"About Me"
My name is Kimberly Pedroza, and I was born in Bisbee, Arizona. I grew up between the borders of Mexico and the United States, which allowed me to become fluent in both Spanish and English and develop a strong appreciation for cultural and linguistic diversity. I am currently majoring in Leadership and Learning Innovation at the University of Arizona, with plans to pursue graduate school and earn a master’s degree in Educational Psychology.
My academic and career goals focus on advancing education, supporting diverse learners, and helping communities grow through inclusive and innovative learning opportunities. I am proud to have been part of CACTUS (Community Action for Change, Transforming, and Uplifting Success). This is an intergenerational community organization where I had contribute to building educational and community connections. Beyond school, I enjoy cooking, baking, traveling, and hiking, which keeps me creative and connected to others.
Values and Skills Narrative
As a professional, one of my core values is empathy. I care deeply about understanding others’ feelings and experiences, which helps me build trust and strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Another important value for me is inclusivity. I believe every student deserves to feel valued and supported, no matter their background, and I strive to create environments where everyone can succeed. I’m also highly dedicated and hardworking. I always put in the effort to meet goals and support those around me, showing reliability and commitment in everything I do. Finally, I value strong communication skills. I listen carefully, express myself clearly, and work collaboratively to solve problems, which helps me connect and work effectively with others.
Graduate School or Research Evidence
I’m interested in the Educational Psychology graduate program at the University of Arizona because it aligns closely with my career goal of becoming an Educational Program Coordinator. This program’s focus on understanding student learning, behavior, and mental health fits perfectly with my passion for supporting students’ academic and emotional development. I’m especially interested in research on interventions that help students with learning or behavioral challenges, as well as strategies to promote inclusivity and well-being in schools. Engaging in scholarly work through this program will allow me to deepen my knowledge, develop evidence based practices, and prepare to take on leadership roles in classrooms and school settings to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.