Jacqueline Rodriguez-Mendoza – 2024 Northwest Region Rising Star

Hispanic girl with dark auburn hair sits in car and smiles at the camera

Jacqueline Rodriguez-Mendoza

11th grade
Nooksack Valley High School
Everson, WA
 
Jacqueline uses her talent for video production and photography to tell community stories. Her projects include filming the work of STEM professionals and capturing the celebration of Hispanic culture and language in her school’s Club de Lectura.

Get to know Jaqueline

How has your early math identity impacted your journey in STEM?
When I was in the 2nd grade, I had to have parent-teacher meetings because I was falling behind a lot of my peers in math. I grew from that, and in 3rd grade I was ahead of most of my peers. That’s one thing that has made me and my parents proud.

Who is the teacher or mentor who sparked your interest in STEM?
One teacher that has really sparked my interest in STEM has been Mr. Craig, the Director of Technology at my high school. He’s provided me with everything I need to accomplish my video production projects — specifically, camera equipment and editing software.

What are you thinking about doing after high school and what are some of the ways you are beginning to explore potential careers?
One thing that I’m thinking of doing after high school is going into film and becoming a director. I’ve already begun to explore this by stage managing for my high school’s drama department. This coming year, I’m going to be assistant directing. In our technology club, I have been the Director of Productions and am now the Director of Technology.
 

In the director’s seat

Jacqueline talks directing her school’s graduation livestream.

 

Nominated for her technical and leadership skills

“Jacqui’s ability to recognize the significance of maintaining one’s cultural identity and advocating for equality, all while leveraging her technical skills in photography and videography, is nothing short of inspirational.”

“As a member of our technology and esports club since the 9th grade, Jacqui has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, swiftly ascending to the role of Director of Productions. In this capacity, she has managed the creation of commercials for fundraising efforts and is currently overseeing the production of a web mini-series that showcases a day in the life of various STEM professionals.

What I find truly inspiring about Jacqui is her profound commitment to using her skills and platforms to uplift and shine a light on important, yet often overlooked, programs within our school community. Her latest project, involving the “Clube De Lectura,” exemplifies this beautifully. Jacqui has taken it upon herself to photograph, video, and interview high school students who are reading books in their home languages to elementary students. This initiative not only promotes literacy but also celebrates cultural heritage, an aspect deeply important to Jacqui as someone of Hispanic heritage. Jacqui’s ability to recognize the significance of maintaining one’s cultural identity and advocating for equality, all while leveraging her technical skills in photography and videography, is nothing short of inspirational.”

—Owen Craig, Director of Technology, Nooksack Valley High School
 

 

 

The Washington STEM Rising Star Awards encourage young women and trans and nonbinary youth to embrace STEM learning in ways that will support their education, career, and community.

Meet all of the 2024 Washington STEM Rising Stars!