Francisco Baires

Francisco Baires began his career in community engagement as a community organizer and program developer at the University YMCA at the University of Illinois. In this role, he collaborated closely with immigrant and refugee community leaders to build a diverse coalition focused on driving policy change. He also established strategic partnerships with university departments to increase service delivery.

Building on this foundation, Francisco helped develop the Learner Engagement and Attendance Program (LEAP) for the Connecticut State Department of Education, which supports school districts in forging strong, meaningful partnerships with families. He also founded and managed the Connecticut Home Visit Hub, providing training, coaching, and support to schools and districts nationwide to strengthen family engagement through relational home visits.

Francisco is honored to return to Champaign Urbana to serve as the Director of the New American Welcome Center at the University YMCA. He holds a Master of Arts in Anthropologyand is a devoted father who enjoys nothing more than spending time with his wife and two sons.

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