ASHLEY ZARCO, who came to Heritage from Wapato High School, is continuing her journey at the University this fall by pursuing a master’s degree in education. Inspired by her passion for teaching and the mentorship she found in Heritage’s faculty, she chose history as a way to help students better understand diverse cultural narratives—both the challenges and the contributions that shape communities. Zarco hopes to teach history in Lower Yakima Valley schools, gaining classroom experience before ultimately pursuing a Ph.D. and becoming a college professor. Her goal is to make history more accessible, relevant, and inclusive for future generations.

MIKAYLA HARRIS, of Zillah, will begin a Ph.D. program in Molecular Biosciences at Montana State University this fall. Once uncertain about pursuing a career in science, she found the support and confidence she needed at Heritage to follow her passion. Through hands-on research experiences— from studying deep-sea snail species to marine viruses—Harris discovered a strong interest in microbiology and environmental systems. As she rotates through research labs in her doctoral program, she aims to refine her focus and contribute meaningful research that deepens our understanding of the natural world.

JARI TAVIRA came to Heritage University on a full- ride scholarship intending to study medicine but discovered a passion for public health research. At Heritage, he contributed to the university’s wildfire smoke study and participated in the University of Washington Panama Indigenous Intercambio Program. Now a research assistant with the University of Washington and Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, Tavira graduated with honors and will attend Columbia University this fall to pursue a master’s degree in Public Health, focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities.

JANAY MENDEZ previously earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Heritage. When it was time to earn her master’s degree, Mendez returned to Heritage because of its strong social work program and supportive faculty. She is passionate about serving underserved communities, particularly those that reflect her own background. Her goal is to expand access to culturally responsive mental health care and help meet the growing need for diverse clinical professionals in the region. After graduation, Mendez will be working as an inpatient therapist at Astria Toppenish Hospital.

ITALY ROQUE came to Heritage as a transferred student to pursue her passion for business and human resources in a more personal, community-centered environment. A week into her internship as a human resources assistant at Cowiche Growers, Inc., she was offered a full-time position upon graduation. Roque is dedicated to fostering workplaces where employees feel valued and supported. She plans to earn her Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) certification within the year and, after gaining professional experience, pursue a master’s degree to continue growing her impact in the field of human resources.

LIZBETH SALAZAR chose Heritage University for its strong sense of community and cultural diversity—an environment where she felt seen and supported. Motivated by her desire to address the stigma surrounding mental health in Hispanic communities, she pursued a master’s degree in mental health counseling. Salazar now works full-time at Three Rivers Therapy as a counselor, supporting youth and families through intensive, community-based care. She is committed to breaking generational barriers surrounding mental health and empowering young people and their families to seek and embrace support.