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Scholars Speak

In her own words: ISPP Scholar Marissa Leal

ISPP Scholar M. Leal with LARES students

As an ISPP Scholar, Marissa Leal is appointed with the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation . Her work is significant as she focuses on helping to support the efforts of the ILLCF including have significant impact on the RAICES report. Marissa shared some thoughts about her role in the ISP program so far.

Why did you apply for the Illini Science Policy Program?
I applied for the Illini Science Policy Program because I am passionate about bridging the gap between research and policy-making. When I first heard about this program, I knew I wanted to be involved and I knew which site specifically had my attention. I knew that my research interests specifically aligned with the mission of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation. I think a lot of the work I have done prior to this position really shows my commitment to the Latino community, and my motivation to make meaningful change in all areas of my work. I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to be here, and to be this immersed in our policy related projects. 

Tell us a bit about what you hope to accomplish as a result of being a 2024 Scholar.

I hope to accomplish much during my time with this program, but I am especially looking forward to being a crucial part of change. Specifically when it comes to the projects I am working on, I want to see the work I developed with the team being used to make changes in policy or to create legislation that would specifically address the needs of the Latino community. If the data and research I collected helps for the betterment of our Latino communities of Illinois, then I will be happy to know that I contributed to that change with the role assigned to me. I understand these things don’t happen overnight, but I am enjoying being a part of that work to get us there.

Tell us a bit about what you are working on for your host agency.

In my time with the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation, I have received multiple projects for me to work on. Beginning, I jumped right in and began training to develop Policy Briefs on State Agencies, Boards & Commissions, & Universities. These Policy Briefs are meant to serve as legislative oversight for our board members to use as a reference when it comes time to go over budgets for state funding. I began helping with the planning for the RAÍCES Public Policy Conference, it was here that I was given the opportunity to facilitate two break out rooms during the conference. I will also be assisting in the development of our 2025 RAÍCES Report, which will include the responses we received during our facilitated session at our RAÍCES Public Policy Conference. I have started the inductive coding of the qualitative data we collected and am excited to see how this shapes our report. I am always ready to help with any task I am given. I have learned so much in the short time since starting, and I can’t wait to see how much I have grown in this role.

Tell us a bit about what you are working with your Extension Mentor (or what you will be doing)?
With my GCI Mentor, Dr. Teresa Cordova, I have been able to develop this year’s 2025 RAÍCES Report. This report is set to be released some time at the end of December or early January, and will include data provided to us from the Great Cities Institute team. As of right now, I have been transcribing the responses we got from our RAÍCES Public Policy Conference and have begun coding our responses. It is through these responses from the communities that attend our conference that I will be able to pull out key information that matters to these communities. This helps us to better reflect the needs of our Latine communities, for our board members to better understand what matters most to these communities. Ultimately this would allow our board members to better address the specific challenges and concerns the community raised during our break out sessions. I have enjoyed working with Dr. Cordova, Thea Crum, and getting to know the rest of the team here at GCI. They have been nothing but supportive and I am learning so much, especially when it comes to inductive coding. I really want to highlight how much work that has been and how much I appreciate Thea Crum training and reviewing/revising the codes with me. Another special thank you to the GCI team for facilitating our sessions at the RAÍCES Public Policy Conference this year as well. 

What does being in public service mean to you?

Public service to me means dedicating oneself to the betterment of the community as a whole. This involves a commitment to addressing the needs and concerns of the communities you are meant to be serving. For me, it’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of those in these communities, whether it is through implementation of policies, providing services or through advocating for those who may not have a voice. Which is why all the work we are doing at the Foundation is very important to me.

What makes the work you are doing as an ISPP Scholar meaningful to you? (Please specify between you host agency work and your Extension mentor project)

Through the work I have been a part of with the Foundation and with my Extension Mentor, I feel that I am accomplishing the desire I have to help these predominantly Latine communities of Illinois. I feel that the work I am doing will make a meaningful difference in these communities. Through the Policy Briefs and the RAÍCES Report, I will be helping our board members make decisions that would prioritize the specific needs of the communities they serve. As someone who is a recent graduate from UIC, I appreciate getting to stay connected with my campus through my connection with my Extension mentor. With the foundation, I am being invited into spaces that I would otherwise not be able to access as easily. This is allowing my voice and my experiences to be heard. I have many friends entering these spaces or that already are establishing themselves in these spaces, and it is nice to see more representation. It is nice seeing my connections, and getting to grow together in these spaces. It means a lot to me, all the work we’re doing and all the people I am getting to meet as we all pull each other up. I chose the image above because it was a full circle moment for me as a former student of the LARES Leaders Summer Institute. I started as a student, hearing others speak to me about the great work they were doing for the Latino community. Now I am the one speaking about the great work I am doing to a new group of students eager to enter the space I’m in.

What is one thing that you have learned since becoming an ISPP Scholar that has made an impression on your transition from graduate student to career individual?

One thing that I have learned since becoming an ISPP Scholar is the profound impact of community engagement on policy development. Being able to facilitate discussions and gathering input from community members about what Community Development, Equity, and Justice means to them has shown me how essential it is to ground policy in the lived experiences and the specific needs of the people it will affect.

Why is/are the issue(s) important to the communities with which you are working?
As a person who was raised in a low income community, I have faced many challenges in my life. As I am reading the responses we received from the RAÍCES Conference, I find myself agreeing and relating to much of what these community members face. I am lucky to be welcomed in this space where my voice is being heard, as many are without a space to voice their concerns and challenges. These issues are important to the community, because these are challenges they face in their everyday lives, issues of Justice, Equity, and Community Development.

Who is impacted by the issue(s) you are working on?
The issues that we at the Foundation are trying to address are for the Latino communities of Illinois. I believe that the good we are trying to do for the latino community, can also be applied to other minority groups of Illinois. Especially when addressing the issues of Justice, Equity, and Community Development. So many of the issues we want to address are issues faced by many in the community, not just Latinos. 

What is the most unexpected thing about this program so far?

I didn’t expect to be so busy, but that isn’t a bad thing. I am loving every minute of each event I have been able to attend. I am learning so much, and meeting so many powerful people at the same time. Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive.

If you could do one thing through this program and think “Wow, I did that,” what would you like it to be?

I think the majority of the work I am doing now qualifies as a “wow, I did that,” kind of moment. I am truly grateful to be in this space and doing the work I’m doing. It feels very fulfilling and I will never stop talking about the great work we are doing over here at the Foundation. I am mostly excited for the release of our 2025 RAÍCES Report.

Anything else you’d like to share?

When I first interviewed for this position with the foundation, Oswaldo Alvarez and Liz Gutierrez explained to me how quickly things move over at the Foundation. I have been here for about three months, and in that short time I have accomplished so much, and learned so many new things. It feels like I have been here longer, but that’s how easily I was able to integrate myself into this space. I really want to thank the Foundation for making this transition from a graduate student to a career individual so welcoming and smooth for me. The team has been so supportive and I have really enjoyed each day in the office. I also want to thank the team over at the Great Cities Institute, thank you for letting me be in this space, and for all the hard work you are doing. Make sure to read their recent report, Fuerza Mexicana: The Past, Present, & Power of Mexicans in Chicagoland and check out all the great work they are doing as well. And of course, Illinois Extension – this is a worthwhile program.
 

More information about the Illini Science Policy Program is available on our website. Keep reading to learn more about Marissa's colleagues in the of 2025 ISPP Scholar Class.