Her life started in Margarita Island, Venezuela many years ago. The oldest of eight siblings, she completed my K-21 in Venezuela. After working in the school system as a Science teacher, School District Supervisor, and Interim Superintendent of 210 schools she left for the United States to complete a Master, Specialist and Doctor of Education degrees. Dr. Gil-Garcia’s professional life has been full of unique rich experiences that started when she received five different Fulbright Scholar awards. 

As a scholar, researcher, community activist, human rights advocate, published author, full and emerita professor in Northeastern Illinois University. In her current position, Executive Director of Academic Effectiveness in St. Augustine College, the only bilingual higher education institution in the Midwestern states, She continues creating spaces and opportunities to professionally grow and develop more Latinos in leadership. Dr. Gil-Garcia has traveled the world teaching as a visiting professor, training junior faculty, preparing teachers and school leaders, speaking at conferences, conducting research, doing humanitarian work, creating coalitions for Latino leadership parity, establishing digital bridges for minorities but overall learning from others.