Ana Paola Pacheco: University of Toledo — T2 Program (Maudie’s Tex Mex Scholarship Award)

Ana Paola Pacheco is a three-time Rockin’ Recipient and this year’s recipient of the Maudie’s Tex Mex Scholarship Award! She is entering her senior year in the T2 Program at the University of Toledo, where she is studying performing arts and disability studies.

Passionate and determined, Ana is a second-degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and was a member of Team USA at the World Championships in Argentina and New Zealand! She is also an avid self-advocate and public speaker whose goal is to help people understand what it’s like to live with Down syndrome. Fluent in English and Spanish, Ana is now learning ASL so she can communicate with people with differing abilities. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, coloring and listening to music. Her dream is to become a film or TV actress and show the world how to rock that extra chromosome.

Keep rockin’ it, Ana! We’re so proud of you!