Celina Cuevas, PhD
Equity-Centered Justice Researcher
About me
Hello! My name is Celina Cuevas and I am an applied mixed-methods criminal justice researcher whose work has primarily focused on the youth justice system. My focus is on bridging data, research, and policy to ensure all individuals have the opportunity to reach their full potential. My research spans across the system, from prevention through reentry.
My research objectives are three-fold:
1) shrinking the size and impact of the system in every way possible, particularly on the lives of people of color
2) for individuals who engage in serious behaviors, ensuring the system they experience is one that centers dignity and redemption, and gives them the tools and chances they need to reach their personal goals and prevent future system contact
3) centering the voices and expertise of those with lived experience in system transformation
My work
I am the primary researcher for the San Francisco Juvenile Probation Department, supporting the department’s efforts to reimagine how the City addresses juvenile delinquency. In this role, I conduct research aimed at creating data-driven policies and procedures to advance equity and justice, and spearhead research projects that measure Department performance through the perspectives of the youth and families we serve. I center race equity, transparency, and accessibility in the development of monthly and annual data reports, in-depth data analyses, and interactive data dashboards.
I previously worked for the Vera Institute of Justice, where I led projects aimed at assessing and transforming the culture of juvenile delinquency systems by using collaborative research methods that centered the voices and experiences of those most impacted by these systems: youth, their loved ones, and staff. I also served as the researcher for the Maryland Juvenile Justice Reform Council, where I conducted a comprehensive system assessment to inform the Council’s recommendations aimed at creating a more effective and equitable system. System reforms that came from this work included raising the minimum age of juvenile court jurisdiction, expanding diversion, limiting the time youth spend on probation, and eliminating use of secure detention and commitments for misdemeanors and technical violations. Prior to this, I worked at the Data Collaborative for Justice, where I analyzed data from various NYC agencies (e.g., NYPD, DOC, OCA, DOE) to explore trends in enforcement and punishment and evaluate impacts of policy changes.
Prior to my career in research, I worked in direct service in Victim Services at a District Attorney's Office and as a Facility Manager at a boys' group home. Those experiences helped me realize that our current systems do not achieve justice for or make whole those who have experienced harm and those who have caused it. This was the impetus to me pursuing my doctorate and focusing on youth justice.
I hold a PhD in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice/The Graduate Center, CUNY. My dissertation used New York City Department of Education data to explore how suspension affects trajectories of school engagement and academic outcomes, and how it serves as an additional significant barrier for students who are at highest risk of being suspended and have historically been underserved in school settings.
My most rewarding personal accomplishment in the justice space has been through my volunteer work with the Parole Preparation Project, where I provided direct support to help bring two individuals serving life sentences home after serving a combined 82 years in prison. I firmly believe that the same principles of redemption and second-chances that we center when discussing youth should be extended to anyone who has accepted responsibility for their actions and worked to transform their life. No one should be left behind in our fight for a better future.
On a personal note
I am a first-generation Latina who was born and raised about an hour north of the US/Mexico border to working-class immigrant parents. I did not know what a PhD was, or why anyone outside of the medical field would pursue a doctorate, until a professor encouraged me to apply for a PhD program during my senior year of college.
it is not lost on me that Latinas are among the most left behind in higher education, with Doctoras accounting for only 3% of all PhDs earned. My mission is to help increase that percentage by mentoring and providing direct support to other women of color interested in pursuing graduate-level education. If this describes you, please do not hesitate to reach out.
