Juan Serrano
Senior Associate, Learning Strategy at PolicyLink
2016 EP Fellow in New Orleans, LA
Juan Serrano joined the EP Fellowship in 2016 to deepen his understanding of how systems can perpetuate inequities—a purpose that had already been taking shape during his time teaching at an elite private school in Beijing while pursuing his master’s online at Johns Hopkins University. Teaching abroad illuminated the critical role of access to resources, information, and connections in shaping transitions from K-12 to post-secondary education.
At the same time, earning a master’s degree as the first in his family to do so sparked a personal reckoning. “It was a tremendous achievement, but I couldn’t help wondering what might have been possible for others in my life if they’d had the same opportunities,” Juan reflected. “Experiencing this illuminated how systemic barriers operate across educational pipelines. I recognized I still didn’t have the full picture, so joining EP felt like a perfect opportunity to widen my perspective.”
As an EP Fellow, Juan managed Collegiate Academies’ applicant tracking system, where he gained insights into workforce equity and the transformative role of data in shaping systemic practices.
“I saw firsthand how data could be leveraged to create more equitable hiring processes,” he shared. “That experience gave me a foundational perspective on how operational changes can drive broader policy outcomes, both in New Orleans and across the country.”
Turning Insights into Impact
Juan recently joined PolicyLink, a national research and action institute, as its Senior Associate of Learning Strategy. There, he works on the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities Initiative, supporting communities in designing equitable and sustainable solutions tailored to their unique challenges.
“The lessons learned during my Fellowship continue to guide me as I help cities create structures that enable fairness, opportunity, and impact that extend far beyond my individual role,” he reflected. “At Collegiate Academies, I gained hands-on experience in amending recruitment and hiring policies, setting measurable equity goals, and tracking progress over time. That work taught me to ask critical questions like, ‘Who is most burdened by this policy?’ or ‘Whose voices are missing from this decision?’”
These questions have become central to Juan’s approach across sectors, from helping organizations diversify their boards, to embedding feedback mechanisms into city ordinances.
Building a Better Tomorrow
Over the years, Juan’s career has reflected his growing expertise in fostering systemic change across sectors. One of his proudest accomplishments was designing and facilitating a cohort program for Equity in the Center aimed at building sustainable race equity cultures in workplaces.
Working within a challenging national context, Juan successfully recruited a diverse group of organizations—including state agencies, for-profit companies, nonprofits, and philanthropy-serving organizations—to participate in a rigorous learning process and make public commitments to advancing racial equity. Through retreats, coaching calls, and assessments, Juan helped these leaders develop actionable strategies that influence not just their organizations, but their broader communities.
“It was a powerful reminder of how intentional, well-structured spaces can foster meaningful connections and inspire collective impact. The work we do together creates lasting impact in ways none of us could ever achieve alone,” he said.
Looking Ahead
This belief in the power of collaboration is also what gives Juan hope for the future of education. He feels optimistic, in part, because of the EP Alumni network.
“This network of changemakers is making a real difference,” he shared. “A decade after my Fellowship, I’m still inspired by the paths my cohort members have taken, stepping into roles that push boundaries in education, policy, philanthropy, and community development. I’m grateful to be a part of this work.”
EP believes in the power of mobilizing diverse, skilled professionals from inside and outside of the sector to transform education as we know it. If you’re an Alumni looking to multiply your impact, you can get involved by referring a Fellow or hosting a Fellow at your organization.
About our Alumni Network
After completing their Fellowship, EP Fellows join our vibrant Alumni network made up of more than 4,700 connected change makers at every level of educational leadership. Together, EP Fellows and Alumni work towards creating a more just and equitable future for all students. Learn more about the impact of our Alumni network here.
