Irma Arboleda, a native of Puerto Rico, spent her primary school years in Chicago, Illinois.  Her family moved back to the Island where she completed her BBA from the University of Puerto Rico and where she lived until 1980.  That year, she and her husband moved to Glendale, Arizona, where he was stationed at Luke Air Force Base.  Life took them on several career opportunities, having lived in Minnesota and New Hampshire. 

It was in New Hampshire where her career in Higher Education started, working at Springfield College at their Manchester campus.  This also offered her the opportunity to complete her MS degree in Human Services.  Upon resettling back in Arizona in 1993, she was determined to continue working in Higher Education given her commitment to students in a role which contributed to their careers and life goals.  After briefly working part-time at MCC, she began her employment at ASU, working as an academic advisor in the College of Education (it’s official name then) in 1995. She held several positions within the College during her 15 years of service.  She considers those years of working with prospective teachers and educators a privilege. 

In 2010, she had the opportunity to join the administration of the School of Transborder Studies until her retirement in 2018. That experience provided a different type of focus and opportunity of working directly with faculty and the community.  This position offered her opportunities as Assistant Director of the School to pursue additional areas of professional interest and service.       

Her life post-ASU  is a combination of continuing to focus on her family, which includes her husband Ernesto (who is still in the workforce), her daughter, Amanda, who is a twice graduate of ASU, and her son Ernesto A., a graduate of the USNA who lives in Oak Harbor, Washington where she visits frequently, spending time with their two grandchildren.   Traveling, crafting and cooking are strong areas of enjoyment and interest. Watching ASU Football is still a priority and a “Must” in her family.