Meet Yesenia Olvera (BA, '14, Latina/Latino studies and history) the director of postsecondary success at Benito Juarez Community Academy. She was a first generation graduate who has dedicated her career to helping students and their families navigate their career paths after high school. At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, she majored in Latina/Latino studies and history, with a minor in East Asian languages and culture. She describes her degree in Latina/Latino studies as foundational and that it instilled in her "a critical consciousness, allowing me to deconstruct dominant narratives and recognize the systemic forces that shape communities." Read on for a Q&A to learn more about her career.
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in Latina/Latino Studies?
I began my academic journey at the University of Illinois under the Department of East Asian Languages and Culture, with a concentration in Mandarin. I aspired to challenge myself and learn a new culture and language. Although studying under EALC was rewarding and challenging, a recommendation from TRiO Advisory, Mr. Urias Betoel Escobar, led me to explore courses in LLS. My first course resonated deeply offering the opportunity to connect deeply with my cultural roots and begin to understand the history of my community in Chicago. LLS revealed to me the unknown stories of Latina/o communities. This new found learning began a profound shift in my academic path.
Did you double major or minor in any other fields while attending the U of I?
After I decided to major in Latina/Latino Studies (LLS), I found myself drawn to other cultural courses, particularly in African-American Studies and Asian American Studies. I was really eager to learn more about the histories of marginalized communities in America. I'd never imagined exploring history quite like I did while at U of I, and it was inspiring to learn from professors who were so passionate and connected with their students. Courses with Mirelsie Velázquez, Richard T. Rodriguez, and Adrian Burgos shaped my learning.
Because of this newfound interest, I decided to double major in History alongside Latina/Latino Studies. I also continued to minor in East Asian Languages and Culture (EALC). With this new academic path, I truly felt like I was in my element.
Did you pursue higher education after undergrad?
While I was initially committed to pursuing an MEd in Higher Education at Loyola University Chicago, I chose a different path after graduation. I accepted a position as a near-peer advisor with the Illinois College Advising Corps (ICAC), a non-profit housed under the University of Illinois System. The role offered recent graduates like myself the opportunity to work directly with high school students across Illinois. After receiving comprehensive training, I was placed at Thomas Kelly High school in Chicago’s Brighton Park Neighborhood. My LLS degree provided me with the crucial lens for understanding of unique challenges, system inequities and strengths of predominantly Latino students. LLS proved invaluable in connecting with the students and families I worked with, helping them navigate the complexities of college access.
What is your current career and what was your path to that position? How does a degree in LLS inform your work?
After completing my two-year term with the Illinois College Advising Corps (ICAC), I was offered a direct position as a College and Career Coach at Thomas Kelly High School. My dedication to supporting students in their postsecondary journeys then led me to transition to Benito Juarez Community Academy, my alma mater in the Pilsen Neighborhood of Chicago. It was incredibly important to me to return and work with students in the very community I grew up in. Today, I serve as the Director of Postsecondary Success, where I oversee a wide range of programming designed to ensure our students and their families successfully navigate their paths beyond high school.
My degree in Latina/o Studies is foundational to everything I do. It provides me with an invaluable framework for understanding the unique cultural contexts, socio-economic realities, and systemic barriers that often impact our predominantly Latino student population and their families. This background allows me to develop culturally responsive programs, advocate effectively for our students, and build genuine trust within the community, all of which are critical to fostering successful postsecondary outcomes.
How has your degree in Latina/Latino Studies shaped your worldview?
The diverse courses I took under Latina/Latino Studies provided me with a deep understanding of the politics, complex history, and beauty of being Latina/o in the US, particularly in a city as rich in culture as Chicago. This academic training instilled in me a critical consciousness, allowing me to deconstruct dominant narratives and recognize the systemic forces that shape communities. I approach any situation with heightened awareness and empathy. I am committed to be an advocate for Latina/o communities through the families I work with.
What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing work in your field?
My core advice for students interested in pursuing work in postsecondary success, particularly in roles like mine, is to fully immerse yourselves in every learning opportunity and be deeply invested in providing equitable support to students. This field demands immense hard work and unwavering dedication.
I encourage students to embrace interdisciplinary learning and not limit their learning to just one concentration. I was a Resident Advisor (RA) for three years, while at U of I. My RA experience was invaluable for me to gain hands-on experience and understanding challenges students face in navigating college. With that being said, students should find practical experiences while on campus that offer similar experiences.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
Although there is no typical day in my role as a Director of Postsecondary Success, my days generally revolve around a blend of direct student support and strategic development. I provide personalized guidance, develop college/career readiness workshops and fairs. Additionally, I analyze data on student outcomes to identify areas for improvement and ensure our programs are effective and equitable.
The most rewarding part of my job is witnessing students realizing their own potential and envisioning a future they thought was unattainable. Whether I am working with a student who thought college was out of reach to secure a scholarship, or one who was unsure about their future finding their passion in a specific career pathway, being a part of that transformative realization and helping them open doors to new possibilities is incredibly fulfilling.
What is your proudest achievement?
Being the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree was not only my proudest achievement after so many challenges, but it was about opening possibilities for my entire family and the community I serve.