Maria, from Royal City, Washington, graduated from the University of Washington Seattle Campus as a first-generation college student, earning a degree in Business Administration: Human Resources with a minor in Labor Studies. During college, she was involved in experiences that shaped her personally and professionally. Studying abroad in London and India pushed her out of her comfort zone and showed her how much growth comes from immersing herself in new cultures. Interning for the University of Washington in Labor Relations and Campus Operations helped her discover her passion for Human Resources and her interest in supporting people through strong workplace systems. She also found leadership and community in Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc., where she embraced her roots in a large university setting. Shaped by her migrant family background, she took on leadership roles, supported her family, and adapted to new environments with resilience. She was active in groups like First-Generation Business Leaders, the women’s network at UW, faith-based organizations, and TRIO SSS, all of which helped her build connections, strengthen her skills, and thrive away from home. These combined experiences built her confidence and clarified her goal of returning to her community to work in HR within the agricultural industry—an aspiration that emerged as she explored different academic and career paths.