Norma Gay is a senior at The University of Texas at Austin, triple majoring in social work, sociology, and urban studies with a certificate in public policy. Her dedication to addressing societal inequality has been strengthened through her service at the UT Outpost, a food pantry and career closet for UT students, and her work as a research assistant at the Texas Institute for Child and Family Wellbeing. As a Ronald E. McNair Scholar, she recently attended the 2024 UCLA National McNair Conference, where she presented her upcoming publication, "Transitioning from Safety Nets to Economic Empowerment: Redefining Social Welfare Through Social Investment Policies.” After graduation, Gay aspires to become a social work professor, focusing on advancing social welfare research and advocacy.