Her Story
About Jennifer
Jennifer Mayares is a proud Latina advocate, author, and community leader dedicated to empowering youth, supporting families, and creating positive change through education, legal systems, and community engagement. Jennifer has built a career centered on public service, beginning with roles in education as a paraprofessional and school administrative professional before transitioning into student advocacy. Her experiences working directly with children, families, and schools shaped her commitment to addressing barriers that impact student success and ensuring that every individual has access to support and opportunity.
Jennifer has extensive experience in attendance intervention and youth advocacy, having served for approximately eight years as a Truancy Officer and Attendance Interventionist with the Rock Island County Regional Office of Education. In these roles, she partnered with students, parents, schools, courts, and community organizations to improve attendance outcomes and provide resources for families facing challenges. She later expanded her public service work within the court system as a Court Specialist, supporting legal processes and assisting individuals as they navigate the judicial system with professionalism, compassion, and respect.
Beyond her professional career, Jennifer is a self-published author of Every Day Counts!, a children’s book inspired by her work with students and families that highlights the importance of school attendance and consistency. She continues to advocate for youth and underserved communities through volunteer leadership with organizations such as the Quad Cities Youth Conference and the Coalition Advocating for Underage Substance Elimination. Through mentorship, leadership development, writing, and community initiatives, Jennifer remains committed to uplifting others, strengthening cultural connections, and building pathways for future generations to succeed.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jennifer
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my commitment to advocacy, service, and empowering others. Throughout my career in education, the legal system, and community outreach, I have focused on supporting children, families, and underserved communities by helping them overcome challenges and access opportunities. My experiences as a Truancy Officer, Attendance Interventionist, and author have strengthened my belief that empathy, perseverance, education, and compassion can create meaningful change and help individuals and communities thrive.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received was from one of my teachers, who always reminded me to “always smile and never stop smiling.” He told me that my positive attitude and genuine smile would take me far. I have carried that advice throughout my career, believing that kindness, optimism, and the way we connect with others can make a lasting impact.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to be courageous and trust themselves. Do not be afraid to pursue what your heart and instincts are telling you. Take opportunities, believe in your abilities, and surround yourself with the right people who will support, guide, and encourage you throughout your journey.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in my field is the ability to create a lasting impact across generations. Women in education, advocacy, and public service bring compassion, resilience, and relationship-building skills that help strengthen communities and support those who need it most. I am passionate about increasing access to culturally responsive resources and empowering underserved families to successfully navigate educational and legal systems. While challenges such as inequities and barriers to advocacy remain, I believe they also create opportunities for courageous leadership, meaningful change, and building a stronger future for the communities we serve.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are family, service, empathy, integrity, and inclusion. My heritage has shaped my commitment to creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. Giving back to my community is a lifelong calling, whether through mentoring youth, supporting families, writing children’s books, or advocating for those who need a voice. I believe that compassion and service have the power to inspire hope, strengthen communities, and create meaningful change.
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