My name is Kylie Hescock, and I am a junior at Arizona State University (ASU) in Phoenix, Arizona, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). I began my academic journey at Lane Community College in my hometown, Eugene, Oregon, where I completed my first year before transferring to ASU as a sophomore. I enrolled in an HCR 230 Culture and Health Class during my fall semester, a course Dr. Fiorella Carlos Chavez taught. Toward the end of the class, Dr. Chavez invited me to join her Migrant Youth Health and Well-Being research lab, where I have worked as an undergraduate qualitative research assistant for the past year and a half. I have had the privilege of analyzing the socialization practices of unaccompanied Latino migrant adolescent farmworkers, exploring how their childhood and occupational experiences influence their financial contribution to essential familial needs, and allowing me to bring this vulnerable population's stories to light.

Throughout my time working with Dr. Chavez, she continuously supports and shows interest in our academic and personal well-being. She has played a pivotal role in developing my sense of belonging at ASU, increasing my confidence in chasing my future goals by encouraging me to attend graduate school, providing feedback on essays, aiding in my acceptance into Edson College’s nursing program, and helping to secure opportunities to present at national conferences as an undergraduate student. Currently, we are preparing a poster presentation for the 2025 WIN conference to discuss the importance of advocating for health and resources in rural communities. Before starting ASU, I never thought I would have had these experiences and opportunities. I am incredibly grateful for Dr. Chavez's mentorship and academic guidance, which have supported my professional and educational aspirations. I encourage students to push the limits of their comfort zones and pursue their future goals, no matter how distant or challenging they may seem!

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Carlos Chavez at the Western Institute of Nursing conference during a poster session. Her research on farmworker´s health immediately caught my attention, and I was eager to learn more.

Dr. Carlos Chavez graciously welcomed my interest and offered me the opportunity to collaborate on her projects. Since then, we have worked together on several manuscripts and poster presentations. I have found her to be an exceptional mentor, not only for her extensive knowledge but also for her kindness and supportive guidance.

I first met Dr. Fiorella Carlos Chavez at the University of Missouri in a Human Development and Family Science course. Drawn to the coursework, I found myself frequently discussing my learnings with her, eventually leading to conversations about her research. This connection sparked a two-year journey as a research assistant in her Migrant Youth Health and Development Mixed-Methods Lab, where I had the privilege of exploring the lives of Latino migrant adolescents in U.S. agriculture.

Dr. Fiorella Carlos Chavez was more than just a research mentor, she was a guiding force. Under her leadership, I developed my skills in coding data, publishing research articles, and presenting our findings at conferences. Beyond academia, she generously dedicated time to mentoring me through my graduate school applications, interviews, and professional launch. Her support played a pivotal role in helping me achieve my dream of becoming a therapist. Her mentorship extended far beyond the lab, shaping the trajectory of my career and instilling in me the confidence to pursue licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist and eventually start my own private practice, Chase Mental Wellness PLLC. Dr. Fiorella Carlos Chavez takes the role of mentor seriously, and if you have the opportunity to work with her, you will find someone who not only believes in your potential but actively helps you unlock the grit and determination needed to achieve your goals.

My name is Meghan Early and I am currently working for Burrell Behavioral Health in Columbia, MO providing mental health resources and support to youth in a school-based setting. I graduated in 2020 with my Bachelors in Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS). Dr. Chavez was my professor when I attended University of Missouri-Columbia. I did research for her from 2020-2021 and was co-author on a research article listed as such: ****Bariani, A., Carlos Chavez, F. L., ***O’Neal, C. J., **Early, M. (October). Cognitive Reframing Among Mexican H-2A Migrant Youth in U.S. Agriculture: A thematic Approach. Poster session presented at the 2021 NLPA Annual Conference, National Latinx Psychological Association, Virtual.

Throughout my time as her mentee, Dr. Chavez introduced me to many individuals who mentored her at one point as a way to provide resources to those of us who were on the path of graduating and striving to reach our career goals. She was always willing to share and provide tools to her students to have access to in order to be successful. She never hesitated saying “yes” to being a reference or to writing a letter of recommendation. The limit does not exist with her; she always made anything seem possible.

