Outside The Lens Nominates Stephanie Zuniga for Women of Impact Award

Outside the Lens (OTL) is pleased to nominate high school senior Stephanie Zuniga for Assemblymember Boerner’s Women of Impact Award. Stephanie attends E3 Civic High in Downtown San Diego. She is an inspiring young leader whose dedication to education, community service, and creative empowerment positively impacts the next generation of changemakers. Stephanie’s remarkable journey is one of resilience, determination, and service. As a first-generation college-bound student from a family headed by an immigrant mother, Stephanie has overcome numerous obstacles to carve a path toward success that includes helping others along the way. Growing up near Euclid Avenue, a  historically under-resourced area, she discovered her passion for STEAM fields during her time in elementary school and through participation in the First LEGO League robotics competitions and the environmental club. Her educational path took her to Preuss Middle School, where she served as president of the finance club, leading efforts to raise funds for initiatives like Toys for Tots. 

Despite facing challenges related to accessibility and support for students with disabilities, Stephanie’s resilience led her to E3 Civic High, where she maintains a high level of academic achievement while continuing to prioritize volunteerism and service to others. At E3, Stephanie  embraces leadership roles with enthusiasm and integrity. She currently serves as a class representative in the Associated Student Body (ASB), Senior Council President, and captain of the school’s robotics team. She is also an active member of the ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) Club, where her commitment earned her a nomination for a prestigious scholarship recognizing her growth and contributions. 

Beyond school, Stephanie’s volunteer efforts are focused on creating access and empowerment for diverse populations of San Diego youth. Tyler Hodgson, Director of Teen and Transition Age Youth Programs at OTL was inspired to nominate Stephanie for the Women of Impact Award after seeing the difference she’s made in the lives of other teens in downtown San Diego. She explains, “Stephanie has interned at OTL since October 2024 as a youth leader for the NextGen Voices program, creating opportunities for teens and transition age youth from systemically disadvantaged communities to improve their well-being and build confidence, vocational skills, and career connections through the media arts.”

Stephanie also serves on the board of MANA de San Diego, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Latina women striving for higher education. In this role, Stephanie mentors young girls, guiding them toward graduating high school and navigating the path to college. Further, Stephanie’s volunteer work extends to cultural events like the Tet Festival, organized by the Vietnamese American Youth Alliance, showcasing her commitment to fostering community connections and celebrating diversity. Looking ahead, Stephanie plans to attend a two-year community college before transferring to a four-year institution, continuing her journey toward becoming a leader in the STEAM fields. Her hope is to stay on at OTL as a Fellow, continuing to inspire and empower the next generation. Outside The Lens has witnessed first hand how she uses  her talents and experiences to uplift her peers and community while overcoming personal challenges with grace and determination. Stephanie Zuniga is an inspirational example of what it means to be a Woman of Impact.