Her Story
About Evelyn
Evelyn RomanSantos spent 30 years as a school social worker before transitioning two years ago to become an IEP advocate serving Spanish-speaking families in the Hispanic community. She earned degrees from Illinois State University and the University of Chicago, where she and her husband supported each other through their master's programs. RomanSantos now runs her own advocacy practice, selecting her cases and setting her schedule while creating educational content such as Instagram videos, a podcast, and Substack articles. Her mentor Pam Lindemann encouraged her to start her own company and provided three months of shadowing plus ongoing case consultation. RomanSantos values guidance from God, the support of her husband and family, integrity, and generosity, motivated by her own experience raising a child with autism and the desire to pay forward the help she once needed. She works to educate families about the role of advocates, noting that the concept is unfamiliar in Spanish-speaking communities and that many seek assistance only after issues have escalated.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Evelyn
01What do you attribute your success to?
GOD and the support of my husband.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My mentor Pam Lindemann advised me to start my own company instead of working for her, and she helped me set it up. I shadowed her for 3 months and still consult her on cases.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be creative, have patience, network with other people, and have the ambition to create something that may be difficult but worthwhile.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The challenge and opportunity is educating the Hispanic community about what advocates do, since the concept doesn't exist in Spanish and many don't understand they can bring an advocate to school meetings. Many call only when desperate after issues escalate.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value God who guides me and I pray to Him for decisions. My husband and family are wonderful support and we work as a team. I value integrity, being generous and helping others, paying it forward because I have a child with autism and went through difficult times without help.
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