Biography

Jessica Aranda is the Program Director for Southwest Creations Collaborative (SCC), a 20-year-old social enterprise focused on issues of economic security and equity in education in Albuquerque's Latino community. Jessica leads the Hacia la Universidad Program and Working Families Program and directs all family engagement, college readiness, early childhood, health and adult education programming, including the Hacia la Universidad Program expansion into the Albuquerque Public Schools. Jessica is an accomplished facilitator and popular educator, and has extensive experience in curriculum development, strategic planning, group skills building, and leadership development. Previously, Jessica served as the Executive Director of the Latino Union of Chicago where her work led to the opening of the first day laborer workers’ center in the Midwest. As a native New Mexican, Jessica is proud to be part of the Southwest Creations’ team, whose innovative approach is positively impacting families in her community. Jessica received her B.A. in Anthropology and Latin American Studies from Beloit College where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and was a Presidential Scholar. She is currently pursuing on her MA in Contemplative Education at Naropa University and was recently selected by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) to be a member of the WKKF Community Leadership Network.