SRCD Welcomes the Incoming President-Elect and Governing Council Members

Dr. Deborah Rivas-Drake is the Stephanie J. Rowley Collegiate Professor of Education and Professor of Psychology at the University of Michigan. A distinguished scholar, her research examines how school, peer, family, and community settings shape adolescents' experiences with race and ethnicity, influencing their academic, socioemotional, and civic development. She has been widely recognized for her excellence in scholarship, mentorship, and service and has collaborated with educators, nonprofit organizations, and industry to develop impactful resources for youth and their communities.

With extensive leadership experience, Dr. Rivas-Drake currently serves as Secretary of SRCD’s Governing Council and Executive Committee, collaborating closely with past, present, and incoming presidents to advance the organization’s strategic and financial vision. Her previous contributions to SRCD include leadership roles as Chair of the Publications Committee, Biennial Conference Panel Review Chair, member of the Nominations Committee, and member of the Senior Distinguished Contributions Awards Committee.

As President, Dr. Rivas-Drake aims to:

• Elevate and leverage research, practice, and policy expertise—especially on issues affecting youth facing social inequalities.
• Strengthen SRCD’s role as an intellectual home for scholars from marginalized communities, with a focus on supporting graduate and early-career researchers.
• Enhance transparency and sustainability in SRCD’s organizational practices to foster an inclusive and thriving scholarly community.

We look forward to Dr. Rivas-Drake’s leadership in shaping SRCD’s future!

Dr. Ximena Franco-Jenkins is a Senior Research Scientist at the University of North Carolina Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (FPG) and Co-Director of FPG's National Implementation Research Network (NIRN). With over 20 years of experience in research evaluation and implementation science, her work focuses on high-quality dual language programs, enhancing socio-emotional and academic outcomes for multilingual learners, and improving early childhood education quality.

Having been a dedicated member of SRCD since 2011, Dr. Franco-Jenkins has a deep commitment to advancing the scientific study of child development. She has served in various leadership roles, including Treasurer for the SRCD Latinx Caucus (2015–2019), and has been an active member of both the Latinx and Black Caucuses. Her contributions to SRCD also include serving on the Finance and Audit Committee, where she helped with strategic planning and financial oversight, as well as the Communication Advisory Panel.

With a strong collaborative approach, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and extensive experience in SRCD’s operations, Dr. Franco-Jenkins is eager to bring her leadership skills to the Governing Council. She is dedicated to guiding SRCD’s future direction and ensuring that the interests of its membership are effectively represented.

We look forward to Dr. Franco-Jenkins’ contributions to SRCD’s continued success and growth!

Dr. Natalia Palacios is Associate Professor of Education in the Educational Psychology: Applied Developmental Science Program at the University of Virginia’s School of Education and Human Development. She earned her Ph.D. in Human Development and Social Policy from Northwestern University. Dr. Palacios’s research examines the familial and instructional processes that support the development and success of Latinx children, with a focus on recognizing and integrating cultural and linguistic assets into educational settings. By employing both quantitative and qualitative methods, her work provides nuanced insights into teacher-family dynamics and the developmental trajectories of English learners and immigrant children. Her research highlights the critical role of family engagement and teacher practices in fostering Latinx children’s academic and socio-emotional growth.

Her findings have been published in leading journals such as Child Development, Child Development Perspectives, Developmental Psychology, and Early Childhood Research Quarterly and has been funded by various organizations including the Institute for Education Sciences and the Spencer Foundation.

With over two decades of involvement in SRCD, Dr. Palacios has held several leadership roles, including Co-Chair of the Student and Early Career Council. She has also served on the Task Force on Publications and Ethical Behavior and is currently a member of the SRCD Publications Committee. Dr. Palacios has been a strong advocate for initiatives that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as for promoting transparency and ethical integrity in SRCD’s practices. Her significant experience with SRCD equips her to address critical governance issues, enhance SRCD’s impact, and support its members in producing research that is both rigorous and socially meaningful. As Member-at-Large, Dr. Palacios aims to continue championing equity-driven initiatives and fostering collaborative engagement across the organization. 

We look forward to Dr. Palacios’ contributions to SRCD’s continued success and growth!