Nayely grew up in the border town of Calexico, California, as a first-generation student. She was raised by her mother, a nurse who worked in assisted living with adults with intellectual disabilities. Witnessing her mother's passion for this work inspired Nayely to pursue a similar career, focusing on supporting others in meaningful ways. Outside of academics and work, Nayely enjoys running and training for various races, including half marathons, marathons, and 5Ks.

Now a fourth-year student at UCLA, Nayely is majoring in Sociology and plans to attend graduate school to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW). She aspires to become a clinical social worker, driven by her lifelong passion for mental health and helping others. Nayely has gained valuable experience through her work and volunteer efforts in diverse communities, including an internship in Washington, D.C., where she worked on public policy at the National Disability Rights Network. This role deepened her understanding of the inequalities people with disabilities face and reinforced her commitment to advocating for their rights.

In 2025, Nayely joined the Level Up Team as a Direct Support Professional. She is excited to directly support individuals while learning and helping others develop new skills. She looks forward to working with a team of like-minded individuals who share her passion for empowering and inspiring neurodivergent adults to grow and achieve greater independence.