When Marissa Schmidt graduated from Cal Poly in 1995, she carried more than just a computer engineering degree into Silicon Valley. As a trailblazer in the first cohort of Cal Poly’s Computer Engineering program, she knew what it meant to be one of the few women in a male-dominated field. Despite those challenges, she was determined to build a successful career — and to help others do the same.
That drive to give back started early. As a student, Schmidt was actively involved at Cal Poly, serving as a representative on a university council and supporting the Society of Women Engineers. Those experiences not only shaped her leadership skills but also strengthened her resolve to make an impact, both on campus and beyond.
Years later, as a director of product management at Citrix, Schmidt found herself in a position to offer something invaluable to the next generation: mentorship. When Professor John Oliver, then-chair of the Computer Engineering program, asked for help with a few struggling students, she stepped up. Two young women shadowed her at Citrix in 2013, seeing firsthand that engineering could be more than just hours spent in a lab; it could be a global career filled with innovation and opportunity.
One of those mentees, Aimee Davis, later sent Schmidt a letter that continues to inspire her. In 2014, reflecting on the experience, Davis wrote: “Being one of only a few women in the program, I was really on the fence whether or not I wanted to stick it out in computer engineering. The time you spent with me made all the difference, and I am now all in and very excited.”
For Schmidt, that message was a powerful affirmation of the value of mentorship. “It’s like the circle of life — helping others that follow you,” she said. “I want my legacy to be helping others.”
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Another mentee, Gonzalo Arana, transferred from Los Angeles Valley College in 2017. As a first-generation college student, he was unsure of his path in computer engineering. Looking for guidance, he joined the mentorship program and was paired with Schmidt, who invited him and two other mentees to visit her at Citrix in San Jose.
“I never had a conception of the corporate world,” Arana said. “That five-hour drive was so worth it. We saw server rooms, sat in on meetings and realized there were opportunities I’d never even considered.”
A few years later, Arana landed an internship and then a full-time position at Microsoft, focusing on the software side of computer engineering.
Eager to give back, he came across a call for mentors on Cal Poly’s LinkedIn page in 2024 and quickly realized Schmidt was the driving force behind the program’s relaunch after a brief hiatus. “That’s my mentor!” he thought, and he wasted no time reaching out. “When she asked me to become a mentor, it was exactly what I was looking for,” Arana said. “Now I get to hear students’ stories, share my own experiences and see that lightbulb moment in their eyes when they realize the possibilities they never knew existed.”
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Arana’s story is one example of how impactful a single mentor can be, but Schmidt’s commitment extends beyond individual connections. She was an early member of the Computer Engineering Industrial Advisory Board, guiding the program’s evolution and playing a key role in relaunching the mentorship initiative.
Today, students are paired with industry mentors from leading companies like Meta, Apple, Microsoft and Amazon. Meetings happen monthly, with professionals offering advice, insights and networking opportunities. Among those mentors is Cynthia (Biermann) Meyrath, Schmidt’s longtime friend and fellow computer engineering alumna. Since their days at Cal Poly, the two have stayed close and continue to support students, mirroring the way they once encouraged each other on campus.
Now a senior director analyst for Gartner, Schmidt continues to support the program, staying involved and connected despite the demands of a global career. For her, mentorship is about more than just professional guidance — it’s about making a difference, creating opportunities and giving back to the community that set her on the path to success.
“It feels good to know that what we started years ago is still making a difference,” Schmidt said. “And it’s even more rewarding to see former mentees like Gonzalo come back to the program as mentors themselves. That truly feels like coming full circle.”
To get involved as a mentor or mentee, reach out to Schmidt at marissabschmidt@gmail.com.
By Emily Slater
