The Latino Policy Forum is proud to announce the inaugural cohort of the Leadership, Education, Advocacy, & Democracy (LEAD) Student Fellowship, a new policy leadership program for undergraduate students at public two and four-year institutions in Illinois.
Over the course of the 2026–2027 program year, these eight students will deepen their understanding of public policy, build leadership and advocacy skills, and connect directly with elected officials and community leaders. From learning how a bill becomes law to testifying before the Illinois General Assembly, LEAD Fellows will turn civic knowledge into action and help shape the next generation of public servants working to expand opportunity for first-generation and underserved students in higher education.
“There is no one better positioned to inform and shape higher education policy for Latino students in Illinois than Latino students in Illinois,” said Dr. Jennifer Juárez, Director of Higher Education Policy at the Latino Policy Forum. “Investing in these young leaders today is how we cultivate the bold and engaged leaders our communities need for tomorrow. Our students have the talent, lived experience, and ideas to shape a more equitable higher education system. Their experiences give them a unique perspective on the policies and investments needed to make that possible, and that should earn them a seat at the tables where these decisions are made. We are so excited to welcome our first class of fellows.”
Meet our inaugural class of LEAD Student Fellows:
| Anthony Cabrera Northern Illinois University | Geovanna Hernandez University of Illinois Chicago |
| Carlos Claros Harold Washington College | Evelyn Rogel University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |
| Eddie Contreras College of DuPage | Jazlyn Solis Northeastern Illinois University |
| Victor Guadarrama Northeastern Illinois University | Ann Suarez Harper Community College |
Congratulations to this outstanding group of student leaders. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish this year.
Learn more about the Latino Policy Forum’s LEAD Student Fellowship.