Jessica Saenz Gomez
Biography
- Joined Swearer Center in 2024
- Master of Public Affairs, 2024, Brown University
- BA Sociology, 2023, Brown University
Jessica Saenz Gomez (she/her/ella) joins the Swearer Center after earning her B.A. in Sociology '23 and MPA '24 from Brown University. Passionate about supporting undocu+, first-generation, and low-income communities, Jessica seeks to make an impact through higher education, immigrant community organizations, and education access programs.
As an undergrad, Jessica was a Bonner Community Fellow and served as a program site leader for bilingual elementary school students at William D’Abate Elementary School.
During her graduate year, Jessica acted as a student liaison for the Watson Institute’s study group, “Leadership and Networks - Preparing for Future Opportunities.” In this role, she connected underrepresented, first-generation students with first-gen Brown alumni across various professions. She also co-organized the Graduate School’s inaugural “BIPOC Unity Dinner” as a Graduate Community Fellow, fostering a sense of community among Brown’s diverse graduate student body. At the Swearer Center, Jessica supported the Social Innovation Fellowship and advised iProv Fellows as the Community-Engaged Learning Graduate Assistant.
Dedicated to the intersection of education and immigrant rights, Jessica’s advocacy extended beyond the campus. She worked with Aliento, a youth-led immigrant organization in Arizona, as a data analyst and campaign intern for Prop308, contributing to the successful campaign for in-state tuition for Arizona Dreamers. Jessica's commitment to advancing democratic equity led to her selection as a Watson Director’s Fellow, where she researched the effects of Arizona's voting laws on voter turnout within communities of color.
As the Community-Engaged Learning Manager at the Swearer Center, Jessica oversees the Bonner Community Fellowship, guiding students in their civic engagement efforts with Providence and Rhode Island communities.