ChiEAC TEAM

FOUNDER and EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

I stopped teaching at a small Hispanic-Serving Institution in 2019 because needs of our students were being communicated to the administration and not being addressed. Seeing this as systemically problematic, I left.

ChiEAC was born during the pandemic with a substantial portion of my retirement money ($15k) and a $4,500 grant from the government in 2020 that I still have no idea where it came from.

Over the years, ChiEAC has grown from an organization focused on serving the needs of undocumented college students. We currently work with students at all levels of the academic spectrum K-Adult Education.

When Benjamin is not serving the needs of South Chicago students and families, he values spending time with friends and family, supporting local coffee shops, making soup, trying to learn how to dance, and training jiu jitsu.

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCACY

Merary Flores-Galindo is a social justice activist with a diverse background in international relations, policy, politics, law, and community-based projects.

Through her work as a paralegal with Notaria Pública No. 11 in Durango, Mexico, she drafted legal memorandums in Spanish involving property transfers, estate planning, and contractual agreements and served as a bilingual liaison assisting dual-citizen clients on cross-jurisdictional legal matters.

Alongside her legal work, Merary served as an Electoral Fieldwork Specialist during Mexico’s June 2025 Municipal President Elections. In this role, she conducted independent research on campaigns and public opinion, engaged directly with candidates, officials, policy analysts, and collected voter data across municipalities to better understand pressing socio-economic issues.

Merary has worked with several non-profit organizations including the Close Up Foundation, Advancing Latinas into Leadership Program, and America SCORES Chicago. She served as a congressional intern in the House of Representatives in 2023 and is an AmeriCorps alumni. Merary earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from American University in 2024 and aspires to attend law school.

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Arely A. Anaya is a bilingual advocate for social, environmental, and economic equity, with a strong background in development, communications, and community engagement. She holds a BA in Global Studies and is pursuing a Master’s in Geography and Environmental Studies at Northeastern Illinois University. With extensive experience in program management and strategic outreach, Arely has led statewide advocacy efforts, built over 480 partnerships, and championed labor and environmental justice. A recent LEAFS Fellow and recipient of the 2024 Emerging Leader Award from Breaking It Down, she brings both grassroots and strategic expertise to her work. Her focus remains on equity, community empowerment, and systemic change.

BUSINESS ANALYTICS & STRATEGY MANAGER

I joined ChiEAC not just to take a job, but to help build something transformative. As a first-generation student from a small town in India, I’ve seen how education uplifts communities.

My journey — from earning a Master’s in Computer Science Engineering, leading technical teams for 5 years, working on client projects, to completing an MBA in Analytics, Strategy, and Entrepreneurship at Babson College — has been shaped by one belief: impactful business is about purpose, not profit alone. My role at ChiEAC is entrepreneurial in nature: analyzing data and problems, designing solutions, and redefining growth strategy.

I work closely with leadership to explore business models and roadmaps that expand our impact. I’m on a mission to apply my expertise in technology, project management, analytics, entrepreneurship, and human-centered leadership to solve real-world problems in education and employment — turning challenges into opportunities and growth. Opportunities for anyone should never be limited by circumstances.

COMMUNITY CYBERSECURITY MANAGER

I am a cybersecurity professional and software engineer with more than three years of experience building secure and scalable technology solutions for enterprise, government, and cloud environments. I earned my Master’s in Cybersecurity from the Illinois Institute of Technology, where I focused on practical approaches to secure systems design. My work has centered on secure API development, threat detection, and systems integration, always with an eye toward protecting people and organizations from real risks. I am skilled in using modern frameworks and platforms such as MuleSoft, AWS, Azure, and GCP to design solutions that are both resilient and user focused.

CYBERSECURITY EDUCATION CONSULTANT

Based in Nigeria, ​I am a Cybersecurity Trainee and an aspiring SOC Analyst, deeply passionate about safeguarding businesses and individuals in today’s evolving digital landscape, which is increasingly dotted with threats.

With hands-on experience in security operations and incident response, I focus on identifying threats, strengthening defenses, and ensuring secure environments that allow organizations to thrive without compromise. ​

My vision is to build a safer digital environment by not only consulting and providing tailored security solutions but also by training and empowering people of all ages with the essential knowledge and skills to protect themselves online. I believe that cybersecurity is not just a technical necessity, but a shared responsibility…it's also a lifestyle.

I am committed to making it accessible, practical, and impactful for both organizations and individuals, because a safe community is a plus to humanity.

DATA STRATEGY COORDINATOR

Pursuing a B.S. in Statistics and Machine Learning at Carnegie Mellon University, with a focus on scalable, impact-driven data solutions.

I specialize in predictive analytics, AI/ML applications, and building ETL pipelines that transform raw data into actionable insight.

My work spans education equity research, survey design, and community-focused web development, combining technical depth with human-centered design. I’m passionate about applying advanced analytics and ethical tech to drive both social impact and innovation.

LEGAL CLINIC COORDINATOR

Alexa is an undergraduate student at the University of Chicago, originally hailing from Georgia with roots in Honduras. With a deep passion for social justice, Alexa is dedicated to addressing systemic inequities and empowering underserved communities. As a Legal Services Advocate, she leverages her academic knowledge and lived experiences to provide compassionate support to individuals navigating legal challenges. Her work emphasizes accessibility, advocacy, and the protection of fundamental rights, aligning with her commitment to fostering equity and justice. Whether through her studies, advocacy, or community engagement, Alexa is driven to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond.

HEALTH EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Rian is a student at the University of Chicago, studying biology with a focus in neuroscience. She has worked on different health and science promotion programs throughout her educational career and is deeply interested in facilitating the accessibility of science and health education. Rian is from Houston, a city known for its large-scale health system, and she aspires to eventually work as a physician that plays a role in making the understanding of health, and the science behind it, an accessible component in underserved communities that are continually overlooked by such systems.