Fowler Scholar Student Spotlight: Isabella Murillo

Isabella Murillo, Class of 2025.

The Fowler Scholars Program was established in 2018 to educate and prepare a select group of Fowler College of Business students for accelerated and lasting leadership roles in global business and society. Each year, the college selects a new group of freshmen from the San Diego community to become Fowler Scholars. The students selected for the program have demonstrated leadership, ethical conduct, and exceptional academic and collaborative abilities. 

Isabella Murillo, a class of 2025 Fowler Scholar, is a freshman majoring in Management. After graduation, Murillo hopes to work in an influential leadership role for  a company helping to combat the weight of poverty which has significantly influenced the day-to-day life of families like hers. Her overall goal is to create a generational impact for those who do not have the means to support themselves. Murillo discusses what being a Fowler scholar means to her, her inspirations, and more. 

Q: What does it mean to you to be a Fowler Scholar?

To me,being a part of the Fowler Scholars Program means being educated on what is expected of an ethical business leader and how to work with others towards a common goal. Learning about the intricacies of communication and the ability to cooperate are two crucial components of leadership. Being able to hone these attributes and partake in such a prestigious program is a great honor and privilege. I know this program will equip me with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the modern business world and I will utilize what I learn here for the rest of my professional career.

Q: Can you describe a little bit about yourself and how/when you decided to pursue Management as an area of study?

I have lived in San Diego all my life and had a hard time figuring out what I wanted to pursue. Prior to my acceptance to this program, I was intrigued by the framework of business and the impact of leadership. After volunteering at my local elementary school during the summer, I created the Books Beyond Borders club which collects book donations and sends them to kids in developing countries. The club collected over 600 book donations and are being sent to Belize this upcoming year. The club gave me the opportunity to form professional relationships and promote an organization. Working at TJ Maxx for a year showed me the inner workings of a product-based business and the importance of customer service. Joining the ASB as a finance commissioner showed me the profit aspect of a business and soon after connecting the dots, I have decided to pursue management. 

Murillo and fellow Fowler Scholars.

Q: Who inspires you and why?

My grandparents came to the United States with nothing but the aspiration for a better life. Providing for their kids was their main priority, whether it was picking in the fields or working long cleaning shifts, nothing would distract them from why they came to this country. Their determination and strength led me to this program and I want to exemplify these traits for those who don’t have that role model in their lives.  

Q: What career aspirations do you have following your time at SDSU?

Growing up near the border and experiencing the effects of inequality firsthand has changed my perspective on gratitude. I intend to use the experience I receive here to create a generational impact for those who do not have the means to support themselves. By obtaining an influential leadership role in a company I will work against the weight that is poverty which has significantly influenced the day-to-day life of families like mine. I perform small acts of kindness hoping that if I buy a child a meal it will motivate them to keep pushing forward and being able to do this for a living is a dream of mine and due to the Fowler Scholars Program is now more attainable than ever.