Biography

Yajaira Ayala holds a PhD in Disaster Science and Management from the University of Delaware. In her dissertation, titled “Reframing Reality: Poor Black Women’s Experiences with Vulnerability and Resilience During the Recovery Process,” Yajaira explores the challenges and strategies Poor Black women employed in the aftermath of Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Yajaira’s work ultimately challenges and expands on theoretical notions of resiliency, vulnerability, and recovery.

As a William Averette Anderson Fund (BAF) Fellow, Yajaira was elected Vice-chair of the Student Council, chaired the Intake Committee, and collaborated with other fellows in the Special Projects working group. During this time, Yajaira and other BAF Fellows, alumni, and mentors co-launched a call for papers in the Disaster Prevention and Management Journal titled “Using Critical Perspectives to Explore Disasters through Shifting Climates.” This special issue documents theoretical approaches and standpoint epistemologies to interpret and address shifting physical, social, and political climates for minoritized and marginalized communities. Most recently, Yajaira joined the American Evaluation Association’s Graduate Education Diversity Internship (GEDI). As a GEDI Intern, Yajaira worked alongside a team of advisors, mentors, and graduate students to extend her research capabilities into culturally responsive and equitable program evaluation.
 

Degrees

• B.A. Sociology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (2016)
• M.A. Disaster Studies, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (2019)

PhD Advisor

Dr. Jennifer Trivedi