Meet Kimberly Carbajal | Project Specialist at USC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberly Carbajal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I started my undergraduate studies at USC, I was a low-income, first-generation college student. Although, I knew I was going to struggle financially, I wanted to get the full college experience and decided to dorm on campus. I started off as a business administration major and textbooks were pricey. I had a work-study job and worked 20 hours a week which is the maximum a student can work. There were times I felt frustrated because I provided for myself and there was no way my parents could help. In total I have five siblings, two which are younger. My father is the only provider as my mother is a stay-at-home mom. Growing up I always knew I wanted a different life and wanted to do better. My two ways out were going to college and starting my own business. At the age of five I started helping my aunt and grandfather selling different goods. I was never shy about it and enjoyed selling to others. During my sophomore year at USC, COVID hit, and I was jobless. I had to come back home; I started doing Uber Eats and found myself struggling still. I have always enjoyed baking and doing treats, it was then when I decided to start practicing more and started to promote my business on Instagram. Thankfully my followers supported me from the beginning and now have loyal customers.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
During my undergraduate studies at USC, I had a work study job. I had an office job as an assistant at the Leventhal School of Accounting, I supported the Project Specialist which supported the Leventhal faculty. I consider myself a hardworking and determined person, I always knew I wanted to do better. I took my job serious and worked 2o hours a week, it’s rare to find a student that is this determined. I didn’t like to be at work doing anything, I was eager to learn and help others. I would ask other departments if they needed help and was always happy to lend a hand. During summer and winter break I was still working, I was one of the few students that was available to work full time during our breaks. This made me stand out. When I was a senior close to graduation I was approached by the Senior Administrator and was encouraged to apply for a vacant position (Assistant to Senior Administration). I applied and got the position and started working a week after graduation. After a year I was promoted as the Project Specialist, which is my current position. I have now been working at USC as a staff for two and a half years. I am proud to be part of the DEI committee and have been recognized for my achievements and impacts. I want to help others and make a difference in the Leventhal community. I can proudly say that I have been juggling this position and my business at the same time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love to support small businesses and try different Mexican foods. I would start off by taking them on a hike to Elysian Park and then grab lunch and a snack at El Mercadito in East LA. You can never go wrong with tacos de birria, an agua fresca and esquite. There are tons of small businesses and items straight from Mexico. On the second day, I would go on a hike to Griffith Park and have lunch at Mercado La Paloma, to either get seafood or tacos. The next day I would grab coffee at La Monarca and take them to the flea market to walk around and find hidden gems. The following day I would take them to the Placita Olvera to walk and explore the shops, museums and have some taquitos for lunch at Cielito Lindo. Beginning on Friday there are many great night markets that have great food, activities and fun. (Ex: La Chancla Market, Ave 26-night market and Imperial Night Market.)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am honestly so grateful for The USC Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative (NAI) program. NAI is a six-year program that prepares students for college. If it wasn’t for this amazing program, I don’t think I would have gone to college. I’m a first-generation college student, no one in my family has attended a college or university. Out of my five siblings I was the only one who went to college. NAI provided me with the knowledge, guidance, and a four-year tuition scholarship at USC. It helped me change my life completely.

Instagram: kimms_treatss