Ximena Estefanía Salazar Cantú’s journey began when she immigrated to the United States as a teenager. At 17, she joined YouthBuild Brownsville, where she discovered not only a career path but also a community that believed in her potential.
With the guidance and mentorship of Mr. Jaime Ibarra, she began her journey in construction as a student and later became an apprentice. Through hands-on experience, training, and dedication, she continued developing her skills and eventually earned her NCCER Craft Instructor certification, becoming the youngest female Construction Trainer in the YouthBuild network.
Today, she has the opportunity to teach and mentor students who are beginning journeys similar to her own. Having once been in their position, she understands how important it is to have someone who believes in your abilities and encourages you to keep moving forward.
Alongside her career in construction education, she is currently pursuing a college education with the goal of becoming a psychologist. Her passion for psychology comes from a desire to better understand people, their experiences, and the challenges they face. She hopes to use that knowledge to continue supporting individuals, especially young people, as they navigate their own paths in life.
Ximena’s experiences have taught her the importance of perseverance, mentorship, and having access to opportunities. She hopes to continue growing both as an educator and as a future psychologist while helping others recognize their potential, just as others once helped her recognize her own.