Elizabeth Medina is a proud first generation Latinx member of the LQBTQIA+ community from Des Moines, Iowa. Elizabeth finds her true passion in higher education work and ensuring the success of all students. She started her journey in academia as an Admissions Coordinator at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, located in Muscatine, Iowa. This experience allowed her to grow into a position with Iowa College Aid, working specifically for the GEAR UP Iowa grant. She has worked there since 2017.
Her personal experiences allow her to be a vocal leader in the community. With the recent creation of a new professional organization, PILA (Association of Iowa Latinx Professionals), Elizabeth has been able to work with others in the community to strengthen Latinx professional growth and achievement. This group works empower Iowa’s Latinx professionals by creating an inclusive space and providing opportunities for growth. Elizabeth is also involved in a newly created state initiative focusing on the Latinx attainment achievement gap.
Elizabeth graduated from Western Illinois University with a Liberal Arts and Sciences Bachelor’s Degree while minoring in Psychology; Communications; and Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Administration. She is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Communications and Journalism from Drake University.