Jasmin N. Tobar, PhD

Lecturer
Department of Central American and Transborder Studies
California State University, Northridge

Jasmin N. Tobar, PhD, is an educator, social worker, practitioner-scholar, and nonprofit leader with more than 10 years of experience advancing educational equity, community engagement, and leadership development. She is a lecturer in the Department of Central American and Transborder Studies at California State University, Northridge, where she teaches courses on migration, identity, social justice, and the experiences of Central American and Latino communities, using healing-centered and trauma-informed approaches. Her professional experience spans higher education, nonprofit leadership, grant development, and community-based initiatives focused on expanding educational access and opportunity for first-generation college students, immigrant communities, and historically underserved populations.

During her time as program director at the Salvadoran American Leadership and Educational Fund (SALEF), Tobar advanced educational pathways for Hispanic and immigrant communities through scholarship programs, college access initiatives, leadership development, and advocacy efforts to support first-generation students in achieving success in higher education. She has also led trauma-informed programs for unaccompanied immigrant youth and developed community partnerships that connect education, healing, and social change. As a first-generation scholar and the daughter of Central American immigrants, Tobar brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her work. As a practitioner-scholar, she bridges research, teaching, and community practice to advance equity, strengthen communities, and cultivate the next generation of leaders through education, mentorship, and community-engaged scholarship.  Tobar earned her Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California, a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Mount Saint Mary’s University.