Joanna D. Sánchez

Joanna D. Sánchez, Ph.D., is IDRA’s senior policy researcher beginning June 6, 2022. She is responsible for analyzing policy issues in education, policy proposals, and trends as well as designing and conducting quantitative and qualitative research that informs educational practice and policy. She is technically proficient in research and design, instrument design, data collection and fieldwork, statistical analysis, data visualization, and report development, she works cross-functionally and delivers timely analytical products to support the work of IDRA and its projects and initiatives.

Previously, as chief of staff at Excelencia in Education, she acted as a liaison for Excelencia’s executive team in engaging with staff and constituents in meeting the mission of accelerating Latino student success in higher education. She also assisted in short- and long-range strategic planning activities. As vice president for research, she oversaw the research team and supported planning and implementation of project goals and deadlines. Prior to joining Excelencia, Dr. Sánchez completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at Howard University funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). She is a first-generation college graduate and an alum of the Gates Millennium Scholarship Program.