Miguel Lua-Reyes

Miguel Lua-Reyes was born and raised in Merced, California. He is a first-generation Mexican American and was the first person in his family to attend college. He graduated from Merced College, where he completed his Associate of Arts and Science degrees in History and Social and Behavioral Science. He transferred to Stanislaus State, where he graduated Cum Laude with his Bachelor of Arts degree in History. He has a decade of professional experience in college access and readiness, helping first-generation students throughout the state of California prepare, apply, and succeed in college. He served in Guatemala as a Youth in Development Volunteer for the United States Peace Corps. While his service was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he opted to return to teach English Language Arts for Atitlan Multicultural Academy for the 2021-2022 academic school year. He hopes to pursue a graduate degree in international relations, public administration, public policy, or peace and justice studies. He intends to join the US Agency for International Development Foreign Service as a Crisis, Stabilization, and Governance Officer. Miguel is currently working as a Technical Assistance Manager for the California College Guidance Initiative, where he supports K-12 districts in improving the accuracy of transcript data and addressing issues affecting the data-informed functionality on CaliforniaColleges.edu. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling through Latino America, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, hiking volcanos, going to the gym, and interpreting for local area leaders who serve the Hispanic community.