Angel Vélez, Ph.D. '22 EPOL, has been named to the Chicago Public Schools Board of Education by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Vélez, a diversity and equity consultant, was appointed to fill the vacant seat in district 9A, which covers a swath of the south side of Chicago. Vélez, who lives in West Englewood, is a CPS parent and a graduate of Clemente High School in Humboldt Park.
Throughout his doctoral studies, he developed a critical understanding of anti-racism, racial equity, and inclusion in education policy. He taught ethnic studies and leadership courses for over five years. He spent more than six years researching issues of injustice for racialized communities of color, particularly their access to higher education.
He was recently the diversity and inclusion associate director at the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago. Vélez has consulted for dozens of organizations on anti-racist training and diversity and inclusion strategies.
