“Olga’s unwavering passion, integrity, and service-oriented mindset embody the core values of the university—compassion, innovation, and the courage to challenge the status quo” – EunJung Kim

Hometown: Muscatine, Iowa

Degree program and anticipated graduation date: BA in elementary education with a reading and English as a second language endorsement, Spring 2026

Olga Colmenero Carrillo’s work focuses on providing high-quality, accessible English language learning (ELL) resources for adults. As a recipient of a Gilman Changemaker Grant, she created a digital platform called All Voices, which provides ELL tools to Eastern Iowa residents. Inspired by her own experiences learning English as a child, Colmenero combined her technological creativity and deep linguistic knowledge to help adult learners overcome language barriers. 

“Engaging in creative work has been a transformative part of my experience at the University of Iowa,” says Colmenero. “Through developing All Voices, I’ve gained valuable skills in collaboration, community engagement, and creative problem-solving.”

After graduation, Colmenero plans to use her degree to teach English abroad for one year. Eventually, she wants to pursue a Master’s degree and PhD in education, continuing to create inclusive learning environments and developing programs that support English language learners locally and globally.