A personal essay about pursuing higher education later in life, overcoming grief, and inspiring other women to embrace their own transformative journeys regardless of age or circumstances.
Her Story
About Johanna
Johanna Franco is a program leader at the Unified School District of Compton in California. In this role, she oversees enrichment programs for middle school students participating in after-school activities, reaching approximately 120 students at a time. Her work focuses on teaching the Spanish language, behavior methods, and emotional intelligence to help young people process emotions and handle situations as they grow. While performing these duties, she is also a student at Cal State University of Dominguez Hills, where she is completing 15 units toward a Business Administration major with a focus on human resources. As a member of the Latino Student Business Association, Johanna serves as community service director. In this capacity, she organizes volunteer efforts to support the Carson community, including a women's health conferences for cancer survivors and raise awareness, the 5K More Than Pink Run, and the Gobble event to prepare food boxes for those less fortunate during Thanksgiving.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Johanna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, faith, hard work, and the people who have influenced my life, especially my mother. She was a hardworking woman who taught me the importance of being strong, independent, compassionate, and always willing to help others. She encouraged me to keep moving forward, regardless of the challenges life brings, while also reminding me to appreciate the moments that matter most. Her example continues to inspire me, especially after her passing earlier this year. I've learned that success isn't simply about personal achievements or professional recognition. It's about growth, the relationships we build, the lives we touch, and the positive impact we leave behind.
Through my education, leadership experiences, and community service, I've discovered that some of the most rewarding accomplishments come from helping others succeed. I believe that with determination, a willingness to learn, and a genuine heart for serving others, opportunities for growth will continue to unfold.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Some of the most valuable advice I've received is to never stop learning, believe in my abilities, and not allow uncertainty or fear to prevent me from pursuing opportunities.
My mother always encouraged me to keep going, no matter what challenges I faced. Over time, I've learned that you don't have to have everything figured out to take the next step. Sometimes the greatest opportunities come when you step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself to grow. I've also learned the importance of building meaningful relationships, surrounding yourself with people who encourage your development, and being open to learning from others. Every experience, whether successful or challenging, has something valuable to teach us. I believe a successful career is not just about reaching a particular position, but about continuously developing yourself and using your knowledge and experience to make a difference.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to pursue what they're passionate about, even if they're still uncertain about which career path they want to take. It's perfectly okay not to have everything figured out. What's important is being willing to explore opportunities, gain experience, and continue learning along the way. For women considering a career in Human Resources, I believe it's an incredibly rewarding field because it allows you to understand how an organization operates while learning how to support, train, and develop its people. These are valuable skills that can benefit you in almost any profession. Human Resources is more than policies, procedures, or hiring employees. It's about understanding people, recognizing potential, developing leadership, and creating environments where individuals can grow and succeed. My advice is to remain curious, ask questions, seek mentorship, and never underestimate your abilities. Don't be afraid to step into leadership opportunities, even when they challenge you. Continue investing in yourself, trust the process, and allow your passion and experiences to guide you. Sometimes the opportunities you never imagined are the ones that lead you exactly where you're meant to be.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe one of the biggest challenges in Human Resources today is helping organizations adapt to rapid changes in technology, workplace expectations, and employee development needs while maintaining the human connection that makes a workplace successful. With advancements in artificial intelligence and digital technology, organizations have tremendous opportunities to improve efficiency, recruitment, training, and employee performance. However, I believe it's equally important that companies continue investing in their people. One area I'm particularly passionate about is Training and Development. Employees need opportunities to strengthen their skills, adapt to change, and develop the confidence to take on greater responsibilities. I believe organizations that prioritize professional development, mentorship, and strong leadership can create healthier work environments and stronger teams. To me, the greatest opportunity in Human Resources is being able to bridge the gap between organizational success and individual growth. When companies invest in their employees, they're not just improving performance; they're helping people discover their potential and build meaningful careers.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that mean the most to me are faith, integrity, compassion, perseverance, leadership, and service to others. I believe these values are the foundation of both personal and professional success. My mother played an important role in shaping these values. She taught me through her actions what it means to work hard, care for your family, remain strong during difficult times, and extend a helping hand to those in need. In my professional and leadership experiences, I strive to treat people with respect, recognize their strengths, and encourage them to pursue their full potential. As a leader within the Latino Student Business Association, I've had the privilege of bringing people together through volunteer opportunities and community service initiatives. These experiences have reinforced my belief that leadership is not simply about holding a title, but about serving others, building relationships, and making a meaningful difference. In my personal life, I value family, gratitude, and being present for the people I love. Life has taught me that our time together is precious, and I want to make the most of it. Ultimately, I hope to be remembered not only for what I accomplished, but for how I treated people, the opportunities I helped create, and the positive influence I had on others.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Johanna
It's Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself and Pursue Your Dreams
A Personal Story of Resilience, Growth, and Second Chances at Any Age
Every Journey Has Its Own Timeline
I've come to realize that life doesn't always unfold according to the timeline we imagine for ourselves. Sometimes we take a different path, encounter unexpected challenges, or put our goals on hold while managing life's responsibilities. But I've learned that just because something takes longer than expected doesn't mean it's no longer worth pursuing.
My educational journey is a perfect example.
