Veronica Vasquez-Robles

El Mirage, Arizona

Having a strong sense of pride for family and community and a desire to learn, I knew I wanted to one day serve my hometown of El Mirage, AZ as an educator. Following the path my sister set forth and my drive to study and serve, guided me to earn my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Arizona. I eagerly returned home, hoping to offer my students knowledge and opportunities, and helping them create memories along the way. In my heart, I knew I had more to learn if I intended to impact my community and our youth like I had once hoped for. Supported by my family and friends, I earned my doctorate from Arizona State University, making a Wild Devil out of me. Along with my degrees, I also published my memoir as a means to honor my family and hometown. Now, after 10 years in education, I couldn’t be happier. I have been able to realize my dream and serve my hometown and home district as a language arts middle school teacher, an instructional coach, and most recently, as a school site administrator. It feels amazing when I am able to tell my students, “If I can do it, you can do it, too.”