Izabelle Romero '25

Izabelle Romero '25
Major: History
Involvements: First To Go, Sigma Lambda Gamma - Alpha Beta
Awards: Program Scholars, School of Education Undergraduate Scholar of the Year, Presidential Citations, Raymunde McKay, R.S.H.M. Award

As a first-generation college student from Temecula, California, Izabelle Romero’s path to Loyola Marymount University has shaped her into a leader, a changemaker, and a proud graduate of the Class of 2025. Majoring in history, minoring in education, and involvement in organizations such as Sigma Lambda Gamma - Alpha Beta, First To Go, and CSA alternative spring break trip, Romero found more than just a campus at LMU.

“I’m very mission oriented.” With a connection to LMU’s mission, she knew that she wanted to go to an institution that aligned with her personal values and make change in the world. “I know I would be able to grow because it’s a bit more of an intimate space.” Navigating college as the first in her family brought challenges, but Romero used that as motivation. “I just think all of my accomplishments have also felt like my parents' accomplishments,” she says. “I wanted to make them proud and prove to myself that I could do it.” 

A key part of her LMU story was her involvement with Sigma Lambda Gamma - Alpha Beta. The sorority not only gave her a support system but also strengthened her cultural pride and leadership skills. It’s a community that connects to other student organizations and allows for mission work outside of campus. Beyond her sorority, Romero was a facilitator in the First To Go program, a leader for alternative spring break trips, and involved in the Central American United Student Association. A highlight was her years in leadership with Sigma Lambda Gamma - Alpha Beta, a project she’s especially proud of because she was able to be more interconnected with campus.

If she had to sum up her LMU experience in one word, it would be “necessary,” because “I've learned a lot about myself. I've been able to grow my faith and there's a lot of things that I don't think I would have found otherwise.” She connects her journey most with the pillar Living a Life of Purpose. “I can contribute to something that has a momentary impact and I've built some really good relationships.” Romero reflected on the positive emotions of seeing the fruits of her labor come to fruition to see real change, even if it was on a small scale.

After graduation, Romero plans to attend Georgetown University, with the same determination that brought her to LMU in the first place. In her master’s degree program, she will be getting more experience in museum work and in nonprofits. 

In closing, she offers this heartfelt message: “Not my words, but with inspiration from Father Greg Boyle, ‘We belong to each other.’”