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About Me Advocate. Mentor. Lifelong learner. Connector. Builder of bridges. Champion for the overlooked. Joy seeker. Lover of new adventures. Believer in the power of encouragement. Likes: Iced coffee. Dark chocolate. Journaling. Traveling. Dancing. Karaoke. Quiet moments by the water. Dislikes: Spiders. Reality TV. Hot flashes. |
Sylvia Gonzales
Sylvia brings nearly three decades of advocacy, mentorship, and leadership to her role, rooted in a lifelong commitment to walking alongside others on their journey toward growth and stability. Her passion for service began while earning her degree in Business Administration and Spanish at Eastern New Mexico University, where she took on peer support roles reading for students in the Office of Disabilities, mentoring in the SSS TRIO Program, and guiding peers through the Office of Hispanic Affairs. Graduating in 2001, Sylvia dedicated 16 years to the TRIO programs, helping first-generation and underrepresented students navigate the path to higher education while earning her master’s in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. She went on to lead Hispanic Serving Institution grants and First Gen Proud initiatives for five years before serving as Assistant Director for Community Partnerships at the University Libraries. There she created the innovative Student Ambassador program, planned meaningful events, and promoted deep connections between the university and the community. After years of championing college students, Sylvia felt called to serve even earlier in life’s journey, supporting children and youth experiencing foster care before they reach adulthood. As a mom, mentor, and daughter of immigrants, she believes in the power of consistent encouragement for those who have had to grow up too soon. Rooted in this belief, she pours her heart into the Love Box® and Dare to Dream® programs, offering steady support to children and families and reminding them they are seen, valued, and worthy. Outside of work, Sylvia enjoys staying active whether lifting weights at the gym, meditating by the beach or river, dancing, or singing karaoke or enjoying time with friends and family. She is the proud mom of two teenage sons, Auston and Zaxton, one of eight siblings, and the daughter of Mexican immigrants. |
