ARACELY HEREDIA

Hometown: Spokane, WA
School: Whitworth University
Degree: B.A. in Political Science
Placement: Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Subcommittee on Health

Aracely Heredia (she/her) was born and raised in Yakima, Washington. Bearing witness to the harsh conditions her parents endured as undocumented farmworkers, she quickly understood the importance of excelling in school and staying politically engaged. As a result, she became involved in policy both locally and nationally. Aracely’s efforts have been to help create more equitable outcomes for the Latinx community through public policy and law.

Aracely graduated from Whitworth University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. During her undergraduate studies, she served as the student liaison between Whitworth and Independent Colleges of Washington for four years, where she developed a passion for social equity. Aracely advocated to fully fund the State Need Grant program, which allows eligible lower-income students the opportunity to pursue college. As a first-generation college student herself, Aracely understood the financial constraints that limit opportunities for young BIPOC students. This drive for equity and inclusion led her to begin her career as a community organizer with NARAL Pro-Choice Washington. As an organizer, educator, and advocate, she led grassroots efforts in Central and Eastern Washington to promote and protect health access across the state. She helped garner support for three legislative bills that later became law and was recognized for her leadership, being asked to speak at the 2019 Womxn’s March in Spokane, Washington. As a Talent Acquisition Specialist with Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho, Aracely collaborated with the DEI Consultant to implement change at an institutional and organizational level by improving their recruiting and hiring strategies to increase diversity in the medical field.

As a CHCI Social Equity Public Policy Fellow, Aracely aspires to gain expertise in policy development to address systemic inequalities within healthcare. After her time in D.C., she plans to pursue law school and further advocate for the Latinx community.