We’re in Chicago: Yezenia Sandoval
Yezenia Sandoval is a non-profit professional, originally from the northwest side of Chicago. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Throughout her educational and professional career, Yezenia has been dedicated to leveraging community engagement as a tool to increase access to higher education and improve student outcomes for underrepresented communities.
What is your current role? How would you describe the work that you do?
I serve as a Dual Program Manager at Urban Alliance, a national non-profit dedicated to workforce development for youth. As a Dual Program Manager, I oversee our 10th grade program called the Teacher Training Institute and our 11th grade Obama Youth Jobs Corps Program (OYJC). In my role, I work with various stakeholders, including educators, school partners, parents, and high school students, to increase access to social-emotional learning and workforce readiness opportunities available to CPS youth, primarily on the West and South sides of Chicago.
What was your Chicago Scholars experience like?
My Chicago Scholars experience was a wonderful opportunity for me to build community with other diverse students across the city in a supportive environment. Although it was a years ago, I still remember the feeling of community and the shared goal of leveraging education as a way to give back to our families and communities.
How did Chicago Scholars support you to be the person you are today?
As a first-generation college and master’s graduate, Chicago Scholars provided me with the mentorship and resources necessary to access higher education as well as persist in the face of challenges. By having Chicago Scholars’ staff visit us directly on campus, I was able to meet other scholars attending U of M while also ensuring I was on the right track to graduate my senior year. As a product of this organization, I am motivated and passionate about serving as a mentor for Chicago youth in various capacities.
What advice would you have given yourself just after being accepted into the program? What advice do you have for current Scholars?
The advice I would have given myself after just being accepted into the program is to ask more questions, focus on intentionally building community with other scholars during and outside of program workshops, and be open to growth. The advice I have for current scholars is to take full advantage of the support and resources Chicago Scholars has to offer and don’t be afraid to lean on community during challenging times.
What does being from Chicago mean to you now?
Being from Chicago means being part of a rich culture and history of activism as well as immigration, which makes our city as diverse as it is. From the South to the West side of chicago, you can find restaurants with authentic cultural food and neighborhoods deeply rooted in tradition as well as community.
What do you wish people knew about Chicago Scholars, as well as the city of Chicago?
I wish people knew Chicago Scholars is an organization that cares about creating meaningful and robust experiences for young people in college and beyond. There’s a vast network of staff, mentors, and community partners who are invested in the professional growth of our next generation of leaders. I also wish people saw Chicago as a hub for talented and resourceful young people who are and will continue to create sustainable change across our city.