Breaking Barriers Building Futures
A Vision of Promise
For Gabriela Villegas Martinez, the path to success began with a promise, one made silently by her mother the day she left Mexico in search of a better life.
Growing up in Corpus Christi, Gabriela saw that promise lived out every day through her mother's strength. Her mom worked long hours, providing not only stability but the belief that her daughter's dreams could reach further than her own.
Compassion and Courage
As a first-generation student, Gabriela carries that promise proudly, turning sacrifice into strength and hope into action. Through the Triumph Over Kid Cancer Organization, Gabriela has spent countless hours volunteering at Driscoll Children's Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House, offering joy, comfort, and empathy to families facing the hardest of days.
Those experiences cemented her calling to pursue nursing at Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi. She hopes to become a pediatric nurse where she hopes by blending compassion with courage, she can help guide young patients and their families through moments of uncertainty.
Honoring Sacrifices
Her journey is about more than just earning a degree. It is about honoring her mother’s sacrifices, breaking generational barriers, and inspiring others in her community to believe that where you start does not define where you can go.
Gabriela’s story reflects the mission of the Frazier Family Foundation: to uplift those who lead with heart, give with purpose, and prove that resilience and education together can change lives.
Learn more about our scholars and how the Frazier Family Foundation continues to open doors for tomorrow’s leaders at https://www.frazierff.org/news.
