Jessica Aranda, Program Director
Jessica Aranda, our Program Director, leads our Hacia la Universidad program and Working Families Program. Jessica 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.
“I love working with such an amazing group of women, solving problems and contributing to an amazing model that provides alternatives to workplace exploitation and a whole-family approach to education. I also love working as part of a team that prioritizes accountability in our production and program work.”