biography

Emilia Chico is an educator, facilitator, and youth advocate. She has been working in collaboration with non-profit organizations, schools, and corporations for over 15 years. She is especially skilled at small & large group facilitation and has developed curriculum and trainings on intergroup dialogue, racial justice, gender expansiveness and implicit bias. Emilia serves as a consultant for local and national organizations that are committed to creating equitable and inclusive environments.

Emilia has a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications and Sociology, a master’s degree in Youth Development, and a doctoral degree in Educational Psychology. She has worked on multiple research projects that highlight the experiences of young people and educators who are engaged in improving relationships and strengthening organizational climate. She has partnered with educators and leadership teams to prioritize long term diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) needs, culture and climate assessments and data informed decision making.  

Emilia teaches courses for undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Northeastern Illinois University. She is currently working on a statewide initiative aimed at implementing culturally responsive pedagogy, social-emotional learning and restorative practices in schools across Illinois.