Ana Velázquez | Northern Illinois University

In this episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Ben Hallett sits down with Ana Velázquez, Director of Equity and Justice, first-generation Latina educator, and committed equity accomplice. Ana is dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers in higher education and creating pathways that empower underrepresented students to thrive.

Ben and Ana explore her inspiring journey as a first-generation student and how it fuels her passion for equity-driven leadership. From developing inclusive programs to advocating for social justice at the institutional level, Ana shares actionable strategies for fostering belonging and driving meaningful change.