CPP Student Spotlight: Noemi

By Emma Prophet

The College of Professional Programs is excited to recognize Noemi for October’s Student Spotlight. Noemi is a senior Interdisciplinary Studies major and McNair Scholar.

Noemi’s Journey Toward Justice

Growing up in Pasco, Washington, Noemi was surrounded by immigration stories often marked by hardship, uncertainty, and a lack of access to the legal resources many people desperately needed. Witnessing these realities firsthand planted the seeds for their passion: to pursue law and provide no-cost legal services to communities like their own. Now an Interdisciplinary Studies major and McNair Scholar set to graduate Spring 2026, Noemi plans to eventually attend law school and pursue the nonprofit side of law. Their drive is rooted in equality and service. “I noticed that people don’t have necessary legal information, especially in my hometown,” they shared.

“I want to make a difference by helping those who can’t otherwise afford legal services.”

The McNair Scholars Program has been instrumental in Noemi’s journey, offering both academic and personal support as they pursued opportunities to grow as a student and future professional. Noemi participated in a National Science Foundation collaborative research internship this past summer with the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and the University of New Mexico (UNM), studying issues at the US/Mexico border. Their research sharpened their interviewing and listening skills, and it also reaffirmed their commitment to advocacy. Just as importantly, they noticed how kindness and compassion amplified the impact of their work.

“Being a McNair scholar has been an amazing opportunity that has propelled me to pursue my beliefs and career goals,” they reflected.

Noemi attended the Imagining America conference in Lac Cruces, New Mexico earlier in October, participating in three presentations. One was with her summer project team from UTEP and UNM, titled “Re-imagining transborder passages: Lessons from Community-Based Participatory Research in the Paso del Norte region.” They received funding support to attend, participate, and present their research from the following areas: McNair Scholars, Interdisciplinary Studies, CPP Dean’s Office, and the Provost’s Office.

When asked what advice they would give others considering this path Noemi emphasizes persistence and curiosity. “Don’t be scared to be revolutionary. Like Assata Shakur said: “A wall is just a wall and it can be broken down.” Additionally, Noemi advises those around them to ask for help and seek out their resources. They recognized staff members across campus who had an impact on them during their time at EWU including Naite Boham (Pride Center), Romeal Watson (Career Center), and Vanessa Delgado (Multicultural Center).

Noemi’s perspective, they note, is shaped not only by hope but also by exposure to the difficult realities immigrants face in the legal system. During their studies and research project, they observed how dehumanizing courtroom procedures can be. Immigrants were shackled on multiple parts of their bodies, treated as though their humanity didn’t matter. “The setup of the room was belittling,” they explained. “They looked very tired and defeated.” These observations deepened Noemi’s commitment to become an immigration attorney who works with compassion and respect.

Looking ahead, Noemi envisions taking a couple of gap years after graduation to focus on preparing for the LSAT exam, learning different languages, focusing on art, and continuing with community impact work. Their ultimate goal is to attend law school and pursue a career as an immigration attorney, continuing to advocate for their community and provide accessible, free legal services. For Noemi, laws are not the ultimate measure of morality. As they put it, “We have a lot of the rights we have today because of people who broke the rules and protested.” With that spirit, and the foundation built as a McNair Scholar, Noemi is determined to continue pushing forward, breaking down walls, and working toward a future where justice is accessible to all.