Dr. Dulcinea Lara ardently advocates for empowering New Mexicans impacted by generational colonization. A trailblazer, she founded NMSU’s Borderlands and Ethnic Studies department, reshaping the curriculum for inclusivity. Grounded in cultural studies and critical race theory, her research explores Chicano history, identity formation, and spatial analysis. Currently, she is co-building a Decolonial Research Center in the Department of Borderlands and Ethnic Studies at NMSU. Dulcinea’s impactful contributions reflect her dedication to justice and representation. Committed to community partnerships, she tirelessly engages in improving education in the state.