Dr. Faviola Barbosa brings impressive background to this community role
information released, Hand in Hand file photo
Hand in Hand Immigration Services announced today that its Board of Directors has named Dr. Faviola Barbosa as its new Executive Director to work with Norma Gallegos as the organization’s founder and legal director.
Dr. Barbosa’s experience as a respected community leader and executive administrator, plus her passion for supporting underrepresented individuals, will help advance Hand in Hand Immigration’s mission of assisting legal residents in becoming U.S. citizens.
“Our Board is thrilled to welcome Dr. Barbosa to the Hand in Hand team,” said Joe Morrison, Board president. “Dr. Barbosa has an impressive background and history of dedication to our community, and we’re fortunate she will be bringing her skills to Hand in Hand,” added Morrison.
Founder Norma Gallegos stated, “We are excited as we welcome Dr. Barbosa. We have done our very best to create Hand in Hand from the ground up to what it is today. Her expertise and knowledge are needed to take our program to the next level.”
“I am honored to be joining Hand in Hand Immigration Services and to work alongside Norma Gallegos, as well as the other talented staff and dedicated board members who help so many legal residents become U.S. citizens,” said Dr. Barbosa.
“I feel a personal connection with Hand in Hand because, in September of 2024, my father, Manuel Barbosa, became a U.S. citizen through this program. He had been a U.S. resident for over 50 years, and his lifelong dream came true through Hand in Hand’s assistance and guidance,” added Barbosa.
Dr. Barbosa’s academic journey is a testament to her dedication and perseverance. She holds a Ph.D. in Leadership in Higher Education from Capella University, an M.S. in College Student Affairs from Nova Southeastern University, and a B.A. in Business Administration from Washington State University.
Dr. Faviola Barbosa
Dr. Barbosa’s extensive work experience reflects her diverse skills and leadership. She has served as the Executive Director of the Washington Apple Education Foundation (2022-2024), Dean of Transitional Studies at Big Bend Community College (2017-2021), Associate Dean of Student Leadership and success at Olympic College (2015-2017), and Multicultural Affairs and student Event Coordinator at Wenatchee Valley College (2003-2015).
Her community service includes Wenatchee Sunrise Rotary, Communities in Schools of North Central Washington, and Wenatchee Outdoors. She has also served on several local and state-wide organizations related to higher education, advocacy, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Dr. Barbosa is a first-generation U.S. citizen who worked in the fields and warehouses during the summers and earned various degrees to achieve her doctorate. She is bicultural and bilingual (English and Spanish).
Dr. Barbosa began her new role as Executive Director at Hand in Hand on March 1, 2025.
About Hand in Hand Immigration Services:
Hand in Hand Immigrations Services is a Wenatchee-based 501c(3) nonprofit with offices at 119 S. Miller Street, Wenatchee. It is governed by a board of directors representing a cross section of the community. Historically, Hand in Hand helps about 150 legal residents become U.S. citizens annually. For additional information, please see: www.handinhandis.org
