Gender

Female

Location

Chicago, IL

Birthday:

March 27

About me

The oldest of six children, I was raised in a multicultural home (Puerto Rican, Mexican, and Irish), and taught to appreciate the merits of arroz con gandules, a good homemade salsa, and corned beef and cabbage from a young age. I was born here in Chicago, but did most of my growing up in New Jersey before returning here for college. During college I fell in love with Chicago and have been happy here since. I work at the Institute for Justice Clinic on Entrepreneurship (IJ Clinic) where I head our efforts to engage government officials, community members, and strategic partners, all in an effort to make Chicago a more welcoming environment for low-income entrepreneurs.

What is your current career title or dream job?

I'm currently the Community Relations Manager at my job, but I think my dream job would involve creating and implementing urban policy here in Chicago.

Background/Education/Experience

Before joining the IJ Clinic, I worked at the Center for What Works where I managed our marketing (email, social media, and website) and worked to develop new marketing techniques to engage clients. I also collected metrics about the organization’s impact and compiled quarterly reports. During college I worked at the University of Chicago Community Service Center as Day of Service and Group Service Program Coordinator where I organized and executed a community service day for 600 incoming freshmen at sites around Chicago. I also planned quarterly campus-wide days of service set around relevant social themes, and connected groups of student volunteers with service projects at nonprofits, and maintained a calendar of upcoming projects. In 2008, I served as a Community Analyst for CampusCATALYST, a student-driven consulting corps working to help local nonprofits improve their operations and services. In 2007 I participated in the Summer Links Internship Program where I was placed at Heartland Alliance as an ESL Instructor, conducting daily English language courses classes of adult refugees from around the world. I also had the opportunity to assist with resettlement projects including employment research and vocational job training classes for clients. Throughout college I also worked as a tutor and teacher’s assistant in CPS. Aside from the experience listed in my background, in my current position I coordinate outreach projects to connect entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed. I head up our legislative advocacy projects aimed at opening opportunities for low-income entrepreneurs. This includes outlining policy recommendations, meeting with City Officials, and developing creative campaigns for grassroots organizing and coalition building. I also participate in strategic planning to increase our organization’s impact and bring value to a greater number of entrepreneurs. Education: University of Chicago: BA, International Studies 2009 Université Paris Dauphine: International Studies Program- Winter Quarter, 2008

Organizations & clubs

St. Thomas the Apostle School- Board Member, Chair of the Marketing Committee Chicago Council on Global Affairs- member

What languages do you speak?

English, Spanish

Hobbies & interests

Running, art (mostly painting and crafting), vegetarian cooking, spending time with friends and family. Interests- Entrepreneurship and innovation, urban policy

Looking for:

networking, friendships, mentorship