Summary
Iliana Guadalupe Villegas understands that community is built on resilience. As a first-generation and non-traditional student who earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from New Mexico State University before completing her Ph.D. at the University of Florida, she knows firsthand the power of educational opportunity.
This personal journey deeply inspired her work with the McNair Scholars Program—part of the federal TRiO programs—where she dedicated herself to designing professional pathways, providing academic coaching, and mentoring underserved and first-generation scholars toward academic and professional success in graduate school. Today, she brings that same transformative commitment to the youth of Lincoln County, helping them unlock their potential through workforce readiness and independent career pathways.
As a sociocultural anthropologist, Iliana actively challenges urbancentric models, focusing instead on the distinct realities, strengths, and economic dynamics of rural and frontier systems. With extensive experience conducting fieldwork in complex environments, she knows how to listen deeply to the needs of Lincoln County’s farmers, families, and workers, ensuring that Extension serves as a true hub of support for every resident.
A lover of the outdoors and camping, Iliana is proud to return to Nevada to serve the Silver State. She believes that representation matters and works to ensure that every voice in our community is heard and valued. Some of her favorite things to do are watching DC Superhero movies, cheering on football soccer, and camping at state parks in her camper van.
