LEAD 2026 Scholarship Recipients
Anabelle Sanchez
Anabelle Sanchez (She/Her) is a sophomore at Michigan State University, double-majoring in Political Theory and Public Policy. Originally from Chicago, she developed a passion for educational equity and civic engagement through early experiences. Her political involvement began as an elected member of her high school’s Local School Council, serving as Vice-Chair of the Public Health Committee for the Chicago Mayor’s Youth Commission, and a Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute alumna. Currently, Anabelle serves as Chief of Staff for the Michigan College Democrats and works with the Michigan Department of State on the Collegiate Student Advisory Task Force, advancing equitable voting and democratic engagement. She aspires to a career in government affairs and is drawn to the LEAD Conference for leadership growth and uplifting Latinas in professional fields.
Itzeli Cruz-Salinas
Itzeli Cruz-Salinas (She/Her) is a first-generation pre-dental student majoring in Public Health on the B.S track, at the University of South Carolina and an Arnold School of Public Health Ambassador, where she balances academics with leadership roles including Logistics Chair for the Latino Caucus of Public Health, Program & Event Chair for the First-Gen Student Advisory Board, Mentor for first-year students on campus, and New Member Director and Service Committee member for Delta Delta Sigma, while also working as a Front Desk Receptionist at UofSC's First Generation Center . She is also a Live Más Scholar and Ambassador, an honor that reflects her commitment to leadership, service, and creating meaningful change within her community. Her experiences as a dental assistant with VAW Global Health in Cusco, Peru, a SHPEP scholar and ambassador, and a researcher focused on oral health disparities have shaped her passion for expanding access to dental care in underserved communities. She is deeply committed to community service, mentorship, and advocacy aimed at advancing equity in oral and public health
Isabella Castro
Isabella Castro (She/Her) is a first-generation Colombian American from West Palm Beach, Florida, majoring in International Studies and Dual Languages (French and Russian) with a minor in Latin American Studies at the University of Florida. Growing up translating for her immigrant family shaped her commitment to education equity and language access. At UF, she serves as a Peer Leader, primarily supporting first-generation students, and conducts funded research on European far-right politics as a Haskell Scholar. Isabella has also volunteered as an English teacher for immigrants and co-authored research on Latin American resistance music slated for publication. A Critical Language Scholarship alum and 2025–2027 Obama–Chesky Voyager Scholar, she is interested in careers in public service spanning the federal workforce, foreign service, and education and migration policy.
Lesly Guadalupe Maldonado
Lesly Guadalupe Maldonado (She/Her) was born in Juxtlahuaca, Oaxaca, Mexico and moved to the United States when she was two years old. She grew up in Molalla, Oregon where her family worked in the Christmas tree fields. Lesly is majoring in Political Science on the Pre-law track at Oregon State University. Her career aspiration is becoming a immigration lawyer. She has a strong sense of empathy and wants to help vulnerable people navigate a complex and grand system. Lesly aspires to build community wherever she goes. She currently serves as the president of MECHA, a latinx-focused social activist club, where she organizes events that promote community, uplifts higher education, and raises awareness to social issues going on. Her biggest inspirations are her parents, Damian and Yamileth Maldonado.
Ximena Sanchez Corral
Ximena Sanchez Corral (She/Her) is a first-generation student double-majoring in Psychology and Justice Studies at Arizona State University. Ximena currently serves as a Legal Resource Fellow for St. Vincent de Paul, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, and as an Undergraduate Extern for Maricopa County Office of the Public Defender. She previously served as President of El Concilio, the Hispanic/Latinx Coalition at ASU, where she led the strategic planning of large-scale events to unite student communities and promote cultural awareness on campus. Ximena aspires to pursue a career in the legal field focused on family and health policy, to expand access to justice for marginalized populations. She is excited to attend LEAD and connect with Latinas who are driving meaningful change in their communities.
Sofia Donaldson Florez
Sofia Donaldson Florez (She/Her), originally from San Jose, California, is a Colombian American student studying Global and Community Health with a minor in Digital Justice Studies at UC Santa Cruz. She serves as Chair of La Sociedad of Latine Pre-Law Students, Fellows Coordinator for The Everett Program (Global Information Internship Program), and as a member of the Steering Committee for UC Latine Advocacy Day at the California Capitol. As a UCSA Policy Fellow, she is developing policy memos surrounding student housing and basic needs inequities. She is actively working as a Koret Scholar on a research project that addresses the reproductive injustices associated with faulty legal frameworks for women in the Americas. Her long-term aspiration is to pursue a career in law with a concentration in public interest and international human rights. Through this path, she aims to address social inequities at their structural roots, focusing on policy reform and systems of access.
Natalie Mazariegos Howe
Natalie is a recent graduate who student political science and public relations. She is a proud Los Angeles Native and chapina. This year she is the sitting Pre-Law Affairs Director of the National Latina/o Law Student Association and the Pre- Law Ambassador of the western region of the National Black Law Student Association. She aspires to be a lawyer and eventually transition into politics.