ID theft incident fuels SoPA grad’s passion for Information Technology

After falling victim to identity theft in 2005, New Orleans native Angel Cardona's interest in information technology grew strong. 

Ultimately, Cardona earned two bachelor’s degrees from the Tulane School of Professional Advancement (SoPA) in 2021, one in Homeland Security Studies and another in Information Technology. This spring, Cardona earned his third Tulane SoPA degree — a Master of Science in IT Management.

“When you have mentors, professionals, and special instructors you relate to, it makes a difference.”

— Angel Cardona, Tulane SoPA Class of 2022

“I’m interested in a profession in technology because I care about helping companies keep their data secure,” said Cardona. “After graduation, I hope to secure an IT security analyst position in creating new ways of protecting data from intruders.”

In Cardona’s personal life technology also plays a significant role. His education was on hold for nearly 25 years due to a congenital visual impairment that caused him to become legally blind. Assistive technology, availability of online coursework at Tulane SoPA, and resources provided by Tulane’s Goldman Center for Student Accessibility, he says, are instrumental to students with disabilities.  

Andres Calderon, an adjunct professor in Tulane SoPA’s Information Technology program, nominated Cardona for the award. Cardona related to his classmates and was inspired by faculty members like Calderon, who shares in his experience as a first-generation college graduate.  

“I look up to these people,” said Cardona. “When you have mentors, professionals, and special instructors you relate to, it makes a difference.”

Among other accolades, Cardona is the 2022 recipient of the Dr. Gisela Spieker Prize for outstanding first-generation college graduates.