Ambar Hernandez

Ambar Hernandez Negrete received her doctorate in Education with a concentration in School Organization and Educational Policy. Her research interests investigate the intersections of race, equity, and education policy. In particular, her current work examines the ways in which policy institutionalizes, extends, or disrupts racial inequity. She draws inspiration for her justice-seeking research from the resilience, fortitude, and courage she witnesses among communities of color, and the words of critical luminaries of color. These phrases include Assata Shakur’s powerful words, “It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love each other and support each other. We have nothing to lose but our chains.”

Prior to enrolling as a graduate student, Ambar worked as a lead supervisor for the UCD Chicana/o Studies Bridge afterschool program, which provided culturally relevant tutoring and mentoring for first-generation low-income students. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Community and Regional Development with a minor in Education from the University of California, Davis.