who we are

Raquel

Operations & Partnership Director

she/her

Raquel is a proud Puerto Rican who has received a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) as well as a Master of Science from UPR's School of Public Health. While completing her Master's she also led public health programs in HIV prevention, designing and implementing surveys and focus groups to assess needs, health risks, and barriers to access to services, expanding the program's network of partnerships, and leading meetings with community based organizations, funding agencies, and additional stakeholders.
‍
While she was completing her Master's degree Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico. She remained there until she could complete her degree and then moved from her beloved archipielago to Chicago upon receiving a job offer in project management. A few years and one pandemic later she pivoted to working in nonprofits focusing on migrant issues to return to working closer with communities she loves.
‍
She is currently working with the City of Chicago to help support the strategic planning, policy development, and implementation of a major public service program and serves as the liaison between city departments, the public, and different community based coalitions in efforts to enhance and promote social and public service programs.