Gladys was born in the mountains of Chihuahua; this year will be her 20th year in the mountains of Eagle River Valley. She graduated as a Battle Mountain High School Husky in 2014, became a Guardian Scholar and continued her education at Colorado Mesa University where she pursued her passion for helping others. She graduated with a Bachelor in Social Work in 2017. She is the first person in her family to go to college; she’s now pursuing a Master of Social Work at the University of Denver’s Western Colorado Program.

After college, Gladys returned to the valley to work at Youth Power 365, a program in which she was a participant. Her favorite programs were Girl PowHER, academic soccer and the mentor’s program. After that, Gladys moved to Denver where she worked at the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless as a case manager for families in permanent housing. Living in the city taught her more about social justice, compassion and patience (especially during traffic hours). She is a life-long learner and enjoys reading during her free time. Her self-care includes exercise and baking (she almost went to culinary school). Gladys is happiest when she is around her loved ones and enjoys watching crime series on her free time. If she could have dinner with a celebrity she would sit with Michelle Obama and Harriet Tubman.