Edith Suárez is the Director of Strategic Partnerships for The Leadership Academy in Atlanta. Edith is a Chicana who was born and raised in Long Beach, California, and began her academic career at Long Beach City College. She then transferred to California State University, Dominguez Hills, where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services and a minor in Public Administration. During her time as an undergrad, Edith found a passion in the areas of identity and culture. She then lived two years in Burkina Faso, West Africa, where she completed her Peace Corps service in Community Economic Development, working primarily with women and youth in her village. While in Burkina Faso, Edith was chosen to complete an Entrepreneurship training in Guinea called “Osez-Innover,” which she then adapted to the context of Burkina Faso and helped spread to over 300 volunteers and their hosts. At Brandeis she continued her passion in the areas of identity, culture and diversity by co-founding Sin Fronteras, the first Graduate Latinx organization at Brandeis, focusing on community activism, professional development and the celebration of Latino culture. She worked as an assistant for the Chief Diversity Officer at Brandeis University, in the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. And, prior to her current work, Edith was the Wraparound Program Coordinator with the Waltham Partnership for Youth.