Outside the Lens (OTL) has nominated high school senior Stephanie Zuniga for Assemblymember Boerner’s Women of Impact Award. Zuniga attends E3 Civic High in Downtown San Diego.
She is a young leader whose dedication to education, community service, and creative empowerment impacts the next generation of changemakers. Her journey is one of resilience, determination, and service. As a first-generation college-bound student from a family headed by an immigrant mother, Zuniga has overcome obstacles to carve a path toward success that includes helping others along the way.
Growing up near Euclid Avenue, 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, her 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, Zuniga 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 scholarship recognizing her growth and contributions.
Beyond school, her 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 Zuniga for the Women of Impact Award after seeing the difference she’s made in the lives of other teens in downtown San Diego. She explained, “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.”
Zuniga also serves on the board of MANA de San Diego, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Latina women striving for higher education. In this role, she mentors young girls, guiding them toward graduating high school and navigating the path to college. Further, her 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, Zuniga 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.
(Courtesy photo)
