Dr. Marcella Camberos is a proud double alumna of the University of La Verne, having earned her Master of Science in Business Administration in 2010 and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership in 2022. Today, she is the founder of Blueprint Leadership Group, a consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations across Southern California thrive through intentional leadership development, emotional intelligence, and transformational practices.
Marcella’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and impact. As a first-generation Latina and someone with a severe hearing impairment, she faced early challenges navigating academic institutions. “I was often misunderstood,” she shares, “but over time, I learned to quiet the voice of imposter syndrome and persist with resilience.”
Her passion for lifelong learning led her back to ULV in 2019 to pursue a doctorate just as the world shifted dramatically due to COVID-19. Despite the fear and uncertainty, she found strength in her cohort and the unwavering support of ULV faculty and staff. “The LaFetra College of Education was instrumental in my success. I’ll always be grateful for the Class of 2022.”
After completing her Ed.D., Marcella continued in a leadership role at Claremont McKenna College before taking a bold step—launching her own consulting firm. Drawing on over 15 years of experience in Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, and Organizational Development, she created Blueprint Leadership Group to fill a crucial need: bridging the gap between compliance training and transformative organizational growth. “Many organizations focus on checking the boxes, but what they really need is deeper—leadership development, better communication, and culture-building that lasts,” Marcella explains. Her firm goes beyond the surface to provide data-informed, results-driven training that empowers teams, strengthens culture, and improves retention.
Through her work, Marcella has supported countless small businesses and entrepreneurs—especially women and members of the Latina community—helping them overcome self-doubt, embrace emotional intelligence, and step into their leadership potential. As an active member of the Glendora Chamber of Commerce, she also leads workshops on everything from branding and pricing to automating business systems.Marcella’s academic experience at ULV gave her the tools she uses every day—survey design, leadership theories, data analysis, and an understanding of workplace dynamics through critical race theory. “My education gave me the consultative knowledge, skills, and abilities to drive real impact within organizations,” she says.
When asked what she’s most proud of, her answer is clear: creating positive change in her community. “Empowering others—especially fellow Latinas—to overcome imposter syndrome and thrive, that’s what fuels me.”
Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is grounded and inspiring:
“Pursue something you’re truly passionate about. Identify the gaps and think about how your business can create positive social impact. Don’t be afraid to fail—fail fast and fail forward. Tune out the noise and trust yourself. Just go for it.”
Dr. Marcella Camberos’s story is a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership—and the impact that a ULV education can have in shaping visionary changemakers.