Joanna A. Tzenis
University of Minnesota

Joanna Tzenis is an assistant Extension professor at the University of Minnesota Extension Center for Youth Development. She holds a Ph.D. in organizational leadership and policy development. Her research and practice are concerned with issues of equity and opportunity. She draws on sociocultural theories to understand how structures both enable and constrain young people’s abilities to achieve their aspirations in and through education. She draws on the capability approach to understand youth agency and to inform the development of campus immersion experiences which support youth abilities to lead a life of value. Her dissertation research examines how marginalized youth act to achieve their aspirations in the face of adversity and opportunity.