Foundation’s First DACA Student Graduates Texas State University

Gabriela receiving her Barbara and Steve Wilson Educational Foundation commemorative plaque.

Gabriela Yosara Navarro Ruiz graduated fall semester 2021 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the McCoy College of Business at Texas State University. A finance major, Gabriela discovered that traditional scholarships were out of reach, due to her DACA status. Gabby found advocates for her advancement in Dale and Naomi Wilson, who through the Foundation, helped make her college dreams a reality. Throughout school, Gabby balanced her studies with a job with JPMorgan Chase. As a graduate, she is now enrolled in the Fortune 20’s banker training and licensing program.

Gabby shared the following sentiment with us upon receiving her Scholar award plaque:

“I want to thank the Wilson Foundation for giving me the opportunity to prove to myself and others that just because I have DACA (status) it does not mean I can’t achieve my goals. I never imagined going to a University and graduating. Some of my family members understand how hard this journey is and some of them don’t because they never had the opportunity to go to school or finish high school.

I am a new generation and if it wasn’t for your help I would’ve never had this amazing experience. Now I can help my family and start new traditions. My sister came to visit Texas State and now she wants to go to college. Her grades have gone up and she wants to follow my steps. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and will make the best of it.”

We are incredibly proud of Gabby and her accomplishments, and honored to be part of her education journey.