Mercedes was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she completed her Bachelor's of Arts in Chicana and Chicano Studies, concentrating in Intersectional Politics and Social Movements in May 2016. She completed her Master's Degree in Education, concentrating in Educational Thought and Sociocultural Studies at the University of New Mexico in May 2019, as well as a graduate certificate in Race and Social Justice. She also holds an Elementary Ed, Specialty Prek-12 with endorsements in TESOL, Social Studies, and ELA and Special Education license. She begins the PhD program in Chicana/o Studies in August 2024. Mercedes has worked with various nonprofits and grassroots organizations throughout Albuquerque and is devoted to affecting social change. Mercedes wants to help New Mexican students to see themselves as critical, capable, and conscious learners. She is currently an elementary Special Education teacher in Albuquerque's South Valley but has designed curriculum and taught in Humanities, History, TESOL, and Ethnic Studies positions.

Research Interests: Critical Pedagogy | Chicana Feminisms | Nuevomexicana Epistemology | Nepantla | Sentipensante Pedagogy