My name is Isabella Castro, and I am a first generation Colombian American born and raised in Florida. Growing up as the child of immigrants, I learned to navigate the cultural differences between my Colombian heritage and my upbringing in the United States. These experiences shaped my worldview and sparked my passion for public service.

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I am currently a student at the University of Florida majoring in International Studies with a concentration in Europe and minoring in Latin American Studies. In addition, I am pursuing a second major in Dual Languages with a concentration in French and Russian. My academic interests center on international cooperation and immigration, and my long term goal is to pursue a career in government.

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Language has played a central role in my life. Because my father did not speak English, I often served as his translator, which showed me the power of language in building connection and breaking down cultural barriers. I am fluent in English, Spanish, and French, and I am currently intermediate in Russian. I hope to continue learning additional languages to further promote cross cultural understanding.