Mia Gonzales Washington is a native New Orleanian, a devoted military wife, and a passionate mother to her three young boys. She holds a B.A. in Spanish and a Masters of Arts in Teaching, both from Xavier University of Louisiana, as well as an M.A. in Romance Languages from the University of New Orleans. From teaching Spanish to all grades 3rd-12th, to transitioning to higher education in 2015, Mia has deep experience since 2008 with serving socioeconomically disadvantaged students and those who are first-generation in college. She's skilled at facilitating students' academic and personal growth, as well as their self-reliance, while focusing her efforts on student retention, graduation, the development of essential skills, and career preparedness. With years of training, she employs a trauma-informed lens when serving students and supporting colleagues to do the same. She is also a fierce education advocate who encourages others to join her efforts when lobbying and meeting with elected officials. Additionally, Mia is on the Advisory Task Force for the National College Attainment Network (NCAN), is a graduate of the class of 2022 Leaders of Color Louisiana cohort with Education Reform Now, and is an international Qualified Facilitator of the AFS Global Competency Certificate programs. She has also held various leadership positions in the New Orleans Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. When not working, she enjoys listening to audiobooks, caring for her plants, dancing with the New Orleans Baby Doll Ladies, and making memories with her family.