Jocelyn Hernandez, a second-year Master of Architecture student, has been awarded a Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois Program (DFI) Fellowship for the 2024-2025 academic year. This highly competitive award aims to increase the number of minority full-time tenure track faculty and staff at Illinois’ two-year and four-year public and private colleges and universities. It is sponsored by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) and administered by the UIC Graduate College.
Jocelyn was born and raised in Chicago. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Richmond before returning to her hometown for graduate school. As a Mexican-American and the eldest of six siblings, she has a strong connection to her community. Her interests in architecture include sustainable development and adaptive reuse. She intends to focus her work on building rehabilitation that preserves community integrity and resists displacement resulting from rising property costs.
Of the opportunities presented by the DFI Fellowship, Jocelyn says, “I believe that seeing someone who shares your identity can transform education, making it empowering rather than alienating.” Jocelyn believes the fellowship will empower her to continue advocating for her community while serving as a role model for others from similar backgrounds.