Patricia is an experienced Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Access practitioner with demonstrated success in government, education, and non-profit sectors throughout urban and rural communities across the Midwest. Mrs. Santoyo-Marin currently serves as the Deputy Director for Diversity & Inclusion at the Illinois Central Management Services where she leads efforts for over 50 agencies under the Governor's portfolio.
Prior to becoming senior public service administrator, Patricia served as a Director for Diversity at multiple institutions of higher education. Mrs. Santoyo-Marin leads with strong strategic, academic and transparency models which she has presented at Harvard University and included in her collaborative efforts with The White House of the United States.
Patricia holds a self-created undergraduate degree in Latina/o Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a graduate degree in Higher Education Leadership for a Global Society from Northeastern Illinois University and fellowships from University of Chicago and Illinois Institute of Technology.
Patricia Santoyo-Marin has been most recently recognized as; Phenomenal Woman Award by the City of Kankakee (2021), The Government Award by the Illinois Association of Hispanic State Employees (2023), and the Alumni Legacy Award by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2024).
Patricia Santoyo-Marin is a daughter of Mexican immigrants and a native of Back of the Yards and West Lawn neighborhoods of Chicago's southwest side. She currently resides in Kankakee with her husband and extended family.