ABOUT US
Mission
Our mission is to develop, place and connect essential Latino leaders in the education sector. We are building an ecosystem of Latino advocates by infusing Latino talent into positions of influence.
We believe that Latino leaders should be at the forefront of creating an equitable education for Latino students. Latinos for Education prepares nuestra comunidad to break down barriers to educational opportunity for the next generation of Latino students.
What We BELIEVE
We believe that education provides opportunities for students to decide their destiny.
Our Team
Amanda Fernández
CEO AND Founder
Migdalia Diaz
Migdalia Diaz serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Latinos for Education. Previously, Migdalia spent more than 2 years as COO of the Association of Latino Professionals for America, Inc. and 5 years in State Government as Chief of Staff and then COO for the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. She spent the first 17 years of her career as a consultant in the private sector. Born in Puerto Rico, Migdalia began her career after graduating from the University of Connecticut while serving in the Connecticut Army National Guard, where she served for 8 years, an experience that has helped shape her leadership and team management skills throughout her career.
Migdalia Diaz
Chief Operating Officer
Anyeli Matos
Angeli Matos is the Senior Advisor | Doctoral Resident to the Executive Leadership Team at Latinos for Education. Anyeli (An-Je-Li) Matos, a proud Black Dominican, was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. Her experiences as an immigrant and first-generation college graduate fuel her passion for education reform. She began her career in finance publishing, and quickly transitioned to the education sector. At the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS), she served as an analyst, supporting schools with district-led operations and new school initiatives. She then joined the first charter school turnaround in East Harlem, where she partnered with the principal to transform the school. The turnaround was tremendously successful, resulting in significant improvements in student achievement within the first year, accomplished through revamping the school’s culture, academics, and operations, while retaining the same student body. Driven by a desire to scale her impact, Anyeli transitioned to the charter management network level to streamline school management systems and support network expansion.
Most recently, Anyeli served as the Senior Executive Director of the charter schools office at the NYCPS, overseeing the district-level strategy, policy & operations, finance, and chancellor charter authorization for 275+ charter schools serving approximately 140,000 students. Her leadership was instrumental in advancing equitable systems and policies across the district for Black and Brown students. She advised and supported large-scale initiatives, including the development of special education policies and streamlining of administrative processes to promote student achievement. A proud alumna of NYCPS, Anyeli graduated from Binghamton University with a degree in Sociology and Economics. She completed an Ed.M. in Education Policy and Management at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) and she is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) at HGSE.
Anyeli adores her family, loves to dance, and firmly believes that “los tres golpes” can solve any world problem. She feels honored to join the brilliant team at Latinos for Education and is excited to embark on her doctoral residency learning
journey with this organization.
Anyeli Matos
Senior Advisor | Doctoral Resident, Executive Leadership Team
Samantha Ader
Samantha Ader serves as Latinos for Education’s Vice President, Organization Effectiveness. In this role, she manages the growing team’s internal operations for the organization to effectively work toward their mission. Samantha brings 10 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising and marketing. She also serves as a Board of Education member for her local school district.
Prior to joining Latinos for Education, as Director of Development at Teach For America – South Carolina, she led private sector fundraising and co-led marketing and communications efforts to build the organization’s impact across the state of South Carolina. She has held professional roles with United Way and served as Assistant Director of Annual Giving at Butler University.
She graduated from Indiana University as a Hudson and Holland Scholar and holds her B.A. in Communication and Culture. Samantha currently resides near Chicago with her partner and two children. As the granddaughter of Cuban immigrants, she is driven by her belief in the power of education and works to ensure all children have equitable access to high-quality educational opportunities.
Samantha Ader
Vice President, Organizational Effectiveness
Jennifer Ahrendt
Bio to come soon…
Jennifer Ahrendt
Executive Assistant to Senior Leadership
Claudia Alvarez
Claudia Alvarez
Managing Director, Finance
Manny Cruz
Manny Cruz is the Senior Policy Fellow at Latinos for Education. Manny is also an elected Massachusetts State Representative (7th Essex, Salem) and school committee member, entrepreneur, and community leader in the city of Salem. He previously served as the legislative aide for former State Representative Juana B. Matias (D, Lawrence) and State Representative Paul F. Tucker (D, Vice-Chair Salem) where he specialized in education and immigration policy. Manny graduated with honors from Northeastern University with a B.S in Political Science and as a La Comunidad Latina En Acción Scholar.
In 2017 Manny became an elected member of the Salem School Committee where he now serves the students and families of the Salem Public School District. He has been appointed to the Personnel (Chair), Policy, and Building and Grounds subcommittees. His previous government and non-profit experience include serving as the Chair of the Governor’s Statewide Youth Council, a National Park Service Park Ranger at Salem Maritime National Historic Park, and co-ops at the Attorney General’s Office and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. On his personal time, Manny is a mentor for youth and is highly involved with youth-serving organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem and LEAP for Education. In addition, to his public service experience he is also a partner and president of business development at Brothers Taverna.
Manny Cruz
Senior Policy Fellow
Miguel Angel Duncan-Galvez Bravo
Miguel Angel Duncan-Galvez Bravo is the Managing Director, Regional Development & Engagement at Latinos for Education. Originating from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Miguel moved to the U.S. at age 2 has been marked by educational achievements and impactful advocacy. Armed with a Political Science degree from California State University Northridge and an MA in Diplomacy and Military Studies from Hawaii Pacific University, he made history as the first undocumented student in the program, earning the Holomua Scholarship and the Master of Diplomacy and Military Services’ Perseverance Award. When granted DACA in 2012, Miguel became a key figure in advancing same-sex marriage in Hawaii. In 2016, he became the first fundraising manager for Washington’s only Hispanic LGBTQ nonprofit increasing their annual budget from $200,000 to over $2 million. Entre Hermanos is now the leading organization for immigration and HIV work for the Latino community in the state.
