Camille Cannon
FlexEvening MBA '23
What inspired you to pursue a degree at the Rady School of Management, and how did your experience here shape your career?
Business school had been a dream of mine for years, but it always felt financially out of reach for me. In 2019, I had the opportunity to come work for the Rady School. I had never visited San Diego or Rady before accepting the job, but I knew with my whole heart that it was where I was meant to be. In 2020, Dean Lisa Ordóñez introduced a staff scholarship program. It was my dream come true. It’s hard to believe that this all happened the way it did and I’m so proud to have graduated this year!
Studying in a STEM-designated MBA program really challenged me because I did not have that background. I’ve gained so much knowledge and experience through the rigorous coursework. I also feel more confident in my leadership abilities because this program gave me so many opportunities to lead. As a young student, I was scared to share my questions or opinions in the classroom. My experience at Rady helped me realize that my voice matters. Ultimately, my Rady experience led me to create the podcast and connect with so many people because of it.
What does Latinx Heritage Month mean to you, and can you share how your Latinx heritage has influenced your career and leadership journey?
I am very proud of my Mexican heritage. My great-grandparents on my mom’s side came to the U.S. from Mexico in pursuit of a better life, and that determination has lived on in my family for generations. It has not always been easy—my late grandfather was a huge advocate for education because he had to leave high school early and earn a GED to join the Air Force and help provide for his family at a young age. My parents both earned high school diplomas and I am a proud first-generation college graduate.
As a first-generation college student, I lacked so much knowledge about navigating academia and the workforce. In my own leadership journey, I have sought to connect with other underrepresented or first-generation students to help them navigate these environments. I have participated in formal mentorship programs including UC San Diego’s Hope Scholars program, and I have been fortunate to speak on an alumni panel with the UC San Diego Career Center. A highlight for me was being invited to deliver a TEDx talk at my alma mater high school last year. I want to help students know how to advocate for themselves and understand that they belong in a four-year university, in a graduate program, or anywhere else they want to go.
Can you tell us about your podcast and what inspired you to start it?
I launched the debut season of my podcast, Scratching the Record, in Spring of 2023. I put together an independent study project to produce this podcast as a Rady project in the last quarter of my MBA. I managed all aspects of the podcast: from sourcing guests to social media management, branding and marketing, budgeting and sound editing.
While earning the MBA, I reflected a lot on my own career path. My professional background is in media, but I have worked across many functions and industries including public service and higher education. I realized that I did not fit a “traditional path” and I wanted to help normalize this and bring visibility to other people who have succeeded in very uncertain or non-traditional and creative fields. Each episode of season one featured a guest that has succeeded in defining their own path, while navigating many ups and downs along the way.
Could you share a memorable episode or moment from your podcast that highlights the intersection of your cultural background and your content?
It was important to me to highlight diverse voices and perspectives, especially in the debut season. I was fortunate to connect with my guest Pabel Martinez after listening to his podcast, ¿Quién Tú Eres?, which aims to redefine professionalism. Pabel has been a featured speaker at companies including Google, Salesforce and Spotfiy.
Our conversation explored what it’s like being Latinx in corporate America, and the challenges of entering a workforce where you don’t see yourself represented around you. Sometimes we feel like we have to mold who we are to what we see, but the most powerful thing we can do is be ourselves and be an example for someone else.
As a Latinx professional, what advice would you give to current and aspiring Rady students looking to succeed in their careers?
My family gave me the best advice they could when I was growing up, which was to work hard and let your work speak for itself. When you enter the workforce, it’s also incredibly important to connect with people and build a network. Start with your peers—create together, build together, share resources and opportunities. Actively check in with your network. Your work matters, but how you help and treat others will make the biggest difference.
