07/08/2025
Meet our Top-Notch Trojan, Yanara Zenteno (Portero)!
I work in University Human Resources Talent Acquisition, where I've been with the university eight and a half years. What I love most about working at USC is being part of a community that genuinely values purpose-driven work. Every day, I get to collaborate with incredible colleagues who are just as committed to making an impact as they are to supporting one another. It’s rewarding to know that the work I do helps bring passionate, mission-aligned people into a place that’s shaping the future for our community and the world, whether that’s through research, education, or service. I’m proud to be a Trojan, and even prouder to help build the teams that make this university thrive. Fight On!
The Executive, Professional, & Specialty Recruitment team, who nominated Yanara for embodying the Unifying Value of Excellence, said, “Yanara exemplifies Excellence by continuously fostering a culture of growth, innovation, and collaboration within our team. She consistently challenges us to strive for the best, encouraging self-reflection and learning while championing initiatives that elevate our recruitment practices. Her commitment to promoting the team’s success is evident in her advocacy for new opportunities, ensuring each team member is empowered to contribute meaningfully. Through her guidance, our team has developed best practices that not only enhance efficiency but also strengthen USC’s ability to attract top talent. Yanara’s leadership inspires us…and reinforces a standard of excellence that aligns with USC’s mission to continuously evolve and better serve our institution and society.