Born and raised in Mexico, Ximena Merino later moved to the United States as an international student. Her own journey taught her the value of community, education, and having the right support system along the way. She earned a bachelor's degree in Marketing in Mexico and an Associate of Science in Business Administration in the United States.

Today, Ximena is proud to support adult learners through DC LEAD at Southeast Children's Fund, with a special passion for serving the Latino community. Before this role, she worked in early childhood education, where she saw firsthand the impact that guidance, opportunity, and encouragement can have on people's lives.

Helping others achieve their goals and build brighter futures is the most rewarding part of what Ximena does. Her background across two countries and two education systems gives her a unique perspective on the barriers learners face and the power of access, community, and encouragement in overcoming them.