Flor Esquivel

OVERVIEW

Flor is a seasoned leader in education, policy, and program development with over 20 years of experience working in Chicago Public Schools and higher education. She has built her career around advancing equity, access, and systemic change, particularly in higher education in prison, youth development, culturally responsive teaching, and policy advocacy. Her expertise spans strategic planning, grant writing, program evaluation, curriculum design, and coalition building. She is equally committed to mentoring emerging leaders and supporting organizations in navigating complex systems and community dynamics. Flor is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education at DePaul University, deepening her scholarship in higher education and equity-driven reform.

Beyond her professional commitments, she enjoys dancing, hiking, and botany with a particular love for cultivating plants. She finds inspiration in discovering new coffee and tea spots that highlight the cultures and colors of the world. Through her private consulting practice, 123flor.com, she supports start-up projects and innovative initiatives. Flor also welcomes colleagues and collaborators to connect with her over a cup of coffee at Adler University, where she continues to foster community and ideas.

Currently, Flor is writing her first young adult book, which explores issues of education in rural villages in Mexico. The book also serves as a commentary on public health and provides an overview of Mexico’s political system over the last 100 years, blending storytelling with social critique to spark dialogue and reflection.

MEMBERSHIPS + ASSOCIATIONS

• Illinois Alliance for Reentry & Justice Committee Member Safer Foundation    
• Board Member at Centro Sanar: https://www.centrosanar.org/
   
  
  

PRESENTATIONS

LEADERSHIP + ENGAGEMENT

• President of Northside Toastmasters: https://www.northsidetm.org/
• Founding Member of Puentes LatinX Committee at Adler University
• Local School Council Chair at Lakeview High School
• Founder and Volunteer of Kasita Community Greenhouse at Roosevelt High School

CURRENT RESEARCH + OPPORTUNITIES

Flor Esquivel’s current research centers on educational inequities within school systems and higher education, with a particular focus on the barriers faced by Latino youth and system-impacted populations. As a Doctoral Candidate in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education at DePaul University, her dissertation examines how structural inequities, disciplinary practices, and access to culturally responsive curriculum shape the educational trajectories of Latino male youth.

In addition, Flor is engaged in applied research on higher education in prison (HEP), exploring the role of policy, program development, and community partnerships in expanding equitable access to postsecondary opportunities for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students. This includes investigating best practices in college and career readiness, reentry support, and cross-cultural mentoring.

Flor also extends her scholarship into creative inquiry: she is currently writing a young adult novel rooted in the realities of education in rural Mexico, framed by public health concerns and a critical analysis of Mexico’s last 100 years of political history.

Students interested in educational leadership, public policy, higher education access, or culturally responsive pedagogy may find opportunities to engage with Flor’s projects through: Policy and program evaluation related to higher education in prison. Qualitative and quantitative research support for studies on youth equity and access. Collaborative writing and curriculum design, especially around culturally sustaining practices. Community engagement initiatives that link research with advocacy and practice.