Dr. M. Apolonia Calderon

Dr. Apolonia Calderon, a native of the Rio Grande Valley, earned both her B.A. (2013) and Ph.D. (2018) in Political Science from Texas A&M University. As an undergraduate, she served as a research assistant with the Project for Equity, Representation and Governance and completed an internship with the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. These formative experiences, combined with growing up in an immigrant family along the U.S.-Mexico border, inspired her to pursue a Ph.D. with a focus on public administration and public policy, with an emphasis on race and ethnic politics. As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Calderon understands the importance of community in thriving during one's educational journey. She is deeply committed to supporting student success and is passionate about mentoring students throughout their academic and professional journeys.

Dr. Calderon's research agenda centers the intersection of race, policy, and the nonprofit community in broader conversations about American institutions and public affairs. She is particularly interested in understanding the impact that American institutions—including policies, actors, and funding—have on the life outcomes of minoritized communities. In her research, she demonstrates how immigrant-serving nonprofit organizations contribute to the creation of social and political citizenship, ultimately shaping the deportability of the immigrant community.

Her broader research explores the intersections of immigration policy, the philanthropic sector, and public administration. Her publications have appeared in leading academic journals, including VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, Nonprofit Policy Forum, Journal of Public and Nonprofit Affairs, and Public Administration Review.