Jocelyn Tenorio joined the WITS team in February 2025 as our Development Manager. Read on to learn more about Jocelyn, why Too Many Tamales was the best book she read in school, and what she enjoys most about working at WITS.

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Jocelyn, and I’m from Little Village (La Villita) on the Southwest Side of Chicago. I earned my B.A. in Latin American Studies from Middlebury College, where I was part of a migrant solidarity student group and taught English to migrant farmworkers. That experience sparked my passion for literacy and access to education in under-resourced communities.

I also hold an M.Ed. in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago. 

What was the best book you had to read in school?

I remember reading and rereading Too Many Tamales when I was very young. Tamales are a traditional food my family has made for generations, and my mom has had me help her in the kitchen since I was little. Seeing characters who looked like me helping their family by making tamales was like looking into a mirror – I loved that book so much!

What book series would you like to see turned into a TV show?

Though not a series, I would love to see Julia Alvarez’s How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents turned into a TV show. The book follows four sisters who were forced to flee the Dominican Republic to the United States. It’s narrated in reverse order, with the perspective shifting among the four sisters.

What could you give a 30-minute presentation on with no preparation?

I could give a presentation on gentrification. I have historical knowledge from college courses I’ve taken, as well as anecdotes from friends who have experienced displacement in their neighborhoods, including Pilsen and Logan Square.

Tell us about your favorite teacher.

My favorite teacher was Mr. Chen, my eighth-grade homeroom and science teacher. He always pushed us to do our best and was very patient with my class.

One of my favorite memories was when he organized a trip to Northwestern University, his alma mater. That was the first time I set foot on a college campus, and as a first-generation college student, it was an experience that shaped my drive to attend college and helped me see it as a real possibility for me.

What do you like most about working at WITS?

I really enjoy working with our supporters, whether they’re board members, donors, or mentors. I love learning what makes them passionate about WITS and seeing everyone come together to support our students and teachers with their unique skills and experiences. 

One of my favorite parts about WITS is visiting program. While I often showcase WITS’ impact through grant writing, seeing those words come to life in action is something else entirely. As a proud product of CPS, I value the chance to give directly back to my community, and anytime I get to read with a student (especially in Spanish) is so fun!