Jennifer Lee-Rambharose is a Research Associate at the Lurie Institute, working with the National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities and the National Center for Disability and Pregnancy Research. Her research interest is deeply connected to her passion for disability justice, independent living philosophy, and her long-time commitment to understanding the lived experiences of persons with disabilities. Jennifer holds a dual Bachelor's degree in Health Science, Society, and Policy and American Studies from Brandeis University and a Master's Degree in Disability Studies from the City University of New York. She is a former Ruderman Fellow and a graduate of the Myra Kraft Transitional Year Program at Brandeis.
After completion of her Bachelor's, she served as a Systems Advocate where she worked to improve systems change, advance access, promote community participation, and support community inclusion of all persons with disabilities. Jennifer is a proud individual with a disability, a former intern for the American Association for Persons with Disabilities, a former Youth Leadership Network participant, and past Thrive mentor. For years, she has worked tirelessly to bring a disability perspective to the table and has devoted her professional career to promoting independent living philosophy, grassroots advocacy, systems advocacy, and community engagement. Her work has successfully led to the expansion of community-based support programs, increased architectural accessibility, and to successful policy change.
Before joining Lurie, Jennifer served as a consultant with the Community Living Policy Center, where she engaged in a national field-study on home- and community-based services. She also worked for Stavros, where she served as the Coordinator of Independent Living Services. At Stavros, she pioneered and directed strategies to advance service delivery of the Independent Living Department, aided in department improvements, evaluated program efficiency, and supported successful service delivery to meet the needs of persons with disabilities. In addition to these endeavors, she also served as the Vice Chair for the Massachusetts Statewide Independent Living Council where she supported the implementation of the State Plan and supported the work of the network of centers.
Jennifer is passionate about intersectionality, disability justice, and uplifting the voices of all persons with disabilities. The motto, "Nothing about us without us," has shaped her work as a manager, advocate, and researcher. Jennifer is excited to join Lurie, where she will have an opportunity to blend her passion for advocacy and research.