ADVISORY BOARD

ChiEAC ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

Wandia is a passionate advocate, researcher, and numbers enthusiast on a mission to shake up the world of Health Informatics! With a degree in Statistics and a deep love for research, they bring data-driven insights to the fight for better healthcare solutions. She is dedicated to empowering and supporting y communities through education, technology and advocacy.

As a ChiEAC Advisory Board member, they’re is excited to contribute fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to drive meaningful change in healthcare and improve access in communities.

ChiEAC ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

Tatiana is an intern in the office of Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, working on the Justice, Equity, and Opportunity initiative to support communities impacted by economic disinvestment and the criminal justice system. She has also interned for Illinois State Senator Rachel Ventura, Eileen O’Neill Burke’s campaign, and her township organization.

A Junior at DePaul University majoring in Political Science, she aspires to earn a double master’s in Global Communication and International Affairs. Raised in a culturally rich home, her father, of Pakistani and Indian descent, was raised between the two countries by educator parents, while her mother, of Puerto Rican heritage, grew up between Long Island and Puerto Rico.

She values storytelling and mentorship and enjoys exploring Chicago’s food scene, traveling, and live theater in her free time.

ChiEAC ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

Meet Roxana Montesdeoca, a compassionate social work professional dedicated to serving diverse communities. With over a decade of experience, she has a proven track record in developing support programs, fostering community partnerships, and advocating for marginalized populations.

Roxana earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from St. Augustine College, refining her skills in case management, community outreach, and program development.

As she puts it, “Passion for doing what you love is the driving force behind positive change. Empowering communities is not just about providing services, but about amplifying voices, fostering dignity, and creating opportunities for growth and transformation.”

Roxana is eager to continue making a meaningful impact and collaborating with like-minded professionals committed to lasting change.

ChiEAC ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

Natalie is a first-year Master of Social Work student at the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. Her passion lies in increasing access of culturally-responsive mental health services for children and families in historically underserved communities.

She is an advocate for immigrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking communities and aims to use her work to uplift stories of resilience and healing.

Natalie aspires to become a licensed clinical social worker and researcher, integrating evidence-based practice with research to improve mental health outcomes at individual and community levels.

ChiEAC ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

I’m an educator and community organizer who bridges people, ideas, and systems to create meaningful change. With a background in culturally relevant education and a passion for equity, I craft compelling narratives, build impactful relationships, and develop strategies that inspire action. Guided by compassion and social justice, I thrive where creativity, leadership, and connection intersect.

ChiEAC ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

Born to a Mexican father and Puerto Rican mother, Domingo Casanova’s passion is in expanding and refining educational opportunities for underserved communities in the Chicagoland area. Born in Little Village, Chicago and raised in Cicero, Illinois, he is a graduate of Morton East High School and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

He has had experience in various educational roles including an after-school instructor, site coordinator, professional development organizer, director of grant development, and grant evaluator. He is currently employed as Chief of Staff at Complement Consulting Group where he oversees CCG’s evaluation activities of 18 educational grant programs.

In his grant writing career, he has successfully written 22 grant applications that have brought $25 million in grant funding to Chicagoland students and communities. He is currently a second-year MBA candidate at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

ChiEAC ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

Jayre is a first generation graduate student in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) with a specialization in Organizations and Community Practice. She graduated from UIC with a B.A. in Gender and Women’s Studies (GWS) and a minor in Sociology. Outside of school and work, you can find Jayre cuddling with her dog (Fry Kevin Vazquez), drawing, making stickers, and returning her overdue books to the library.

ChiEAC ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

Rachel is a Businesses Development rep for a restoration company in Chicago. With a passion for art and design. Also a mother of one. We love staying active in our free time at the trampoline park and practicing basketball as much as we can. I’m also very involved in the community in participating in Chicago food depository donations as well as efforts to provide toiletries, clothing and food to The homeless in Chicago.

ChiEAC ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

Kayla is a policy analyst and communications professional with experience in criminal justice, environmental policy, and community advocacy. She currently works for Cook County Government, where she supports stakeholder engagement, program management, and communications.

Previously, she served as a policy analyst for State Senator Robert Peters, focusing on community safety and equity. Through her work at Illinois People’s Action, Kayla gained experience in environmental policy development, coalition building, and lobbying.

She also has a strong background in grant management, having worked on securing and managing funding to support community programs. Kayla is passionate about expanding access to education and resources for marginalized students in Chicago and is excited to support the organization’s mission of connecting students to opportunities that enhance their educational experience.

