Janice Le

Janice Le joined ESG in 2022 as an Associate to support the postsecondary transitions portfolio. Before joining ESG, Janice was a Rackham Merit Fellow at the University of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. During her time in graduate school, she served as a Policy Intern for The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS), where she supported legislative efforts in California to increase quality, transparency, and equity in higher education. In addition, Janice worked as a Research Assistant at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy Education Policy Initiative. In this role, she utilized qualitative methods to understand how low-income students respond to financial aid interventions. 

Prior to graduate school, Janice was a College Advisor in the Bay Area, where she was committed to increasing access, equitable opportunities, and success for first-generation, low-income, students of color. Moreover, Janice has led successful campaigns to increase economic and educational opportunities for young people most impacted by structural inequities as a former youth, student, and community organizer.

Born and raised in the Bay Area, Janice graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Legal Studies and Social Welfare. She also holds a Master’s degree in public policy from the University of Michigan. 

Why are you in this work?

As a first-generation and low-income student, I have understood firsthand the inequities that exist in postsecondary pathways. My lived experiences and background as a former organizer and practitioner in college access have guided my commitment to further more equitable outcomes for students most impacted by structural inequities.

Why ESG?

I am excited to learn and grow alongside a team of thoughtful and brilliant individuals who are committed to racial equity and increasing access, opportunity, and success for marginalized students. ESG allows me to work with a wide range of stakeholders to make systems-level change that ensures students can thrive.