🌟 Julissa Poblete: A Journey of Resilience and Triumph

Born in Tennessee to immigrant parents from Chihuahua, Mexico, Julissa’s story is one of perseverance, courage, and the life-changing power of education.

🇲🇽 Early Life in Mexico

At age four, Julissa's family moved back to Nuevo Casas Grandes, a small rural town in Mexico. She spent her childhood there until, at just sixteen, she and her younger sister made a bold move:

“We left our parents behind in Mexico to pursue better opportunities in the U.S.”

They relocated to Yuma, Colorado, to live with relatives and seek a brighter future.

📚 Overcoming Barriers in High School

Starting Yuma High School as a junior, Julissa faced major challenges:

• Language barrier: Learning English from scratch
• Emotional hardship: Living apart from her parents
• Cultural transition: Adapting to a new lifestyle

Despite it all, Julissa persevered and graduated in May 2020.

🎓 The Path to College

Encouraged by her family, Julissa applied to Northeastern Junior College (Sterling, CO) — and was accepted!

While working on a sugar beet farm during the summer, she learned about the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) through RMSER and Lourdes Gutierrez. She applied and was found eligible in August 2020.

🏅 College Success with NFJP Support

Between Fall 2020 and Spring 2022:

• Attended Northeastern Junior College full-time
• Maintained a 3.57 GPA
• Earned all As and Bs
• Received tuition and resource support from RMSER

🎓 Advancing to University

Julissa transferred to the University of Northern Colorado in Fall 2022, facing:

• A new academic environment
• A heavier course load
• Personal responsibilities

“My internship with the Greeley Police Department helped me gain real-world experience.”

In May 2024, she graduated with:

• B.A. in Criminology & Criminal Justice
• Minors in Psychology and Sociology
• 3.65 GPA

💼 Full-Time Career with RMSER

In October 2024, Julissa began her career as a Field Representative with Rocky Mountain SER, where she:

• Earns a salary of $46,683
• Has full-time, year-round employment
• Receives benefits like health insurance and retirement
• Helps farmworkers and their families access educational resources

“I hope to inspire others as I was inspired, proving that with hard work and the right support, anything is possible.”

🙌 Making a Difference

Now, Julissa uses her journey to empower others, working alongside mentors like Lourdes Gutierrez and Monica Brito. Her story is a shining example of how resilience and opportunity can transform lives.