Nayeli Berenice Aranda Hernández

Migrant graduation specialist

Pasco School District

Age: 34

Current city of residence: Pasco

Briefly describe your company:

The Migrant Education Program (MEP) is a federally-funded program designed to support the educational needs of children of migrant farmworkers and other migratory laborers. It provides supplemental educational services, such as tutoring, English language support and access to health and social services to help students overcome challenges related to frequent moves, interrupted schooling and economic hardship. MEP’s goal is to ensure that migrant children have equal opportunities to succeed academically and graduate from high school.

How long have you worked there?

8 years

Education: Please list any degrees and professional certifications.

• Master’s in clinical social work.
• Doctorate in education with specialization in organizational leadership.

I have received full-ride scholarships to complete my studies at Heritage University, Walla Walla University, Columbia Basin College and National University. I have earned Dissertation of the Year and the Excellence Award for being the only social worker in my class to graduate with a 4.0 grade-point average.

Briefly describe your job and what you do.

I support identified migrant students at Stevens Middle School in Pasco. However, I go beyond my expected role by partnering with businesses and nonprofits to provide students with experiences they might not otherwise have access to, such as attending hockey games, volunteering for nonprofits, going to Seattle Mariners games and engaging in cultural experiences at school. Additionally, I own two personal businesses.

Tell us about your work history.

Since I was 5, I began to work at the Pasco flea market with various vendors. At the age of 11, I began earning a paycheck in the fields, working in sheds and anything that had to do with agriculture. Later I worked at various fast food restaurants, always having two or more jobs at once. I also worked as a server at two Mexican restaurants and two Chinese restaurants.

I worked as a student ambassador for Columbia Basin College, where I provided campus tours and academic guidance as a tutor. I have experience in the state’s Wraparound with Intensive Services program (WISe), holding various roles within mental health, including peer support, care coordinator, therapist and program manager. I also worked for Hope and Family, an organization that collaborates with the Department of Child Protective Services to facilitate court-ordered visits between children under 18 and their biological parents. Additionally, I worked for the Juvenile Justice Center in the Human Trafficking Unit, providing mental health services to female youth impacted by human trafficking.

For the past five years, I have owned a small concessions business, where I train and support first-generation college students and high school seniors, equipping them with skills in customer service and business operations. For the past 10 years, I have owned a rental business that provides apartments, townhomes and houses, supporting working families and college students with affordable housing while they pursue their education.

Tell us about your first job.

My first job was working in the fields. My parents were undocumented, had little education and spoke no English so the fields is what we had access to. I picked just about every crop available in Washington state as we were migrant and would move constantly, working long shifts in various temperatures.

When I turned 11, my parents “legalized me” and I began to earn my own paychecks. My biological mom never supported education and believed the only way to success was by working, so at the age of 14, I dropped out to go and work full time at McDonald’s during the weekend and during the week at the fields or packing sheds.

I didn’t enjoy waking up early or picking late into the night with only the car lights illuminating the long rows, but I preferred it over working at the flea market. On weekends since the age of 5, I worked for a man at the Mattawa flea market. He would pick me up from my house in Pasco, and I would spend the entire day working, earning just $40 on Saturdays and $50 on Sundays.

What advice would you give to your younger self about achieving success?

To never give up and not drop out. I missed out on so many extracurricular activities, scholarships to study outside of Pasco, sports, band and more because I chose to leave school. I would encourage my younger self to push past fear, seek help when needed and stay in school. We have our whole lives to work, but only a limited time to be kids.

What would be your top three priorities to make our community a better place?

• Addressing the mental health challenges that can potentially lead individuals to drugs and alcohol.
• Investing in the education and mentorship of our youth.
• Focusing on supporting local businesses and job opportunities.

Tell us about your community involvement/community service:

For the past three years, I have been part of the Citizens Advisory Network committee for Ben Franklin Transit, where I am the only Hispanic and the youngest member. I serve as a voice for our Latino population and youth in the decisions being made by Ben Franklin Transit.

For the past seven years, I have played an important role with the Hispanic Academic Achievers Program scholarship, providing assistance and support in all areas of the scholarship process, from reviewing applications to supporting students throughout the application process and emceeing at the ceremonies.

I also volunteer for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce supporting its community events, and for the city of Pasco, taking part in various events in collaboration with the Pasco School District in any role where I am needed.

Additionally, I volunteer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation for the Washington and Alaska chapter, helping to grant wishes for youth who have gone through challenging health issues, usually cancer.

I support the Tri-Cities Immigration Coalition, helping youth who are undocumented and offering scholarships to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. I also volunteer for Sue’s Turkey Drive, fundraising to secure Thanksgiving meals for families in the Tri-Cities.

Do you have family? Pets? Tell us about them.

I do have a biological family, but I’m not very close with them and usually don’t refer to them as my family. However, I have a family, though they’re not my legal foster family, I don’t have a better word to describe them other than family. Within this family, I’m the oldest of four siblings, including my dad. We spend most Sundays together, as well as birthdays and holidays, unless my parents are in Mexico. We are very close, and I love them dearly. They are incredibly valuable to me because, although I’m not blood-related, I’ve never felt otherwise.

My 14-year-old daughter is deeply involved in the community and her school while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She’s also been working at our family concessions business since she was 5 years old. My daughter is the driving force behind everything I do; every day, she inspires me. Being a single mom has been incredibly challenging, but it’s also the most beautiful gift God has granted me – a love I received when I didn’t even know it existed.

I also have two shih tzus, Carter and Aubrie. Carter turned 8 on April 20. He’s the most loving and caring dog I know. Aubrie is 1 year old and is Carter’s daughter and loves to be hugged and babied. She’s good friends with my best friend’s chicken. Both of them complete our hearts.

How long have you lived in the Tri-Cities?

I have lived in the Tri-Cities for 28 years, after arriving from Mexico at the age of 4. While I dropped out (14-16 years), I lived in Illinois but returned later to graduate from New Horizons High School.

What’s your dream vacation?

My dream vacation is to visit Paris with my daughter. I’m a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient and travel is very limited, but I do have a collection of Eiffel towers.

Planner or procrastinator?

Planner. I roll on a calendar. My motto, if it’s not on the calendar, it’s not happening. I love staying organized.

Introvert or extrovert?

A little of both depending on the setting. Stepping out of my comfort zone is uncomfortable but it makes me grow and become a better version of myself for others and myself.

First car?

Honda Accord. I paid $1,000 for it when I was 15.

Favorite thing to do in Tri-Cities?

I love visiting new restaurants and enjoying beautiful views. I also enjoy running along the river.

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

That I’m undocumented or have DACA and my age. Most people assume that everything I’ve achieved is because I’m a U.S. citizen or that it was simply given to me. Now, as a Ph.D., people are surprised to learn or wonder how and why. I tell them that the opportunities are there. In this state, with education, nothing is impossible, both in business and in academics.

Favorite Tri-City restaurant?

Budd’s Broiler. They have the perfect summer views!

Favorite day of the week?

Friday! It’s when self-care time starts!

Would you rather travel back in time or to the future?

Travel to the past. Due to multiple jobs and attending school, I missed out on so many firsts of my daughter – it hurts me. And now she’s 14!