March 2020
