RCMA is thrilled to announce the appointment of Cristina Vega as the new principal of Wimauma Community Academy (WCA), effective this fall. The school is a bilingual, free, B-rated public charter school in Hillsborough County, Florida. With an impressive background in education and a passionate commitment to student success, Ms. Vega is set to lead WCA into a new era of excellence and growth. She replaces longtime WCA principal Mark Haggett who is being promoted to Director of Operations for RCMA’s three charter academies.

Cristina Vega was born in the Bronx, New York, and spent her early childhood in the Dominican Republic, making Spanish her first language. At the age of 7, she returned to New York, where she lived until she was 24. As a first-generation American with Dominican and Honduran roots, Cristina’s diverse cultural background enriches her connection with the multicultural student body at WCA.

Ms. Vega holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education K-6 from the University of Phoenix and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Tampa. She is the first and only college graduate in her family, embodying the perseverance and dedication that she inspires in her students. Additionally, she has completed the Preparing New Principals Program and holds certifications in Elementary Education K-6, Gifted Endorsement, Educational Leadership, and Principalship at all levels.

Cristina moved to Florida with the dream of homeownership and fell in love with the state during a vacation to Disney World. She brings over 17 years of experience from Hillsborough County Public Schools, where she dedicated her career to Title I schools. Since 2013, she has focused on working with minority students in “Transformation Schools,” striving to create inclusive, supportive, and high-achieving educational environments.

Ms. Vega’s extensive experience with minority and underserved student populations aligns perfectly with RCMA’s mission to provide quality education and support to children from low-income families. Her leadership and vision will be instrumental in continuing WCA’s tradition of excellence and fostering a nurturing learning environment for all students.

“I am excited to join the Wimauma Community Academy family and look forward to working with our dedicated staff, students, and parents,” said Ms. Vega. “Together, we will continue to build a strong, supportive community that empowers every student to reach their full potential.”

RCMA’s Executive Director, Isabel Garcia, expressed enthusiasm about Cristina’s appointment, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Cristina Vega to our team. Her passion for education and her commitment to student success make her the perfect fit for WCA. We are confident that under her leadership, WCA will continue to thrive and make a positive impact on the lives of our students and their families.

At RCMA, we’re always thrilled to share stories of our alumni’s successes, and today, we have some fantastic news to celebrate! Recently, the National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association (NMSHSA) selected two of our very own RCMA alumni for their prestigious internship program. Congratulations to Berenice Verdugo and Luz Selena Vázquez Hernández, who, along with a young man from Oregon, were chosen for this incredible opportunity. These remarkable young college students have roots in the farm worker community and began their early childhood education in Migrant and Seasonal Head Start classrooms across the United States.

Meet Berenice Verdugo

Berenice is a rising senior at the University of South Florida in Tampa, majoring in Global Business with a concentration in Management. Her choice of study is a unique blend of business administration, language studies, and overseas experiences. Just this past spring break, Berenice traveled to Quebec, Canada, gaining valuable insights into international business and cultural diversity.

Hailing from Crescent City, Florida, Berenice’s journey of service and academic excellence began at a young age. She has been actively involved in her community and church since she was seven. Her family works in green plant agriculture, collecting deer moss, Spanish moss, vines, and packaging plants for nurseries. Berenice herself worked in this field, which instilled in her a strong work ethic and a deep understanding of her roots.

Berenice’s educational journey began at the Redlands Christian Migrant Association in Seville, Florida. Her aspiration to start a non-profit organization reflects her commitment to applying the knowledge and skills she has acquired to give back to her community.

Meet Luz Selena Vázquez Hernández

Luz is a first-generation college student studying Public Policy with a minor in Leadership to Organizations at Michigan State University. Her background as a farmworker involved migrating from Florida to Michigan and picking various crops, including strawberries, squash, jalapeños, and blueberries, in challenging weather conditions from sunrise to sunset.

From infancy until the age of five, Luz attended the Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA), which she fondly recalls as a second home where she learned to walk, speak, and develop essential skills. Most importantly, it was at RCMA that she first learned to speak English.

Luz is passionate about advocating for migrant farmworker awareness. Recently, she collaborated with peers to create an exhibition titled “Las Alas Invisibles: The Unseen Wings,” honoring the migrant farmworker community at MSU during National Farmworker Awareness Week.

A Bright Future Ahead

We are incredibly proud of Berenice and Luz and wish them much success in this next step of their educational journey. Their stories are a testament to the power of education, hard work, and community support. They embody the spirit of RCMA and the limitless potential of our students.

Join us in celebrating their achievements and cheering them on as they continue to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. Here’s to the bright futures of Berenice Verdugo and Luz Selena Vázquez Hernández!

RCMA Wimauma Community Academy (WCA) recently hosted a heartfelt “Clap Out” event to honor former graduates who are now part of the high school class of 2024. These alumni, dressed in cap and gown, returned to their alma mater for a nostalgic walk through the campus. As they paraded through the school, current WCA students cheered, applauded, and held signs of congratulations. The event celebrated the achievements of these high school graduates, recognizing their journey from being students at WCA to accomplished high school graduates. RCMA proudly salutes the class of 2024, commemorating their hard work and inspiring the younger generation.

The end of the school year can be bittersweet for many – the students are excited for summer vacation, and their teachers are happy to take a breath before getting ready for the next school year. It’s also a time for goodbyes, as we say farewell to students who are graduating from our CDC’s and heading off to school, or for the eighth graders at Immokalee Community Academy and Wimauma Community Academy, as they get ready to attend high school. Here are some pictures of ICA’s Class of 2024.