Maritza Rodriguez-Avalos is from the West Mesa community in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is a first-generation college graduate with a B.A. in Spanish and Population Health. Through her connection with Partnership for Community Action (PCA), Maritza has participated in youth leadership efforts, supported community advocacy during the 2022 Vote Yes for Kids campaign, which was a constitutional amendment that expanded access to New Mexico’s Land Grant Permanent Fund to increase funding for education and transform early childhood care in the state. She is a PCA microloan borrower, a small loan that helped shape her educational and professional journey. She brings lived experience and a deep commitment to her community, and is honored to share her story and perspective.