Master’s student Gisell Rodriguez was named the 2022 Ruth J. Simmons Urban Education Policy Scholar, which includes a full-tuition award and recognizes the Urban Education Policy graduate student who most epitomizes the former Brown University president’s commitment to educational equity and social justice. The Annenberg Institute’s Board of Overseers established the Ruth J. Simmons Urban Education Policy Scholarship as a permanent annual award in 2012. 

Gisell was born in Tijuana, Mexico, and raised in Lynn, MA. She joins UEP from Providence College (PC) where she completed her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Women’s Studies. At PC, she was the president of the Providence Immigrant Rights Coalition and a member of the Board of Multicultural Student Affairs. After graduation, she worked for a local non-profit called College Visions and the Providence Public School District. 

What drew you to the UEP program?

I am the product of an urban public school system. I witnessed the inequities in funding and program instruction that were present that other districts in neighboring cities did not have. It was frustrating to see that my zip code determined what kind of educational experience I would receive. Since then, I knew that I wanted to be in education policy in some capacity. 

What do you hope to accomplish through the UEP program?

I hope to expand my understanding of data analysis and research to support policy changes that will disrupt systemic racism in education. 

How did your undergraduate education and any previous work experience lead or motivate you to pursue a master's in urban education policy?

Before joining the program, I worked as the Diversity and Pipeline specialist for the Providence Public School District. In this role, I saw the challenges of urban education and how complex it is to create change. I also realized that those who made decisions in the district were not reflective of the community. For this reason, I was motivated to pursue a master’s in urban education policy in hopes that I can be reflective of an urban district. 

What has been a highlight of the program?

Although it has been tough to get through, working on statistics with my peers has been the highlight. Statistics is a new thing I have been learning, and I am always excited to learn new things as a group. 

What do you enjoy most about being at Brown and in Providence?

I enjoy immersing myself fully in the program by hanging out with my peers in the education department and attending social events. I also love being close to Thayer Street, where I have many options for food and coffee!

What career-building skills and knowledge have you gained since joining the program?

I have learned the importance of knowing how to navigate professional relationships. We have been working on team projects with community organizations which have given me a glimpse of how to approach education policy issues as a student and professional. 

What will you be working on during your internship?

I will work as a fellow for the Annenberg Institute by providing research support for their projects.