Wendy Ibarra is a Psychology major at New Mexico State University (NMSU) from Vado, New Mexico, a small and admirable community that has been central to shaping her values and aspirations. Growing up in rural areas, Wendy was immersed in the hard work of farm labor from the age of 14, gaining invaluable life lessons in perseverance, dedication, and the strength required to overcome challenges. These experiences have deeply influenced her personal and professional goals, inspiring her to work toward improving the well-being of those around her.

Currently, Wendy is committed to supporting her community in various ways. She is an active member of the NMSU CAMP research team, where she contributes to projects that provide essential support to migrant students, helping them navigate their educational paths and empowering them to succeed. Wendy's desire to uplift her community was furthered during the summer of 2024, when she interned with the New Mexico Immigration Law Center. This experience allowed her to work closely with immigrant families, deepening her understanding of the systemic challenges they face and reinforcing her commitment to advocating for underserved populations.

In the future, Wendy aspires to channel her education and experiences into a career focused on providing culturally sensitive mental health care, particularly for Spanish-speaking individuals and others from similar backgrounds. Her ultimate goal is to make a lasting impact by creating spaces where individuals from her community feel seen, understood, and supported.