“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. Alongside her collaborator, Josie Mbaye, she created the digital platform called All Voices, which provides ELL tools to Eastern Iowa residents and is funded through the Gilman Changemaker Grant. Inspired by their experiences learning English as children, Colmenero and Mbaye combined their 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.