Jessica ("Jess" or "Yessica") Guadalupe Vargas is the Engagement Analyst for the University of Chicago To&Through Project. She collects and synthesizes qualitative data on Chicago Public Schools (CPS) graduates' experiences on the path to and through college by drawing connections to how research, practices, and policies are impacting their educational careers. Passionate about student voice, Yessica also creates opportunities for students to share their recommendations on how high schools and colleges can better support their young people. In addition, she actively supports the team's events planning and promotion.
Prior to joining To&Through, Yessica interned at the CPS Office of Equity and worked as a college coach assistant at her former Southeast Side neighborhood high school Washington.
Outside of work, Jessica enjoys gardening, longboarding, and taking orders from her orange tabby cat Tobi.