About Dra. Carabez

Welcome to my dedicated Academic and Career Coaching page, specially designed to empower students from the Latinx community on their educational and professional journey. Mi nombre es Flor E. Carabez, and I am a first-gen Latina educator born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. 

I embarked on my educational journey after graduating from Curie High School in 2008, commencing my undergraduate studies in Biological Sciences at Northern Illinois University (NIU) as a first-generation college student. However, life's challenges, coupled with the unique experiences of being a first-generation student, led me to be academically dismissed from NIU after my first year. This transformative moment ignited my passion for shedding light on the struggles faced by marginalized communities, advocating tirelessly for equity in education, and being a resource to mi gente. 

In the wake of my dismissal, I achieved several significant milestones, earning an Associates of Arts degree from Richard Daley College, a Bachelor of Science in Community Leadership and Civic Engagement from NIU, and a Master of Education in Youth Development from the University of Illinois-Chicago. My dedication to learning and commitment to educational equity culminated my her recent achievement of a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership from National Louis University.

In my career, I bring to the table more than nine years of expertise in guiding students from marginalized communities through the college enrollment process, which encompasses academic support as well as financial advising, including assistance with the FAFSA. I also have a wealth of experience in helping Black and Brown professionals navigate careers in predominantly White environments. Additionally, my role as a union leader and my personal journey in maintaining authenticity in the workplace has provided me with valuable insights and knowledge to assist other professionals who may be grappling with microaggressions or facing challenges in defining their professional identities.

Let's break the barriers together!