Dr. Chavez challenged me and instilled in me confidence to make mistakes and to learn from them. It shows through her unending support inside and outside of the lecture hall she truly cares for her students and wants to see them succeed. Dr. Chavez is someone you will never forget and she has a way of making you feel unforgettable, too. Her expectations are high but it is because she has unwavering faith and she believes in her students. It was an incredible honor to work alongside Dr. Chavez; she is forever a mentor and my friend. I would not have the passion or the confidence I do today if it were not for her. Take every bit of life advice she gives; it will only make you a better “you” in the long run.

I first interviewed to join Dr. Chavez’s lab as an undergraduate research assistant in the spring of my first year at Arizona State University. Now, as a senior, I’m working on my ASU Barrett Thesis with Dr. Chavez as my thesis director. Over the past three years, Dr. Chavez’s mentorship has helped me succeed in various academic and professional endeavors. In 2023, with Dr. Chavez’s encouragement, I presented my first paper presentation at the Society for Research in Child Development in Salt Lake City. Since then, abstracts that I’ve co-authored were accepted to present at conferences such as the Society for Research on Adolescence (SRA) and the Latino/a/x Studies Association (LSA). Participating in conferences has helped me develop my academic writing, qualitative reasoning, and public presentation skills. Outside of research, Dr. Chavez has also encouraged my student colleagues and me to get involved in the community. Once a month, we volunteer at a farmworker food distribution event in Litchfield Park. This opportunity has been a great way to connect with the needs of the community and help make a local impact. Dr. Chavez also takes time to invest in my professional growth. Whether it was helping me understand the critical role of our research in the healthcare field or offering insights on how to present my research experience in applications and interviews, Dr. Chavez always made sure I was on the right track. After graduating from ASU Barrett this spring, I plan to take a gap year while applying to medical schools and work with Dr. Chavez on publishing my thesis as a paper. I am incredibly grateful for Dr. Chavez’s unwavering support throughout my undergraduate career and beyond.

To an impactful mentor, Dr. Fiorella Carlos Chavez, it is a great honor to write this testimony after working under your mentorship for four years from 2018-2021. In 2018, Dr. Fiorella Carlos Chavez and I met at the University of Missouri-Columbia while I was an undergraduate student studying Human Development and Family Science. As a first generation college student, I was eager for an opportunity to find mentorship as an undergraduate research assistant to Dr. Fiorella Carlos Chavez, and work with her important data with Latino emancipated migrant youth in U.S. farmwork. In 2019, I presented my first abstract( *Hundley, J. A., *Mason, E. A., Carlos Chavez, F. L., (2019, April). Stress and familism among Latino migrant youth in U.S. agriculture: Examining predictors of depressive symptoms. Undergraduate Research. Spring Forum. University of Missouri, Columbia, MO. due to the guidance of Dr. Fiorella Carlos Chavez). In addition to this, I have presented at the 18th Annual Conference Cambio de Colores [Change of Colores], Columbia, MO.

With the help and mentorship from Dr. Fiorella Carlos Chavez I was not only able to gain experience, but the confidence to achieve the goal of moving across the country to the state of Oregon, and working in Social Services for four years. Currently, I am a paraeducator at a Special Education School in Illinois. I am grateful to have been an undergraduate research assistant to Dr. Fiorella Carlos Chavez as she has provided me with an understanding of data collection, professionalism, and made a connection with me beyond the classroom in a meaningful way.

To future learners and mentees, I encourage you to take the academic risk of putting yourself into new spaces, and seeking out opportunities to gain experience, and make an impact with exceptional mentors such as Dr. Fiorella Carlos Chavez.

I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Chavez for almost two years. Our connection began when a former member of her lab team introduced me to her while she was seeking a research assistant to help conduct interviews for an important study. Despite my lack of prior research experience, Dr. Chavez welcomed me onto her team without hesitation. She provided clear guidance, ensuring I understood the tasks at hand and the necessary software for coding data. Her support extended beyond instructions—she consistently made herself available via email or phone, creating an environment where I felt comfortable asking questions and seeking clarification.

