Maria Armengol transformed her upbringing in Royal City into a launchpad for leadership and impact. As a first-generation college student at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, she pursued a degree in Human Resources and Information Systems while navigating internships in labor relations and HR policy. From auditing web pages to leading digital transitions, Maria didn’t just learn—she led. Her story is one of resilience, gratitude, and growth, shaped by her family’s roots in the tree fruit industry and her own drive to represent and uplift underrepresented communities. Maria reminds us that when you honor your beginnings and embrace every opportunity, you can build a future that inspires others to do the same.