Corina De La Torre ’24MED: ‘I Hope to Contribute to Systemic Changes That Make Inclusive, Affirming Education Not Just an Ideal, but a Reality’

To better connect scholarly work with practical impact, Corina De La Torre ’24MED decided to pursue a graduate degree in educational psychology. This December, she will graduate with her master’s, another step on her path to eventually earning a Ph.D. in the Teacher Education and Learning Science educational psychology concentration.

Hometown: Salinas, California

Degree: Master of Education in Educational Psychology

Why did you choose the NC State College of Education?

I chose NC State University’s College of Education because as a land-grant institution, the college embodies the values of public service and educational accessibility that drive my work. 

Why did you choose your concentration?

By combining psychological insights with educational research, I’m able to develop evidence-based approaches to advance more equitable practices through research, theory and ultimately influence education policy changes. The field’s interdisciplinary nature equips me with the tools to not just study educational challenges, but to actively work toward transformative solutions.

What’s next for you?

I will continue deepening my research and community engagement efforts through the Center for Racial Equity in Education (CREED) while completing my Ph.D. program. 

How has the College of Education prepared you for that next step?

What makes the college truly exceptional is how it empowers students to bridge academic research with real-world impact. Through its supportive environment, I’ve learned to translate complex research into meaningful change that resonates across different cultural and educational contexts. 

Why did you choose education?

As a first-generation Latinx woman, educator and mother from East Salinas, California, I have witnessed firsthand not only the systemic barriers but resiliency tied to race and ethnicity. These experiences have fueled my commitment to connecting theoretical frameworks with practical solutions through community and scholarship. My passion stems from my multiple roles — as an educator, community organizer and mother invested in creating meaningful change in education.