Adriana Cardenas

Affiliation

New Mexico State University

Biography

Adriana Cardenas (she/her) is an assistant visiting professor for early childhood education at New Mexico State University. A proud NMSU alumna, she earned her BA in bilingual education (2009) and a Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction with a specialization in Literacy, Language & Culture (2020). She brings a deep personal understanding to her work as a transfronteriza child and bilingual learner. With over 12 years of experience in K-5 bilingual classrooms, Adriana is currently pursuing her PhD, focusing on bilingual education with a concentration in bilingual early childhood. Her research explores identity, language, and healing among heritage Spanish-speaking educators through Testimonios and art-based inquiry. As a first-generation college student and scholar, Adriana is committed to fostering reflective practices in education and supporting her students' academic growth.