Dr. Raisa Blazquez is a Visiting Research Associate at IWERC, specializing in educational approaches that promote equitable learning opportunities in multicultural and multilingual contexts. Using a critical lens and qualitative research methods, Raisa focuses on centering student experiences and elevating the voices of historically underrepresented identities. She earned her Ph.D. in Education from Oregon State University, with an emphasis on language, equity, and educational policy. Her early experiences as a researcher and educator in post-secondary settings sparked her passion for advancing social justice in education. Raisa’s interdisciplinary approach, informed by her investigation into systemic barriers across various educational areas, guides her work. Whether in pre-service teacher programs, language education, or computer science education, she strives to make a positive impact by engaging meaningfully with teachers and students.