Selena Cortez, MS

As a first-generation college graduate and second generation immigrant from Chandler, AZ, it has always been a battle finding where I belong. It wasn't until I discovered genetic counseling that I found a community that fits me and gives me purpose. Since that day, I have been able to work in the genetic counseling field as a volunteer, undergraduate researcher and genetic counseling assistant. Along with my work in the genetic counseling field, I have been able to give back to individuals with similar socioeconomic struggles that my family went through. This includes going on mission trips to Mexico and Haiti, mentoring minority youth, student athletes and pre-med freshmen. With my cross cultural experience, as well as my BS in Genetics, my goal is to increase diversity in the genetic counseling field and to find solutions to increase access to genetic testing for minority populations. I am so excited to achieve these goals while being a part of UCLA's first genetic counseling program.

Department: Human Genetics