Selene Hanna in front of the Nutwood Parking Structure
When the Cal State Fullerton College of Business and Economics class of 2021 receives their diplomas at commencement this June, they will hear from finance and entrepreneurship grad and real estate agent Selene Hanna ’21, an achiever who embodies the college’s focus on female empowerment and reaching higher despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At 22, Hanna has already been a licensed real estate agent for four years, part of ALT Financial Network Inc., her father’s real estate company. Hanna sees her experience as a steppingstone to a bright and socially responsible future.
“My plan is to enter the commercial real estate industry and eventually invest in real estate around the world,” she says. “I want to pursue a graduate degree, ideally in Europe, but would be grateful for an opportunity to learn anywhere. Eventually, I’d like to start my own company and nonprofit.”
On campus, Hanna served as the ASI board of directors’ treasurer/secretary and was responsible for leading the ASI finance committee that manages the student government’s $9.7 million budget. She also held roles as front desk coordinator for the Business Tutoring Center, student assistant to Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Emeline Yong, and resident advisor (RA).
“Between basketball games, Business Madness week and unclogging residents’ toilets, picking one favorite memory at CSUF is difficult. One night I’ll never forget as an RA was when housing lost all its power,” Hanna recalls. “From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., several RAs and I caution-taped hallways, unlocked doors and even napped in the Pine Lobby. I learned what teamwork truly meant. Being an RA taught me how to work with just about anyone ‒ no matter how different we may be.”
Hanna has this advice for her freshman self: “Drink water and go to the events you think you’ll be uncomfortable at. Go to the athletics events, rock climb in the Student Recreation Center and play super smash brothers in the Titan Student Union. Whether by yourself or with friends, do whatever stands out to you. I personally benefitted from doing a semester of jiu jitsu. College is for making weird memories.”
Where will Hanna be 10 years from now? Based on her determination and goals, it’s likely to be impactful.
“In 10 years, I’ll be 32 years old, and I hope to be a CEO running a global company. I also hope to be well traveled and have visited countries such as Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Morocco and many more. It is hard to know for certain where I’ll be in 10 years, but I hope to have made an impact on the world.”
Congrats to Selene Hanna and all of the class of 2021 for rising above the challenges to earn your degree! Wishing you all a stellar future!
