MCRP 2018 Graduate
Specialization: Housing and Community Development
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Jennifer, a first-generation college graduate, grew up in the Dallas neighborhood of Oak Cliff, and attributes her upbringing in that area as her motivation to attend planning school. She wanted to gain a deeper understanding of why her neighborhood is the way it is and felt Carolina Planning supported her diverse interests in community engagement.
Being a part of a supportive community is something Jennifer places a lot of value on. When she first moved to Chapel Hill, she reached out to several professors and students for continuous support through such a huge life transition. She appreciates how supportive Carolina Planning’s faculty and staff are for their students – something she immediately noticed when visiting during the spring open house that ultimately convinced her Carolina Planning was the place for her to succeed.
When Jennifer isn’t working on projects to support her community back home, she stays involved in various activities at UNC. She is currently a member the Latin@ Education Research Hub in the School of Education, co-chair of the Signature Events Committee for the Womyn of Worth Initiative, and a member of Carolina Planning’s Curriculum Committee where she gives input regarding cultural competency, inclusion, diversity, and Latino planning.