Gabriela attended University of Houston and studied Political Science with Mexican American Studies and Leadership Studies as her minors. Gabriela has volunteered for Partnership and Immersion for Advancement of Refugees (PAIR) to mentor Afghani refugee children in Houston. She also previously worked at the law firm, Ogletree Deakins, where she primarily worked on applications for employment-based green cards.

As a Rishta Fellow, Gabriela served as an English teacher in Qarshi, Uzbekistan from September 2024 to February 2025 at Umid Uchqunlari maktab. While in Qarshi, Gabriela hosted the “American Club” for university students and professors and volunteered at the American Corner Qarshi (ACQ).

Gabriela is interested in learning world history, participating in cultural exchange, and is passionate about mentoring others towards their educational goals. Her enthusiasm for working with immigrants stems from her grandparents and father being Mexican immigrants and moving to the U.S. in the late 1950s. Gabriela enjoys reading WW2 historical fiction books, watching a variety of movies, spending time with her loved ones.