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Dr. Ignacio López, Ed.D
Executive Director
Dr. Ignacio López is a prominent educational leader and community advocate based in Chicago, Illinois. He has built a distinguished career in both K-12 and higher education, marked by a steadfast commitment to equity, community engagement, culturally responsive teaching, and the promotion of Puerto Rican arts.
Dr. López began his career in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system as a high school English and reading teacher at Carl Schurz High School. He also held roles as a curriculum administrator and instructional leader, which allowed him to deeply understand the needs of diverse student populations and the importance of inclusive and relevant teaching practices and opportunities for young people.
In higher education, Dr. López has held various administrative and leadership positions. He served as the Dean of the College of Professional Studies, Dean of the Graduate School of Business, Deputy Provost at National Louis University, and as President of Harold Washington College within the City Colleges of Chicago. His academic credentials include a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Psychology with a focus on human learning and development, and a Master of Arts in Teaching, both from National Louis University. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a concentration in nonfiction writing and poetry, from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
As an author, Dr. López has contributed significantly to the field of education. His publications include "Keeping It Real and Relevant: Building Authentic Relationships in Your Diverse Classroom" (2017) and “The EQ Way: How Emotionally Intelligent Leaders Navigate Turbulent Times” (2024). These works emphasize the importance of empathy, cultural relevance, and authentic relationships in effecting change and supporting all learners.
Dr. López’s approach to leadership is characterized by transparency, equity, and shared governance. He believes in actively listening to students, staff, and community members to create inclusive and supportive learning environments. Through his extensive work in education and community service, Dr. López continues to inspire and lead efforts to create more inclusive, equitable, and responsive educational systems. His contributions have had a lasting impact on the communities he serves, and he remains a dedicated advocate for access to arts education and cultural programming.
A cornerstone of Dr. López’s community involvement is his commitment to promoting Puerto Rican arts and culture. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and later raised in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood. Dr. López has a deep personal connection to his heritage. As a former board member of the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance (PRAA), he has played a significant role in supporting the organization's mission to preserve and promote Puerto Rican culture through the arts. His work with PRAA includes fostering educational programs and initiatives that highlight Puerto Rican music, dance, and visual arts, ensuring these cultural expressions are accessible to the broader Chicago community. Dr. López's dedication to cultural preservation and education has been instrumental in expanding PRAA’s outreach and social impact, connecting diverse audiences with the rich cultural heritage of Puerto Rico.
As the new Executive Director of PRAA, Dr. López is committed to continuing the organization's legacy and expanding its impact for generations to come.