Mayra Robles ’18, ’23M

Mayra Robles’ connection with UNCW has come full circle. Her first interaction with the university began as a high school student participating in UNCW’s Centro Hispano MI CASA Mentoring Program. Her experience led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Spanish at UNCW and serve as a MI CASA mentor. In December, Robles became a double alumna of the university, completing the Master of Public Administration program.   

“UNCW prepared and shaped me to be the professional I am today by learning transferable soft and hard skills,” said Robles. “My experience at UNCW has helped me boost my confidence for my future job, non-profit or business.”  

Currently, Robles helps future generations of Seahawks and their families as Centro Hispano program coordinator.   

“I thought it was a beautiful experience to have been a high school mentee in the MI CASA Mentoring Program, learning about the resources in higher education and then being a college mentor in the program, helping a high school student in their transition to college,” she said. “In 2018, I ran the MI CASA Mentoring Program as the program coordinator, educating both the high school students and their parents and our UNCW college students.”  

Robles leads programming that helps students be successful, including professional development, wellness and community service. She also manages 12 student workers and oversees 10 student organizations.   

“I think about what I needed from my mentors when I was a college student, which was physical and emotional support when my courses, work, involvement, and personal life got overwhelming,” said Robles. “That is what I provide for my students. I want to ensure they have someone to help them as they continue their studies.” 

Before joining Centro Hispano, Robles worked in the Office of Admissions, serving as one of the first Spanish-speaking admissions counselors. Conversations with Lauren Franklin, director of admissions, about a Master of Public Administration degree led Robles to enroll in the university’s program.   

“I liked the idea of having the flexibility of doing more with this degree, whether it was going into non-profit, education, government and other careers,” she said. “I like to have my options open to what my future self will need.”  

Outside of her work at UNCW, Robles is involved in the Latin American Business Council, serves as a liaison between business community professionals and college students, and volunteers where needed, particularly helping the Spanish-speaking and Hispanic population. She has been named a WILMA Women to Watch Rising Star nominee, a YWCA Women of Achievement Trailblazer nominee and the 2023 Faculty/Staff Member of the Year for UNCW Fraternity and Sorority Life.   

Robles envisions a future career in health and nutrition aiding Hispanic/Latinx communities.

“I’ve seen how not being educated or guided about how diabetes affects your mental and physical health can do long-term damage,” she said. “The passion for nutrition and health hits home for me.”