During my time in her lab, my primary focus has been on research involving Latino Migrant Farmworkers, particularly their cultural values, stressors, and work safety. I have worked extensively on coding multiple datasets using thematic analysis to identify key themes and develop insightful conclusions for research papers. Through weekly meetings, Dr. Chavez offered feedback, addressed my concerns, and provided valuable insights that strengthened my analytical and problem-solving skills. This position has also enhanced my ability to collaborate with others, meet tight deadlines, and maintain strong organizational habits.

Beyond my research duties, Dr. Chavez has been an incredible mentor throughout my undergraduate journey. She has consistently encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, urging me to pursue volunteer opportunities and attend conferences that expanded my academic and professional growth. Her guidance played a crucial role in my preparation for career fairs and internship interviews, equipping me with the confidence and skills I needed to succeed.

What sets Dr. Chavez apart is her genuine care for her students. In addition to her remarkable intellect, she is kind, patient, and uplifting. Each semester, she invites lab members to brunch as a way to connect, reflect on past work, and discuss upcoming projects. These gatherings foster a strong sense of community and have been invaluable to my development as a student and professional.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities Dr. Chavez has provided me. Her mentorship has played a significant role in my growth, and I am confident the skills and experiences I gained under her guidance will continue to benefit me as I pursue my career in finance.

I met Dr. Fiorella Carlos Chavez in Fall 2020 when I began my undergraduate degree at the University of Missouri – Columbia. As a Discovery Fellow with the Honors College, I connected with Dr. Chavez because she was doing research with Spanish-speaking migrants – a topic that intrigued me. She agreed to take me on as a student research assistant and patiently guided me through the first semester of college. She consistently encouraged me to build my tool kit for qualitative research, affording me opportunities to learn how to conduct thematic coding and literature reviews. As a college Freshman in Spring 2021, I presented my first research poster under her mentorship.

Dr. Chavez is a true advocate for her students as an academic and research mentor, and she always pushes her students to pursue excellence. For example, during Summer 2023, I obtained my first publication in a peer-reviewed journal as second author. Without Dr. Chavez’s motivation, I would not have pursued this project or even thought it was in the realm of possibility. In total, we have three peer-reviewed articles in publication and nine conference abstracts together, most of which were accepted during my time as an undergraduate researcher. I know this experience set me apart in my applications to graduate school.

Dr. Chavez is also invested in her mentees as humans, not just students. Especially during the Covid-19 pandemic and my first years of college, she often checked in and made sure that my lab mates and I were staying well while providing space to discuss challenges or concerns. I always felt that she cared for me beyond what I could accomplish for her personally. This was also demonstrated by her willingness to provide recommendation letters to graduate schools in support of my applications and to make connections with her colleagues so that I could have research experiences outside of her lab. Dr. Chavez is both a dedicated research mentor who affords students invaluable experiences that open doors professionally and a champion for the holistic well-being of her mentees.

I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Chavez as my professor for the Culture and Health course at Arizona State University during the Fall of 2023. We collaborated on an honors contract, a project designed to earn honors credits through the Barrett Honors College at ASU. Through this initiative, Dr. Chavez provided me with my first exposure to research—an area I had not previously considered, given that my major focuses on applied research as a nursing student. However, I gained valuable experience in thematic analysis working with the migrant youth agricultural workers data, and examining the issue of food insecurity. Currently, Dr. Chavez is my honors thesis director, guiding my research on optimizing the healthcare experience for Latino adults in the United States. As this is my initial experience in data collection, Dr. Chavez has shared her extensive knowledge of research methodologies. From defining the purpose and objectives of my research to conducting interviews and presenting my findings in a scholarly manner, she has supported me through every stage of the research process. Throughout this journey, Dr. Chavez has also helped me refine my professional skills and enhance my critical thinking. Thanks to her expert guidance, I am preparing to present my honors thesis this spring and look forward to graduating next year from Arizona State University equipped with valuable research experience as a nursing and undergraduate scholar.

