Tara Vahdani is a Research Assistant at the UChicago Consortium and a graduate student at the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. An aspiring school social worker, she is especially interested in exploring the promise of schools in addressing the non-academic needs of students. Working closely with the Consortium’s Director of Partnerships and Engagement, Tara helps identify and develop opportunities for stakeholder engagement. Prior to graduate school, Tara worked for a member of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education where she coordinated the Board’s Committee on Family and Community Engagement, conducted school visits, and facilitated the board member’s Student Advisory Council. Tara previously served as a Research Associate at the Center for Equity for English Learners and a Research Assistant at UC San Diego. In her free time, she enjoys tackling new jigsaw puzzles, eating dessert, and exploring Chicago.