Nelly Mex Canul describes herself as a proud, passionate, and perseverant Latino woman who aims to be a scientific researcher. Her goal is to improve the way in which technology influences our understanding of disease development and predisposing factors, such as genetics, that affect disease acquisition within underserved communities. Nelly has experienced the hardships of being an immigrant, which is why her mission centers on promoting equality, love, and peace so that each and every person feels included. She’s worked as a leader in both Kirkland's Youth Council and Lake Washington High School’s Latino Peer Council to provide a voice to youth and Latino students, believing that through every act of service, whether small or big, impactful and lasting change can occur. Nelly served as a National Honor Society member for three years, led a Kirkland Needs Assessment to promote awareness of resources within the community, earned a Certificate of Excellence through Washington State’s AAUW, was selected a Rotary Club of Kirkland Student of the Month, and was awarded the Kirkland Firefighters Benevolent Association 2021 Eileen Trentman Youth scholarship. Nelly sincerely believes that hardships and struggles make way for change, the sort of change that can be made only through one’s unique experiences. She says regardless of our struggles, we all have the potential to make a lasting change, and we must persevere to make our voices heard. Nelly was awarded a first year Kirkland Rotary Step Scholarship.