Gabriela Villanueva

Biography

Born and raised in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, Gabriela “Gabs” Villanueva was born into a multicultural home, living between two cultures: Chinese and Honduran. As a teenager, she began serving in mission trips within her home country, serving as a translator between English and Spanish speakers. These experiences greatly influenced her love for people, cultures, and the beauty of God’s global Church. 

Before moving to Canada, Gabs worked in ministry through her church’s TV station, while pursuing an associate degree in graphic design. In 2022, she moved to Langley to study at Trinity Western University as an international transfer student and completed a degree in media and communication. During this time, she was an ICP student leader, co-leader for a service-learning trip to Indonesia, and worked part time as a social media associate. 

After graduation, she returned to TWU as a Student Life intern and resident director. She now serves as the assistant director of Intercultural Programs (ICP), where students remain her priority. She works alongside student leaders to plan and lead intercultural and multicultural events, while supporting campus-wide initiatives such as Culture Week, Day of Learning, and Black History Month. 

Hometown: San Pedro Sula, Honduras 

Favourite part of the job: Connecting with students, staff, and faculty and seeing glimpses of God’s global Church through them. 

Favourite TWU tradition: Culture Chapel (previously known as Flag Chapel) 

Enjoys: Food, board games, TV shows (especially sitcoms), long car rides and walks, travelling, meeting people for coffee, and swinging on a hammock