I attended Cerritos College for several semesters, taking classes along the way without necessarily having a clear picture of where my education would eventually lead. It wasn't until I turned 40 that I made the decision to complete my associate degree.
For me, that was an accomplishment in itself. At the time, I hadn't seriously considered transferring to a university. The financial responsibility seemed overwhelming, and I wasn't sure that continuing my education would be possible.
Fortunately, I learned about the Toro Pledge program at California State University, Dominguez Hills. That opportunity gave me the encouragement I needed to consider something I had previously thought was out of reach.
What started as a decision to finish my associate degree became the beginning of an entirely new chapter in my life.
Taking a Chance on Myself
Today, I'm pursuing my bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a focus in Human Resources at Cal State Dominguez Hills.
The experience has been exciting, challenging, and, at times, overwhelming. Balancing school with work, personal responsibilities, and other commitments isn't always easy. There are days when I'm simply trying to keep up with everything, but I remind myself how fortunate I am to have this opportunity.
Continuing my education has opened my eyes to possibilities I hadn't previously considered. Beyond improving my career outlook, I've gained confidence, developed new skills, and connected with people who have encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone.
One of the most rewarding decisions I've made has been becoming involved in student organizations on campus.
As Community Service Director for the Latino Student Business Association (LSBA), I've had opportunities to organize volunteer initiatives, collaborate with fellow student leaders, and participate in events that benefit our surrounding communities.
What I appreciate most about these experiences is the opportunity to connect with students from different backgrounds and stages of life. I've discovered that we all have something valuable to contribute, regardless of our age or where we are in our educational journey.
I also hope that my involvement encourages other women entering the university to explore the many associations, leadership opportunities, and resources available on campus. Sometimes, all it takes is joining an organization, attending an event, or introducing yourself to someone new to discover opportunities you never knew existed.
Finding Strength in an Unexpected Season
While this chapter of my life has brought exciting opportunities, it has also come with one of my greatest personal challenges.
Earlier this year, I lost my mother.
She was one of my greatest influences, a hardworking woman who dedicated herself to her family and taught me the importance of perseverance, kindness, and helping others.
There are moments when I finish a long day of classes, work, or campus activities and instinctively want to pick up the phone and tell her everything. I want to share what I've learned, the people I've met, or something exciting that happened during my day. Then I remember that she's no longer here to have those conversations with me.
Those moments are especially difficult because she was someone with whom I could share life's ordinary and extraordinary experiences.
I miss her encouragement, her presence, and the simple comfort of knowing I could talk to her.
But even in the midst of grief, my faith in God continues to give me strength and peace. I find comfort in knowing that my mother is in a better place and that the love, wisdom, and values she instilled in me remain a part of who I am.
Some days are harder than others, but I continue moving forward, carrying her influence with me in everything I do.
In many ways, pursuing my education and serving others have become meaningful ways of honoring the lessons she taught me.
Growth Is More Than a Degree
When I first decided to continue my education, my primary motivation was to create better career opportunities for myself. And while that remains an important goal, I've discovered that this journey is giving me much more than a degree.
It's teaching me to be more confident, adaptable, and willing to embrace opportunities that might initially feel unfamiliar.
Through my work leading enrichment activities for middle school students at Compton Unified School District, I've learned the importance of patience, communication, and helping young people recognize their potential.
Through my studies in Human Resources, I'm developing a deeper understanding of leadership, training, and the importance of investing in people.
And through my involvement with LSBA, I've discovered how meaningful it can be to bring people together for a common purpose.
These experiences have helped me realize that personal and professional growth often happen together. The knowledge we gain may prepare us for our careers, but the relationships we build and the challenges we overcome help shape our character.
Encouraging Other Women to Take That First Step
If there's one message I hope to share with other women, especially those who are considering returning to school or making a career change later in life, it's this: Don't count yourself out before you've explored what's possible.
At 40, I was focused on completing my associate degree. I hadn't imagined that I would eventually be attending a university, pursuing a career in Human Resources, and taking on leadership responsibilities within a student organization.
Yet here I am.
I know there are women who may feel uncertain about returning to school because of their age, financial concerns, family responsibilities, or simply the fear of starting something new.
I understand those concerns because I've experienced some of them myself.
My encouragement is to ask questions, explore financial assistance programs, connect with campus organizations, and give yourself permission to consider opportunities that may seem out of reach.
You may be surprised by the doors that open when you take that first step.
I also want women to know that they belong in these spaces. Whether you're entering college directly from high school or returning after years away, your life experiences, perspectives, and talents have value.
Education isn't reserved for a particular age group, and neither is leadership.
The Best Chapters May Still Be Ahead
I don't have every detail of my future figured out, and I've learned to be comfortable with that.
I'm still growing, learning, and discovering where this journey will lead. Some days are filled with excitement, while others require a little more patience, faith, and determination.
But when I look back at the woman who simply wanted to finish her associate degree at 40, I'm grateful that I didn't stop there.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue my education, improve my career prospects, build meaningful relationships, and hopefully encourage other women to believe in their own possibilities.
Most importantly, I'm learning to appreciate the journey itself, including the challenges that remind me how far I've come.
It's never too late to invest in yourself, pursue a dream, or discover a new purpose. Sometimes, the opportunities we once thought were beyond our reach become the very experiences that help us realize what we're capable of achieving.
And for me, this is only the beginning.
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