MIGUEL BAEZA AGUILERA M.S.Ed.
BIOGRAPHY
Authentic Leader | Higher Education Advocate | Community Mentor
Miguel Baeza Aguilera, M.S.Ed., was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, and raised in Grand Island, Nebraska. Today, he proudly serves as a Coordinator in Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. A first-generation college graduate, Miguel earned both his bachelor's and master’s degrees in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of Nebraska at Kearney—a testament to his commitment to academic excellence and lifelong learning.
Miguel is a passionate advocate for education, equity, and personal empowerment. His mission is rooted in uplifting youth and young adults—encouraging them to pursue their goals, embrace their identity, and find purpose and happiness in their journeys. Known for his authenticity, warmth, and resilience, Miguel is both a leader and a learner—constantly fueled by the success and transformation of those around him.
The proud son of two hardworking and inspiring parents, Miguel is also a devoted brother to three siblings and a loving uncle to three nieces and two nephews, who bring him immeasurable joy. His lived experience as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and a survivor of personal trauma—including childhood adversity, mental health challenges, and healing from stigma—shapes his deep commitment to mental health advocacy and authentic leadership.
Miguel has overcome significant challenges, including suicide attempts, sexual abuse, body image issues, and major depression. Through it all, he has emerged with a powerful sense of purpose. These lived experiences have not defined him—they have refined him. They ground him in humility, authenticity, and empathy—qualities that make him a memorable and trusted mentor to countless individuals across Nebraska and beyond.
Inspired by his own journey, Miguel strives to be the mentor and role model he once needed, but often didn’t have. He is an unwavering believer in the transformational power of education, and in creating inclusive, affirming spaces for all people—especially those who have been marginalized or underestimated.
Miguel often likens his life to the metamorphosis of a butterfly: a process of pain, change, and emergence into something powerful and beautiful. He lives by his personal motto: “I am inspired by many, and I inspire the rest. I am one of a kind—always have been and always will be.”