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Carina currently works as the Liaison between the Governor’s Office and the IL Legislative Latino Caucus and is a legislative liaison for the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Her position provides her with the opportunity to work with state legislators to improve the quality of life for Illinois residents through legislative and community outreach efforts. Prior to joining the Governor’s staff, Carina was a Program Specialist for Speaker Madigan’s Issues Development Staff. She helped organize task force hearings for Immigrant Access to Higher Education that resulted in the creation of legislation that allows undocumented students, who are residents of Illinois and graduate from Illinois’ High Schools, to be eligible for in-state tuition at state colleges. With a strong desire to be involved in community organizations, Carina has taken an active role by volunteering in a number of organizations such as: United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI); 11th & 12th Ward Regular Democratic Organization; the Mexican Civic Society of Illinois; Democratic Party of Illinois; and MANA de Chicago, a National Latina Organization. She also helped to reactivate the Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority on the U of C campus in order to provide a support network for the Latina and minority women on campus. She earned her B.A. degree in Political Science and Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago. Carina is committed to utilizing her professional experiences, community involvements and leadership skills to adequately obtain and ensure equality and quality of life for all citizens through policy and decision-making procedures. Carina’s ultimate goal is to be a spokesperson and advocate for Latinos, children and women. She wants to help break down barriers that have limited and divided women and minorities and bring about a positive change for people. She looks forward to utilizing the training that IWIL provides to prepare her for the challenge that she is willing to undertake. |
