By Cynthia Hubert

September 08, 2025

A tight hug. A heartfelt thank you. The joy on the faces of patients who are able to hear birds chirping for the first time after years of hearing loss.

The small but powerful moments that Bianca Esparza experiences as a Doctor of Audiology student at Sacramento State remind her of why she never gave up on her academic goals, despite facing daunting obstacles.

Her persistence, along with her success in the classroom, recently caught the eye of the CSU, which is honoring her with a Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement. The award honors one student from each of the CSU’s 22 campuses who demonstrates superior academic performance, personal accomplishments, community service, and financial need.

As the recipient of the CSU Chancellor Mildred Garcia Scholar award, Esparza will receive a scholarship of $7,000. 

“It’s kind of surreal,” Esparza said of the award. “It’s overwhelming. This is going to make every difference in the world for me.”

Esparza grew up under challenging circumstances in Fairfield, where her parents struggled with addiction and she and her five siblings spent time in foster care. The odds were against them, but they were determined to forge a new path.

“I am serving real people and making a difference. When you are doing something that you really love, it makes the studying and everything else a little easier.” -- Bianca Esparza

Her sister, Destiny, who holds a doctoral degree from UC Davis, motivated Bianca to pursue higher education. Bianca earned undergraduate degrees in Communications from Humboldt State University and in Communication Sciences and Disorders through Sac State’s College of Continuing Education. Then she enrolled in Sac State’s Audiology program, where she discovered a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. 

“My sister has always had a stutter, and a speech therapist helped her overcome that,” Esparza said. “I wanted to be someone who could transform lives that way.”

The road has been challenging, with Esparza and her husband Richard raising a daughter, Sofia, while Esparza attends classes, studies and works as a graduate assistant in the University’s Audiology clinic.

Despite a rigorous courseload, Esparza has demonstrated exceptional academic success, ranking among the top 5 percent of her peers. She has presented her research at symposiums and conferences, and in her spare time volunteers at her daughter’s school.

Esparza’s patients in the Audiology clinic have impressed and inspired her. 

“When patients make progress and they express their gratitude, I know that I have made the perfect choice,” she said. “I am serving real people and making a difference. When you are doing something that you really love, it makes the studying and everything else a little easier.”

Once she graduates with her doctoral degree in Spring 2028, Esparza wants to work in private practice, helping patients navigate hearing, balance, and communication disorders. She also intends to engage with nonprofit groups to help people who lack insurance or have lower incomes receive necessary care. 

“I want to do great things,” Esparza said. “I want to help make changes in the system to give patients better access to hearing healthcare services.”

Ultimately, she said, all of the sacrifices she has made to earn her graduate degree will pay off for her family and future patients.

“Being in graduate school can feel a little selfish at times, when I’m wondering who can watch my daughter, or whether we’ll be OK financially,” Esparza said. “But we always find a way to get things done.

“I really enjoy helping people, and at the end of every single day, I come home to love. I feel very blessed.”