Service Above Self

Purpose drives Azareel Gesuri Canizales. 

As a San Diego State University sophomore majoring in management with a specialization in human resource management, Canizales hopes to one day become a leader in a purpose-driven company working for the betterment of the world.

Through his involvement with SDSU Rotaract, SDSU M.E.Ch.A and the Fowler Scholars Program, Canizales is using his skills to give back to his community while continuing his studies.

Born in Guadalajara, Mexico and raised in San Diego, Canizales has seen the inequities and struggles many in low-income communities face and the impact nonprofits can have. He is working to merge the nonprofit and for-profit sectors in San Diego in a philanthropic way. 

“SDSU is the perfect school for me to get involved in and study business as there is a strong sense here of giving back and leading with passion,” said Canizales. 

The SDSU News Team spoke to Canizales to learn more about his experience in the Fowler Scholars Program and what inspires him.

What experience in the Fowler Scholars Program has been the most impactful?

The guest speakers and events where we meet business professionals have definitely been the most impactful. Being able to speak and learn from these individuals has helped me take a peek at the business world. The lessons that these people share with us are invaluable and learning about how they manage their personal life with their career and how they use purpose to drive them.

Who inspires you and why?

My parents inspire me because they sacrificed everything including their previous life and families in Mexico in order to allow my siblings and me to reach greater heights due to the many opportunities in this country. They are the hardest workers I know and their resiliency and drive are like no other. Despite not having much, I have never heard them complain or appear pessimistic because they truly believe that the success of their children will make up for the hard work they do.

If you could go back to your freshman year, what advice would you give yourself?

College is possibly the most pivotal point in your life as these four years decide what your future holds and the memories built here are priceless, so take full advantage of as many valuable opportunities you can.

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

I want to become a leader in a purpose-driven company that truly believes in the work they do for the betterment of the world as opposed to just making profit. Companies that work in sustainability and sectors like that are a possibility, as well as working in education or business-minded nonprofits. I want to get experience in various fields including organizations that promote higher education, companies that design innovative technologies, health companies, and environmental organizations and companies that serve to preserve natural resources.