Dr. Marbella Uriostegui

Marbella Uriostegui, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) is a researcher in applied research and evaluation at Education
Northwest. As a community psychologist, Marbella applies an asset-based and socioecological lens to
examine academic facilitators and barriers to the positive development of youth of color from
marginalized communities. As such, Marbella has experience in evaluating state-level educational
programs aimed at improving schools and district, evidence-based funding models, and learning renewal
activities following the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, she has reported on the extent to which
the number of bilingually licensed educators met the demand for English Learner students in all districts
of Illinois. Also, Marbella has previously examined the impact of license waivers legislated during the
COVID-19 pandemic in Illinois on the educator workforce, including the diversity of educators receiving
waivers and a regional analysis of educator placement. Her methodological skills are in quantitative and
qualitative research designs, with content expertise in developing equitable systems in educational
settings, diverse students and educators, and school culture and climate. She holds a Ph.D. in
Community Psychology and Prevention Research from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she
focused on program evaluation, youth development, family, school and community relationships, and
equity in education.