PeerForward is thrilled to announce Raquel Figueroa as our new Vice President of Program, Partnerships, and Innovation.
Raquel previously served as our Managing Director of Program and Innovation where she managed strategic partnerships and oversaw the growth and development of the PeerForward in High School and PeerForward in College programs.
A native of New York City and an established Floridian, Raquel began her career with College Summit in 2009, implementing College Summit programming in the Miami-Dade and Broward County school systems. Since that time, she has helped PeerForward advance its impact on students in 10 states and Bermuda. With Raquel as our new Vice President of Program, Partnerships, and Innovation, PeerForward is ready to reach new heights!
Raquel’s Bio:
Raquel’s 21-year career spans experience in Non-Profit Management, Program Design, and Teaching and Education in both K-12 and college space. Today, as Vice President of Program, Partnerships, and Innovation for PeerForward, Raquel serves on the leadership team that sets the course for the organization to launch over 80,000 students annually to college degree and career attainment. In 2009, she joined PeerForward (then known as College Summit) and has been part of their dynamic program team delivering quality programming to coach and train young leaders and their educators in effective youth development, activation, campaign development, and organizing. Since then, she has led efforts to develop, launch, and secure partners for the PeerForward in College program among other innovations for the organization.
Prior to her work at PeerForward, she held several roles at Miami Dade College. As an Adjunct Professor for the School of Education Baccalaureate Program, she taught pre-service teacher courses with a focus in urban education, cultural diversity, and sensitivity. In addition, she has managed the Florida State Teachers Certificate Program and coordinated and chaired college access programs that equip high school and college students as well as new teachers with curriculum development, test preparation (SAT/ACT), and nonprofit management. Raquel holds a Master’s Degree in Education from the College of Staten Island and an Educational Specialist Degree from Nova Southeastern University.
