Kimberly Banda Maldonado is from Henderson, NC and graduated from Henderson Collegiate. There, she was part of her school’s honor list, received National Hispanic Recognition, founded the Speech and Debate Club, mentored students, and was a camp counselor at a science camp. She enjoys crochet and embroidery which allows her to lean into her creative side. Since starting her gap year, Kimberly has traveled to Veracruz, Mexico and volunteered with Fundación Yepez, a sea turtle conservation. Kimberly hopes to use the second part of her gap year in Vietnam teaching English.