Sam Medrano is native of the SF Bay Area, born and raised. He earned an International Baccalaureate Diploma from Sequoia High School which helped in setting the foundation for his academic success.
Sam attended Wesleyan University, where he majored in sociology and graduated in 2019. During his time at college, he ventured into the professional world through diverse internships in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. These experiences played a pivotal role in shaping his long-term career aspirations.
As an intern for Congresswoman Jackie Speier and County Supervisor Warren Slocum, Sam got a firsthand look at public service and the impact it can make on people's lives. He also dedicated his time to the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, contributing to the work of a non-profit organization that aims to bring positive change to the community through mini-grants.
One standout opportunity was his internship at Visa, where he joined the talent acquisition team. His dedication and hard work turned this internship into a full-time job after graduation. Sam was an integral part of Visa’s Global Technology Talent Acquisition team for the past three years and recently transitioned to the Global Cybersecurity Business Operations team as an analyst, where he plays a crucial role in overseeing Cybersecurity's Early Career workforce programs and supporting various employee engagement initiatives.
Beyond his professional achievements, Sam is an advocate for diversity and inclusion at Visa. He holds a leadership role in supporting the advancement of the Latinx community, striving to recruit, develop, and empower talent within the company.
Outside of work, Sam's passions extend to spending quality time with his loved ones. He has a green thumb and takes great joy in cultivating a diverse collection of plants in his apartment jungle. Additionally, he is a dedicated lifelong learner, having completed an Operation Management Certification from e-Cornell University and actively pursuing a Leadership Fundamentals Certification.
Moreover, Sam remains deeply connected to his roots as a former PCF scholar, giving back as a mentor, donor, and member of the PCF alumni committee. Through his efforts, he has formed a valuable partnership with Visa, enabling new PCF scholars to benefit from the guidance of 15 dedicated mentors.
In all aspects of his life, Sam believes that having a strong work ethic and eagerness will lead you to success. On top of that, he attributes his success to not only PCF but to his family. In his own words “PCF will always be the organization that built the bridge for me to enter the professional world, but it’s my family who helped push me across that long bridge.”