EGD Studies Alum Headed to Stanford for Graduate Program

Alex Leal Vergara

Alex Leal Vergara, an alum of Ethnic, Gender & Disability Studies (formerly the Divisions of Ethnic Studies and Gender Studies in the School for Cultural & Social Transformation), has always leaned into her curiosity and sought out ways to truly learn. Whether in the classroom or in the Salt Lake community, she is passionate about education in all forms; this drive and hard work earned her a place in the prestigious Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP).

Before Leal Vergara set her sights on a career in education, she wanted to be a social worker. “I’ve always been in spaces where I’ve worked with students or been a helping hand,” she said. “But then I realized that my full potential was almost always unlocked in a classroom or educational space.” This passion grew through her years at the U and was nurtured by some encouraging mentors along the way. “I relied heavily on spaces with people who look like me. Most of my professors were people of color, which was nice to see,” she said. “It felt really empowering to see them in academia and potentially see myself in that space too, one day.”

There are many pathways to working in education, but for Leal Vergara, STEP was the one she thought would best support her in her journey. “There, they teach you how to be the best educator that you can inside the classroom,” Leal Vergara added. She was meticulous in refining her STEP application, even spending six months revising her essay with feedback from teachers, friends, and family. Despite her nerves about applying, all the preparation paid off. “After getting an acceptance letter and being told that my skills and my expertise would be really useful on campus or in this program in general—it was validating. I felt like if I can get into Stanford, I can kind of get in anywhere,” she said.  

Leal Vergara’s long-term goals are to not only teach, but to eventually serve in an administrative role as a high school principal. “It’s such a passion, I couldn’t even put into words, to be able to serve the community that I grew up in,” she said. Leal Vergara will begin the STEP program in June.