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Bianca Carrillo-Velez

Bianca Carrillo-Velez

Jere and Eileen Dutt Memorial Scholarship Recipient

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FRESNO

Bianca Carrillo-Velez’s passion for serving others comes from her family. Watching her mother’s dedication and sacrifice, she said, inspired her to do whatever she can for her community.

“Growing up with a single mother shaped me into the person I am today,” Bianca said. “I remember waking up at three in the morning with her so she could take me to my babysitter before driving an hour to go to work. I've always seen my mom working hard, striving to make ends meet and doing whatever she can for me.”

Bianca was also inspired by a mentor who became like family – a security officer at her school who made her interested in law enforcement.

“I call Officer Price my adopted dad,” Bianca said. “He showed me what it meant to respect everyone and not to judge them. I decided I wanted to be a police officer because of the impact that Officer Price had on me.”

In high school, a new path opened up for Bianca. Shadowing a counselor at a summer program at a local elementary school gave Bianca an interest in social work. Bianca taught classes on topics such as responsibility and compassion, and devoted special time to children who needed it the most.

“I would work one-on-one with students who were struggling to work together in groups,” she said. “Sometimes you have to sit down with them, look them in the eye and talk through what they’re struggling with.”

Bianca Carrillo-Velez smiles while sitting on a boulder along a rocky coastline.

I am studying social work because I want to support the well-being of families and my community overall.

Bianca Carrillo-Velez

2023 Founders Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Bianca Carrillo-Velez smiles while sitting on a boulder along a rocky coastline.

I am studying social work because I want to support the well-being of families and my community overall.

Bianca Carrillo-Velez

2023 Founders Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Bianca Carrillo-Velez smiles while sitting on a boulder along a rocky coastline.

I am studying social work because I want to support the well-being of families and my community overall.

Bianca Carrillo-Velez

2023 Founders Memorial Scholarship Recipient

As she shifted her career outlook from law enforcement to social work, Bianca saw a connection between the two fields. “They both revolve around helping your community,” she said. “You have to be hands-on in difficult situations, and you have to talk to people you wouldn't normally talk to. There are a lot of similarities. The difference is that I want to work more with children and families to help build their structure for the future. I want to build relationships.”

Bianca does just that as a volunteer at a local shelter for the unhoused. When she saw a single mother caring for six children, some of whom were sleeping on the floor, she bought the mother an air mattress. Bianca’s own family experience made her want to reach out to help.

“I have a heart for mothers who are doing it by themselves,” Bianca said. “I just wanted to help however I could.”

Bianca is now a junior at California State University, Fresno, studying social work. One of her social work professors has become a mentor, and she enjoys the support of peers who share her passion to serve others.

“Seeing everybody with the same idea as I have, wanting to help their community, has been an amazing experience,” she said. Bianca plans to stay in Merced, California, the community where she grew up, and serve as a social worker. Her own journey, Bianca says, gives her confidence in her future.

“I’ve been through a lot of challenges and I’ve overcome every single one,” she said. “And I know I always will.”

IBO FOUNDING FAMILY: JERE + EILEEN DUTT

The Dutt family is impressed by Bianca’s resilience and her focus on serving others. Her willingness to change to follow her vision is exemplary. We are proud to be able to help in a small way in assisting her to pursue her dream of working in community service.

– The Dutt Family