Jonathan Ibarra, FAAC^®
Senior Associate Director of Processing
Appalachian State University
SASFAA

Meet Jonathan Ibarra, FAAC^®, 2025-26 Diversity Leadership Program Class.

As a first-generation student, Jonathan navigated the complexities of financial aid on his own, including asking his parents sensitive questions about their finances. Drawing on the challenges he once faced, he now helps students manage similar challenges. Fluent in Spanish, Jonathan works closely with Spanish-speaking families, bridging language and cultural gaps to ensure they feel informed and supported throughout the entire process.

“I know how overwhelming these conversations can be,” Jonathan said. “My goal is to make families feel included and comfortable asking questions.”

Currently, the senior director of processing at Appalachian State University, Jonathan began his journey in financial aid in 2017 as a work-study student, where he handled document imaging and administrative tasks. Curiosity about the forms passing through his hands led Jonathan to delve deeper into processing, loans, and scholarships before transitioning to counseling, where he could directly support students.

Today, Jonathan extends that commitment beyond the office, serving as advisor to the Latin Hispanic Alliance, mentoring students, and creating space for representation and community on campus. 

Learn more about Jonathan in the brief Q&A below.

1. How did you get your start in financial aid? 

Beginning in January 2017, I started in Financial Aid, working in the imaging area, where I handled documents that required scanning. As I reviewed the forms, such as SAP appeals, Professional Judgments, Dependency Overrides, and Cost of Attendance, I began to understand how the system works behind the scenes. 

There was a point when a student with their parents came into our office one afternoon. I could hear the parents trying really hard to ask questions they had, but due to the language barrier, it was difficult for them to explain. So I knocked on the door, told them who I was, and could help translate their questions. It was at that point that I decided to stay in financial aid, and I have been here ever since. 

2. What have been some of the most significant milestones in your financial aid career, and how have they shaped your perspective on the profession? 

Some of the most meaningful milestones in my financial aid career have been the moments when I’ve had the opportunity to expand access, build understanding, and walk alongside students who often feel unseen — especially first-generation, immigrant, and underrepresented communities. These experiences have pushed me to grow not only in knowledge but in purpose. 

Stepping into roles that allow me to mentor, advocate, and collaborate across campus has been especially impactful. Whether partnering with student organizations, serving as the advisor for the Latin Hispanic Alliance, supporting TRIO Student Support Services through financial aid presentations, or representing North Carolina as a LatinxEd Fellow, each opportunity has deepened my commitment to educational equity. Earning multiple NASFAA credentials, including my FAAC, has further strengthened my ability to guide students with accuracy, confidence, and compassion. 

Together, these milestones have transformed my perspective on our profession. Financial aid is not merely an administrative process — it is advocacy in action. It is the work of communicating clearly, understanding students’ lived experiences, and meeting them where they are with empathy and respect. These experiences have made me more intentional, more student-centered, and more dedicated to creating pathways that help all students not just persist, but truly thrive.

3. What’s a challenge within financial aid that you personally have overcome that you're proud of? 

Getting through the FAFSA Simplification (or complexification, if you know what I mean). Like many others across the country, FAFSA Simplification pushed us in ways we didn’t expect. The rollout delays, limited resources, and constant updates created major operational challenges for our office, which made it harder for students and families to get the information they needed. 

For me personally, this period was even more challenging because our department was operating without stable leadership. Several leaders transitioned into new opportunities, and I, along with a few colleagues, stepped forward to keep our operations steady and our students supported. This became a pivotal moment in my career — a time when my leadership was tested and, ultimately, strengthened. I discovered that I possessed far more knowledge, resilience, and problem-solving ability than I had ever given myself credit for. I also learned firsthand how essential collaboration with departments like ITS is in maintaining continuity during times of rapid change.

Although it was one of the most challenging chapters of my financial aid journey, it was also one of the most transformative. It opened my eyes to the kind of leader I can be and affirmed that I am ready to grow, take on more responsibility, and step confidently into higher-level leadership roles.  

4. What change would you like to see in financial aid?

That’s the million-dollar question. Personally, I would like to see several changes in financial aid, but one stands out above the rest: increased funding, especially within programs like the Federal Pell Grant. With the rising cost of living and the growing challenges around college affordability, the current maximum Pell award simply doesn’t stretch far enough for many of the students and families we serve.

Expanding Pell would make a meaningful difference. It would ease the financial burden on low-income students, reduce reliance on loans, and open the door wider for those who dream of pursuing higher education but feel held back by cost.

5. How does your perspective impact how you do your job and approach financial aid?

My perspective is shaped by my own lived experiences and the communities I come from, and that deeply influences how I approach Financial Aid. I know what it feels like to navigate higher education without seeing yourself represented or knowing where to turn for support. Because of that, I approach my work with empathy, patience, and a commitment to meeting students and families where they are, especially those with Spanish-speaking backgrounds.

Additionally, I would say it impacts how I communicate, ensuring that the information is clear, accessible, and responsive. I would also say that it shapes my purpose in creating a welcoming space where students and families feel seen, heard, and supported in navigating the college process in both English and Spanish.

6. What advice do you have for those in financial aid? 

My advice is to take care of yourself, like how you care for your students. The line of work we do can be heavy, fast-paced, and emotionally draining to say the least, so protecting your mental health is essential. If you haven’t done so already, take breaks, set boundaries, and permit yourself to step back when you need to recharge.

I also encourage you to step outside your comfort zone. You can attend conferences and join the network by connecting with colleagues across the state and the country. I learned early on how our financial aid community is incredibly supportive.  Building those relationships not only strengthens your knowledge, it also reminds you that you’re not doing this work alone. 

Lastly, never lose sight of why you chose to stay in financial aid. Whether it’s helping a first-generation student navigate their options, supporting a family through a difficult process, or celebrating a student’s success, those moments matter. Please hold onto those. These are the reminders that our work has purpose and that every connection we make can change a student’s path in a meaningful way. 

7. What do you do when you're not working?

When I’m not working, I really enjoy staying active and spending time doing things that recharge me. I go to the gym regularly. It’s my way of taking care of my mental and physical health. I also love to cook, especially dishes inspired by my family’s roots in Mexico. Cooking brings me a lot of joy and keeps me connected to my culture. 

Whenever I get the chance, I love to travel to Mexico to visit family and surround myself in the places that shaped me. I also enjoy hiking in the mountains. Luckily, in Boone, there are many options to choose from to hike. And of course, spending time with friends and family.