Wendy Ayala

Wendy Ayala

Director, Scholars Program

Wendy Ayala brings nearly a decade of experience in the college access and success field, driven by a deep commitment to educational equity and community engagement. A proud alumna of the CDI Scholars Program, Wendy joined the CDI team professionally in October 2016. She currently serves as the Director of the Scholars Program, where she supports first-generation students in navigating their educational journeys and achieving postsecondary success.

Wendy holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and anthropology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and a master’s degree in non-profit management from Notre Dame of Maryland University. Before joining CDI, she gained valuable experience in workforce development while serving in the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development for Baltimore City.

Beyond her role at CDI, Wendy actively serves on the board of the Potomac & Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling (PCACAC) as the Membership Committee Chair and leads the organization’s Latinx Special Interest Group (SIG). She is also currently serving as a co-chair on the Montgomery County Victim Services Advisory Board.

Wendy’s work is shaped by her personal journey as a first-generation college graduate, and she remains passionate about building pathways of opportunity for students and families across the region.