Andrea Maldonado is a senior at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, double majoring in political science and economics with a minor in legal studies. Andrea is a native of Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, and is passionate about supporting her fellow immigrant community. On campus, Andrea served as the president of the Rio Grande Valley Model United Nations, a role that earned her UTRGV's Student Leader of the Year award. She also represented UTRGV on the UT System Student Advisory Council, served as a senator for the College of Liberal Arts in the Student Government Association, and acted as a plaintiff’s attorney for the Mock Trial team. Off campus, she has gained meaningful experience as a paralegal at an immigration law firm, as a fellow for La Union Del Pueblo Entero, and as an advocate for immigrant rights with the Practice Mercy Foundation. After graduation, she plans to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an immigration attorney.