2025 Honorees

Laura Vargas

Management

Laura Vargas leads by example. Both in the quality of her work and her professionalism. 
  
As the president of Women in Business, Vargas heads the largest women-run student organization at USF. 
 
She plans weekly events focused on professional development, recruitment, and mentorship. She helps prepare the more than 950 members to thrive in their careers while exposing them to successful female role models in the industry. 
 
She hopes to show that women can succeed and triumph in any field. 
  
Although she's not one to seek the limelight, she's comfortable speaking in front of a room. Often, she's presenting alongside representatives from leading global companies such as Goldman Sachs. 
  
Her experience gave her an appreciation for finding something that combines her interests and talents. She discovered her love for uplifting the female community on campus. That means supporting professional growth and helping others navigate a competitive job market. 
  
Vargas is also the lead tutor at the USF SmartLab, which serves over 6,000 undergraduate math students each year. She supervises over 50 student employees in the lab, where she started as a mathematics mentor in 2022. She is also a certified International Tutor through the College Reading and Learning Association. 
  
Her manager at the SMART Lab applaud her dedication as a peer tutor. “Through her service, she has contributed to record-setting academic success among the students."  
  
Vargas graduates in May with a bachelor’s degree in management. She is grateful USF gave her the space to explore and develop her professional and leadership skills.