Catalina Zapata graduated from the University of Minnesota with dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Global Studies, focusing on Human Rights and Justice in Latin America. She also pursued a minor in Integrative Neuroscience, reflecting her deep interest in mental health awareness.

Catalina has a history of legal advocacy in refugee and immigrant communities. Her most recent roles include working as a paralegal at a fast-paced immigration law firm, and volunteering as a Spanish interpreter/translator at the University of Minnesota Law School’s James H. Binger Center for New Americans. Through her work, she has witnessed the pervasive and severe mental health concerns experienced by children and families navigating the U.S. Immigration System.

Catalina is very excited to collaborate with clinicians and families in the Minneapolis Public School District to implement culturally responsive and sustainable solutions that address mental health needs, and dismantle associated stigmas. She hopes to one day attend law school to further explore the intersection of law, society, and neuroscience.