National President, JAG Career Association
Frida Medrano Ibarra is the National President of the JAG Career Association, a role she has embraced with passion and determination. Her journey began at a young age when her family moved from the United States to Mexico. There, Frida started school, made lifelong friends, and immersed herself in a vibrant culture—the only world she knew until her family returned to the U.S. in the middle of her first-grade year. Adjusting to a new language and educational system was challenging, but these early experiences fueled her resilience and shaped her unique perspective on life.
Attending Copper Canyon High School in the West Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, Frida faced the hurdles of adapting to a different culture and language. It was during these formative years that she discovered the transformative power of community. When Frida joined the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program—an affiliate of Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates—she found a safe space where her struggles were understood and her potential was recognized. Under the guidance of her dedicated JAG specialist, Mr. Gerhardt, she learned to view her early setbacks as stepping stones to success rather than barriers to overcome.
Frida’s involvement in JAG propelled her into leadership roles at both the state and national levels. From serving as a leader in local initiatives to eventually being elected National President, her journey is a testament to the program’s ability to empower students. Today, she uses her platform to ensure that every student finds a voice, encouraging them to embrace their stories and use their experiences as fuel for future success.
Guided by the belief that “I never lose, I either win or learn,” Frida is dedicated to inspiring her peers. Through her leadership, she continues to foster an environment where resilience, collaboration, and innovation are celebrated. Frida Medrano Ibarra’s story is a powerful reminder that our past challenges can become the foundation for our greatest achievements.