Juan Jose Gonzalez began his career as an immigration rights organizer for the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, where he mobilized immigrant citizens to vote and lobby at the state and federal levels for better immigration policy. He then served as the Chicago Director for Stand for Children Illinois, leading regional advocacy and policy efforts. Following, he was the Director of Youth and Education Policy for the City of Chicago Mayor’s office under Mayor Rahm Emanuel, managing a portfolio that included elementary and secondary education policy, college access, summer employment, and out-of-school time opportunities. These work experiences led Juan Jose to his current role as the Managing Director of Pathways & Operations for the Education Systems Center. He is heavily involved in implementing the Illinois Postsecondary Workforce Readiness Act, State Perkins V Plan, College and Career Pathways Endorsements framework, and developing industry-specific pathways in school districts and communities throughout the state. Juan Jose received his B.A. at Princeton University and a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Chicago Harris School. Since 2018, Juan Jose has volunteered as a student mentor with Chicago’s I-Mentor program at Phoenix Military Academy, supporting Chicago students in the college application and transition process. He currently serves as an elected parent member of a Chicago Public Schools’ Local School Council and previously served as an elected community member and council secretary.
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