Dr. Benavides has two decades of experience in the educational field, including early childhood education, youth development, program development, and higher education access, retention, and success. 

Education

She has studied learning and development across the lifespan. Dr. Benavides’ educational background includes earning:

• Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology at Claremont Graduate University,
• M.A. in Human Development and Psychology at Harvard, and
• Ed.M. in Education with a Preliminary Teaching Credential in Mathematics at Whittier College

Select Honors and Awards

• Intellectual Achievement and Faculty Tribute Award Recipient from Harvard Graduate School of Education
• Research Scientist of the Year Award from Claremont Graduate University
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar
• Presidential Honor from the National Society of Leadership and Success