Dr. Jasmine D. Collins is a Research Specialist dedicated to helping policymakers and educators create equitable education and training pathways that promote social mobility. Prior to joining IWERC, she was an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. With extensive experience in studying educational access and equity, Dr. Collins now focuses on enhancing educational and workforce outcomes for rural and racially minoritized communities. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Organization and Leadership and a Master’s degree in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Culture from Indiana University. Dr. Collins enjoys writing about leadership development, mentoring college students, and traveling with her family.