ATLANTA — If Leslie Tornez-Cruz (B.A. '25) has a superpower, it’s solving problems. Whether it’s been through her coursework, her involvement in community service or her summer internships with a multinational beverage brand, she’s practiced the skills she’ll need as she forges her career and uplifts her community.
Set to graduate Dec. 18 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Tornez-Cruz found the major that fit her goals and never looked back. Here, we sit down with her to learn more about her journey to graduation.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a senior majoring in economics, and graduating this December. I used to be a marketing major but I switched. I’m also a first-generation Mexican-American.
I love being active in my community. Since I was young, I have always been involved because I wanted to be part of my community and help people who come from the same background as me. Being involved with my community has led me to become more engaged in college.
What made you switch your major?
While I was studying marketing, I realized I like what happens before it, finding the obstacle and figuring out how to fix something through finance. I always had a passion for nonprofits and learning about unemployment and incomes.
What do you want to do after graduation?
I intend to work in the sales industry and go into the beverage sector — specifically work for Molson Coors, a company I interned for. I eventually would want to create projects for nonprofit organizations, such as helping create scholarships for low-income families.
Tell us more about your experience at Molson Coors.
I was a field sales intern for two summers. My job was to find connections and solutions for how we could secure long-lasting investment from our distributors so we are able to produce more of our product.
During my time there, I fell in love with the work environment of the beverage industry and how it all correlates to building relationships and celebrating together. The community and how workers treat you really matter, and during my time there, I really felt seen and respected.
What impact would you like to make on society?
My impact in the world would be on students. One big wish I have is to financially help people who can’t afford college so they can live successful and educated lives.
I want to be the cause of everyone’s happiness. The world would be a better place if we were just nice to one another.
What organizations have you been involved with on campus?
I’ve held roles such as vice president, head of programming and co-president for various organizations such as the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA), the American Marketing Association (AMA) and the Latino Leadership Council — which I also co-founded. This fall I was head of corporate engagement for ALPFA at GSU, the social media manager for ALPFA Atlanta and the director of board development for the Consulting Club.
One role that had an impact on me was my previous role as chapter life vice president for the Alpha Xi Delta sorority. It was the first organization I was a part of and it built me into the person I am today. Planning events, building connections, and securing venues and catering gave me tough skin and turned me into a leader. If I hadn’t have held that position in my sorority, I wouldn’t have been able to handle multiple positions at once.
Can you tell us more about your volunteer experience?
I used to volunteer with Horizons Atlanta, a summer camp for students that come from low-income families. It’s a six-week summer camp that helps children with developmental skills.
I was also a volunteer for Rise Against Hunger. We made food packages and sent them to different countries. I’ve participated in volunteer work since middle school, and I want to continue doing volunteer projects after college because being put in that position opens your eyes to a whole different world and makes you more open-minded.
What has been your biggest accomplishment at Georgia State?
Bringing ALPFA to GSU. One time we held a career fair at Georgia State and so many people from different places came to it. It felt good seeing people happy and knowing I was a part of the reason why they were.