About the Author

Maria Serna is currently a doctoral student at Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi. Her passion lies in student advocacy and expanding access to higher education. With nearly a decade of experience in Texas’ higher education sector, she has worked at both flagship and regional public universities, as well as within state agencies. Her professional journey has deepened her commitment to supporting diverse student populations and advancing equity in education. Her research centers on the experiences of Latinx and Hispanic women within enrollment management and retention at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), exploring how these institutions can better support underrepresented students in navigating their academic journeys.