Lupita Fernandez

Owner/agent, Allstate Insurance

Age: 37

Community involvement: One on One Partners at Project PEPP, administrative director; University of Arizona, breast cancer research study coordinator; UA Hispanic Alumni Association, board member; John Valenzuela Youth Center, coordinator

Best advice you could give: Get a college degree no matter the circumstances.

Your mentor/whom you admire: I admire anyone who doesn't give in to circumstances and makes a way to improve themselves and (their) way of living.

Proudest professional accomplishment: After 3.5 years of being in business I reached the top 5 percent of all Allstate agents in the country.

A word from the nominator: "Lupita is a phenomenal story of a child that was thrust into the American culture and made the most of becoming a responsible and contributing member of the community. . . . She gives all of her clients, regardless of background, the same focused attention. She is comfortable networking and trying to help all levels of society. For that, she is adored." - Tina Roesler, president, Project: Brainstorm