I met Dr. Chavez during my undergraduate career at the University of Missouri. I was obtaining my degree in Human Development and Family Studies and had the pleasure of taking one of her classes. I will forever be thankful to Dr. Chavez for reaching out to me to become one of her research assistants and for the impact she has made on me and my career.

I worked as a research assistant for Dr. Chavez from May 2020 through August 2021. During this time I had the opportunity to assist her in her research on H-2A migrant youth in US farmwork. Not only did I gain valuable insight into this population; The work ethic, skills and experience Dr. Chavez provided me with could never be replaced. She provided me with the opportunity to assist in a publication as well as provided me with skills I was able to use throughout the remainder of my undergrad as well as my graduate career. Following my undergraduate degree Dr. Chavez was instrumental in assisting me with pursuing my masters degree in School Counseling. From consulting with me on post-graduate advice to helping me prepare my resume. She truly became a woman I will always look up to and be thankful for. I always knew and still know I could go to her for any advice or support I need.

Most recently I graduated with my Master’s degree in School Counseling K-12 from the University of Missouri in May 2024 and am employed as a School Counselor at Peaks Mill Elementary school in Frankfort Kentucky. I would not be where I am today without the guidance, experience and support I received from Dr. Chavez throughout my academic career. Anyone would be lucky to have her as a mentor!

I first learned about Dr. Fiorella L. Carlos Chavez's research during my Developmental Psychology class in my junior year at the University of Missouri. My growing interest in the experiences of Latino farmworker youth in the United States led me to seek out Dr. Carlos Chavez, and I’m truly grateful I did. Our collaboration evolved into our research project, Helplessness, Homesickness, and Fictious Independence Among Latino Migrant Youth: A Phenomenological Inquiry into the Lives of H2A Farmworkers in the U.S. This project became a significant turning point in my academic journey, as it not only deepened my understanding of the challenges migrant youth face but also allowed me to contribute to meaningful research. Working alongside her, I had the opportunity to present at the 18th Annual Conference Cambio de Colores and participated in the U.S. Poster Competition during Missouri Life Sciences Week 2019.

What stands out most from my time working with Dr. Carlos Chavez is her mentorship style. She encouraged me to explore my academic interests freely and provided the right balance of guidance and independence. This freedom allowed me to develop my research ideas and gain new perspectives, even when faced with complex or challenging concepts. Her approach was not just about teaching the research process but about fostering a mindset of exploration and critical thinking. I gained confidence as a researcher and a person, thanks to her constant support and constructive feedback.

Beyond academic guidance, Dr. Carlos Chavez was instrumental in helping me transition smoothly into grad school. Her advice on managing academic pressures, navigating professional networking, and maintaining work-life balance was invaluable. Today, I am an Occupational Therapist in Colorado, where I apply much of what I learned from Dr. Carlos Chavez in research, cultural awareness, and patient care. The foundation she helped me build continues to have a lasting impact on my career.

My name is Jairo Gutierrez, and I am currently working as a clinician for Terros Health. I am a Licensed Associates Counselor working towards my hours to be an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor). At the time I worked with Dr. Fiorella Chavez, I was in the Master of Counseling program at ASU back in 2022. I had been introduced to Dr. Fiorella by a friend who shared with me a job listing for a newly established lab at the ASU downtown campus. What caught my eye was the focus on the hispanic/latino population and their mental health, which is the population I had hoped to work with as someone who identifies as latino. I had worked with Dr. Fiorella for about a year and a half, which I would label eventful and worthwhile. I was given the opportunity to not only work with and organize the raw data that we would acquire. I was also given the chance to create my own posters to attend and present at conferences around the United States. Two posters I had the honor of presenting as lead were: Latino Migrant Adolescent’s in U.S. Agriculture: Strengths vs Stressors for Providing their Family Financial Support presented at the National Latinx Psychological Association (NLPA) in Chicago, IL and Challenges and Partial/Full Financial Roles among Latino Migrant Adolescents in U.S. Farm Work: A Sentence Completion Task Approach presented at the 2023 Society for Research on Adolescence in San Diego, CA. Even if I chose to go the clinical route in my career, Dr. Fiorella provided a lot of assistance in my professional development and allowed me experiences I would not have been able to accomplish had I not applied for that student worker position.

