Gardenia graduated from Western Carolina University in May of 2024 with a Masters in Social Work. Her work has focused on helping the Hispanic community. Previously working Vecinos, she has helped provide resources for agricultural workers in Western North Carolina.  She is fluent in English and Spanish.

Gardenia was raised in Spartanburg, South Carolina and enjoys spending time with her family. She was a member of her high school marching band and marched in Pride of the Mountains Band at WCU. She played clarinet and was a part of the color guard. In her free time she likes to read, as well as hike and fish.