Janet Vargas

Community Systems Family Engagement Strategy Coach

Janet is a Mexican woman, mother, former Head Start baby and Chicago Public Schools alum. She was born and raised on Chicago’s south side and now lives in Brighton Park with her 14-year-old son. She has over 10 years of community organizing experience, most of which she spent at a statewide nonprofit organization. There, she trained underserved parents in leadership development and staffed two statewide parent-led campaigns.

Janet joined the Community Systems Statewide Supports team as a trainer and coach in 2019.  During her time at IAFC, she has created numerous resources and trainings on parent and community engagement in early childhood community systems work. She firmly believes in creating and maintaining systems that work with and for families.