I first met Dr. Chavez in my freshman year of university in 2023. When I first began my pursuit of my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Arizona State University (ASU), I heard about a great research opportunity from another lab member. I reached out to Dr. Chavez about this research opportunity because I wanted to learn more about the research process. The tasks at hand seemed quite intimidating in the beginning because it was my first time working with qualitative research and coding with a thematic approach, but Dr. Chavez guided me through the entire process. She helped me discover ways that I could apply the topics that interested me to the research process. Not only did Dr. Chavez guide me through the research process, but she also encouraged me to pursue my goal of learning Spanish. Since the interview data collected for the lab were conducted in Spanish and later translated into English, she motivated me to compare the scripts and practice my Spanish comprehension. With her support, I eventually felt confident enough to take a Spanish course at ASU for a semester. Now in my sophomore year, Dr. Chavez has helped me with my first abstract submission for the 2025 Western Institute of Nursing Conference which was accepted as a poster presentation. Additionally, I am working on my honors thesis for Barrett College at ASU with Dr. Chavez. Since 2023, I have progressed further in my research goals as a member of the Migrant Youth Health and Wellbeing Lab; from not knowing anything about the research process to now having submitted an abstract for a conference, all with the support and guidance from Dr. Chavez, who I am forever thankful for.

I first met Dr. Chavez in February of 2022, in my junior year of college at Arizona State University. I joined the Migrant Youth Health & Wellbeing lab as an undergraduate research assistant, where I learned firsthand how to organize quantitative data and how to manage qualitative interviews. Prior to meeting Dr. Chavez, I had no research experience so my tasks all seemed quite daunting at first. Dr. Chavez, however, was an amazing mentor. She did not hesitate to guide me and always made sure that I understood the ins and outs of the projects I worked on. I continued to work with Dr. Chavez even after I graduated in May of 2023 as a research technician, where I assisted in various projects, including editing manuscripts, inputting data, and organizing interviews. Dr. Chavez is one of a kind, and I can always feel her passion for teaching and bringing to light the stories of migrant youth. I will be attending medical school this upcoming fall and during this transition, Dr. Chavez has been extremely supportive and encouraging. I am forever thankful for the guidance I received through my time working with Dr. Chavez, who always pushed me to my greatest potential.

I first met Dr. Fiorella L. Carlos Chavez through a comprehensive research project examining the barriers and challenges faced by WIC participants. In August 2021, I joined her research team as a research assistant. In this role, I was actively involved in various aspects of qualitative research, including participant recruitment, online surveys using Qualtrics, and qualitative data analysis. Under her mentorship, I gained hands-on experience with NVivo, a qualitative research software that I had never used before. She provided invaluable guidance on research design and analysis, which significantly enhanced my understanding of qualitative methodologies.

One of the most impactful aspects of our mentor-mentee relationship was the academic and professional advice she offered. She recommended courses that helped me build a strong foundation in qualitative research, personally taught me how to use NVivo through hands-on workshops and provided constructive feedback on my analysis. Under her guidance, I have worked on three research papers, which have been instrumental in my growth as a researcher.

For current and future students, I would emphasize the importance of seeking out mentors who genuinely invest in their students' success. My experience working with Dr. Fiorella L. Carlos Chavez exemplifies the kind of mentorship that fosters both academic and professional development. Her guidance not only strengthened my research abilities in mixed methods but also prepared me for my ongoing and future research endeavors.

Currently, I am a Ph.D. candidate at the Harry S Truman School of Government and Public Affairs, University of Missouri. My research focuses on food insecurity and administrative burdens among low-income families, particularly mothers with immigrant status. I am grateful for Dr. Fiorella L. Carlos Chavez’s mentorship and guidance and look forward to continuing our collaboration in the future.

Youngbin Lee
Ph.D. Candidate in Public Policy
Harry S Truman School of Government and Public Affairs
University of Missouri-Columbia