Current Position:
As a Research Analyst, Cassandra informs Excelencia’s portfolio of policy and practice by conducting research using a Latino lens. Cassandra collaborates on data collection, analysis, and dissemination for research projects to inform institutions and decision makers on ways to intentionally serve Latino students and compel action.

Past Experiences:
Casandra joins Excelencia from a wide range of experiences across higher education. Most recently, she worked as an intern at Lumina Foundation where she constructed an internal policy memo to further include Puerto Rico’s postsecondary system in Lumina’s policy agenda. Cassandra received her B.A. from UCLA in Economics and her M.A. from the University of Michigan in Higher Education. She is currently a doctoral candidate at the Center for Higher and Postsecondary Education at the University of Michigan.

Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia?
I decided to join Excelencia because I was inspired by their commitment to serving Latino students and their intentionality in including Puerto Rico across all portfolios. As a researcher, I am a firm believer that data and research are forms of storytelling that have the power to uplift and recenter the lived experiences of our communities in policy and practice. Excelencia embodies these same beliefs and pushes others to do the same.

How would you describe working at Excelencia?
When I think of Excelencia I think of the words committed and evolving. Everyone on the team believes in Excelencia’s mission and are committed to the work that needs to be done to advance that mission. This means that the work is always evolving to fit the needs of our Latino communities. I am honored to be able to work and learn beside my colleagues, my work familia.