ChiEAC ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

I believe in the power of education to transform individuals and communities. As a seasoned higher education professional, I think strategically and creatively to improve equitable educational outcomes and to help students to achieve their educational and professional goals. I also get a lot of joy from supporting teams who are passionate about supporting students.

My current role where I do this work is as the Executive Director of Undergraduate Student Success at National Louis University, where I also teach graduate classes in the higher education leadership and student affairs programs. I received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UC San Diego, a master’s in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University (Ohio), and a doctorate from NLU.

Outside of work you can find me spending time at Chicago’s lakefront, reading, and riding my bike.

ChiEAC ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

Dra. Amy Díaz is the Interim Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and External Affairs at Indiana University Northwest, a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Minority Serving Institution (MSI). In this role she serves as the chief external relations officer for IU Northwest. Amy provides leadership, strategic direction and vision, in the planning, implementation, and administration of the campus’ philanthropic, alumni relations, marketing and communications, community relations, campus events and ceremonies, economic development, and government relations initiatives.

In this role she also manages the cultivation and engagement of the Board of Advisors. Concurrently, Amy serves as the Chief of Staff and a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet at IUN in which she facilitates effective planning and implementation of the IU 2030 strategic plan, other strategic projects and programs, and enhances collaboration and communication with internal and external stakeholders. She also serves on a variety of campus and institutional committees. Central to her work is a commitment to the inclusion and advancement of all learners. Threaded throughout her professional career are pro social values centered in servant leadership.

Amy was a 2024-2025 Association of American State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Millennium Leadership Initiative Fellow, a 2023-2024 Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) - La Academia de Liderazgo/Leadership Academy Fellow, and a 2019 Multicultural Leadership Academy Fellow with the Latino Policy Forum.

A first-generation college and high school graduate, she received her Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation from New York University, and her Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts from DePaul University.

ChiEAC ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

Mercedes Terrazas is the Program Manager at Hope Chicago, where she leads institutional partnerships and coordinates strategies to support student success, persistence, and degree completion. She connects regularly with Hope Scholars, Campus Contacts, and support staff through in-person and virtual meetings to ensure strong engagement and program alignment.

Previously, she was Equity Program Manager at the Partnership for College Completion, coaching colleges on equity-focused reforms. She built partnerships, led professional development, and promoted evidence-based practices to improve outcomes for underrepresented students.

Mercedes brings deep experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, advising, program design, grant writing, and research focused on first generation, Black, Latinx, and low-income students. Her commitment is rooted in firsthand knowledge of how education transforms lives.

She holds a BA in Psychology from DePaul University and a Master’s in Higher Education from the University of Pennsylvania, where she worked with the Center for the Study of Race and Equity in Education. A TRIO alumna and first generation graduate, Mercedes is a dedicated advocate for equity in higher education.

ChiEAC ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

With over 20 years of experience in education, I have dedicated my career to supporting students at every stage of their academic journey. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and my Master’s degree from Northeastern Illinois University. My work has encompassed early childhood education through higher education, providing academic support, assisting students with disabilities, guiding them through the college admissions process, and preparing them for their next steps.

In addition to my work in education, I have collaborated with nonprofit organizations in various communities, contributing as a graphic designer, educational specialist, and photographer to advance arts and academic initiatives.

Currently, I serve as a Senior Executive Enrollment Soecialist at a University, where I help prospective students navigate their educational paths and achieve their academic and professional goals. My background in teaching, student engagement, and community outreach enables me to provide personalized guidance, ensuring students feel confident and supported as they embark on their higher education journey.

ChiEAC ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER

My name is Yemilee Monjes Lempa, and I am a proud community builder based in Chicago. Originally from Venezuela, I migrated to the U.S. in 2016, bringing with me a strong spirit of resilience, creativity, and service. I’ve discovered my calling: to uplift and empower others, especially immigrants and women who are facing difficult circumstances.

I believe in the power of community, direct service, and systemic advocacy to create lasting change. My lived experiences allow me to connect deeply with those I serve, and my mission is to build pathways of support, hope, and opportunity.

Beyond my dedication to service, I’ve always held a deep passion for the arts and education. I come from a family of musicians and educators, and before moving to the U.S., I was just one semester away from completing a technical degree in audiovisual communications and photography. I also spent four enriching years studying music practicing violin, voice, and theory at a school for advanced musical education.

Today, I serve as an Education Organizer & Resource Manager at Palenque LSNA, where I work to ensure that families and students in our community have the support they need to thrive. I am also an honors student at Northeastern Illinois University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a minor in Interaction Design.

Looking ahead, I am excited to continue growing in the field of education, combining my lived experience, academic training, and creative background to inspire and support others.