Dr. Jennifer Juárez is the Director of Higher Education Policy at the Latino Policy Forum, where she leads the education team in developing the Forum’s agenda, research, strategies, and outcomes related to higher education across Illinois.
Dr. Juárez earned her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and has over 20 years of experience working in high schools and higher education institutions. Her research and expertise focus on supporting undergraduate Latina/o/x/e students, fostering a sense of belonging, promoting academic success programs, and enhancing Hispanic Serving Institutions.
In her previous role, Dr. Juárez co-led the largest academic success program at UIC, where she spearheaded recruitment initiatives for parents and students, co-chaired multiple university committees, and developed a training model for faculty and staff to support undocumented students. She has also served on various nonprofit, higher education, and legislative committees across Illinois, including in Pilsen, Little Village, and Humboldt Park. Additionally, she spearheaded a Latino student leadership academy and founded the first Latina Leadership Institute at UIC.
Recently, Dr. Juárez was recognized by Negocios Now as one of their Latina 40 Under 40 honorees
for her leadership in Latino policy advocacy in Illinois. She was also a Fellow in the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation’s 2023 Leadership Academy. Dr. Juárez has shown a strong commitment to the numerous students she has worked with, contributing to undergraduate student success across Illinois. This dedication earned her the UIC Award of Merit and the Honoring Our Professors’ Excellence (HOPE) award. Currently, she serves as an Adjunct Professor at UIC in the Latin American and Latino Studies (LALS) and Sociology departments.
Born on the South Side of Chicago and a graduate of Chicago Public Schools, Dr. Juárez is fluent in Spanish and is the proud daughter of Mexican immigrants.
Póngase en contacto con Jennifer por correo electrónico en jjuarez@latinopolicyforum.org