In his role as the Director of Development for C5 Youth Foundation, Miguel secured over $2 million annually, empowering 500 youth. Prior to joining our team, he worked for Out in Tech, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ tech organization. Miguel played a pivotal role in establishing philanthropic support with foundations and helping create a culture of philanthropy.
Actively contributing to community causes, he served on both Equality Hawaii and with Seattle Pride board of directors. His commitment to education extended to a committee role for California State University Northridge’s scholarships. Lastly, King County recognized his expertise, appointing him to a two-year term on the Immigrant & Refugee Commission. Miguel’s multifaceted contributions reflect a dedication to education, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and immigrant rights, making a lasting impact on diverse communities.
Miguel Angel Duncan-Galvez Bravo
Managing Director, Regional Development & Engagement
Chris Espinoza
Chris Espinoza is the Manager of Programs and Alumni Experience at Latinos for Education. He leads the implementation of leadership development programs and supports our Fellow and Alumni experience.
Previously, he worked as the College and Career Navigator for EdNavigator, a nonprofit organization that partners with leading employers to connect busy families with expert education advisors who provide ongoing, personalized education support. Chris has also served at colleges and universities across the Greater Boston area, including MIT, Bridgewater State University, Boston College, and the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and English from Bridgewater State University and a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration from Boston College.
Chris Espinoza
Director, Programs & Partnerships, Massachusetts
Jorge D. Fanjul
Jorge D. Fanjul serves as the Executive Director, Massachusetts at Latinos for Education. He is a career public administrator and public policy expert with over 15 years of experience advising and collaborating with elected officials and agency heads on implementing new approaches to tackle old problems, with the goal of helping government better serve the public, particularly for those in marginalized communities. His work with municipalities has been aimed at envisioning a world where the relationship between the public and government is restored by centering community voices. Raised by a single mother who immigrated as a refugee from Cuba, he is the first in his family to attend college and knows the importance and power of having educators be representative of their communities. He holds degrees from Stony Brook University, Queens College of the City University of New York, and Georgetown University.
Jorge Fanjul
Executive Director, Massachusetts
Mara Gilyard
Mara Gilyard is the Director, Programs and Partnerships, Greater Houston at Latinos for Education. In this role, she supports the development of local programs, advocacy strategy, and policy recommendations to advance the organization’s national principles and local advocacy efforts. Before joining Latinos for Education, Mara was a secondary school teacher in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area.
In her role as an educator, Mara created, developed, and implemented a research-based intervention curriculum to improve the reading fluency and comprehension of the English Learner student body. She also served in various building leadership teams and was a member of the Superintendent Advisory Committee, in which she used her voice and Latino perspective to advocate and represent the Latino students and families who made up over ninety percent of the district’s demographics.
Her passion for working and serving the Latino community is a result of her personal experiences as a Mexican immigrant and first-generation college graduate. Her work as a public education teacher inspired her journey toward advocating for educational equity. Her passion is rooted in the belief that all individuals deserve a quality education and an equitable environment in which they can succeed.
Mara holds a BS in Teaching and Learning from the University of Houston and is currently pursuing her MA from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Her research and focus are on closing the literacy gap for Latino students and Latino English Language Learners.
Mara Gilyard
Director, Programs and Partnerships, Greater Houston
Elvis Jocol Lara
Elvis Jocol Lara is the Vice President, Marketing and Communications at Latinos for Education, the first Latino founded and led national organization solely dedicated to creating leadership pathways for emerging Latino education leaders and diversifying education nonprofit boards. He is also the Founder and President of Casa Guatemala, a cultural and educational non-profit organization serving the Latino community of Waltham, MA.
An experienced marketing professional, he brings to the team a proven record of brand building and media success. Previously he served as Vice President of Digital Media at El Mundo Boston where he launched the Latino 30 under 30, a first of its kind multimedia initiative that honors Boston’s most influential young Latino leaders.
Previously he served as a Manager in Consumer and Market Knowledge at Procter and Gamble under the Gillette Brand. There he led the brand’s Hispanic and African American Consumer research.
In 2016 he received a Gold Award for Best Travel Section by the National Association of Hispanic Publications for his Travel Blog to Mexico City as part of the NBA Global Games. He has also been recognized for his service to the community by the Guatemalan Association of Massachusetts and received an official resolution from the office of the Mayor of Boston. He is a 2009 graduate of the Carroll School of Management at Boston College and holds a bachelor’s degree in Management. A proud father and son of Guatemalan immigrants, Elvis strives to build a better future and greater opportunities for Latinx children across the country.
Elvis Jocol Lara
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
RD Leyva
R.D. Leyva is the Vice President, Program Operations and Strategy at Latinos for Education. He supports the CEO and leadership team, providing tactical oversight and support across the organization and through special projects. He joined the team in 2016 and served as the Director of National Engagement, where he connected a national network of Latinos to professional development opportunities, resources and one another. Previously, he was the Director of Diversity and Leadership at Teach For America, where he supported the organization’s corps members and alumni of color across the country. He was responsible for building and developing a strong regional presence of alumni through their involvement with The Collective, Teach For America’s Alumni of Color Association. R.D. led efforts to create regional alumni advisory Collective boards in 32 regions across the country. He also supported national initiatives, including corps member and alumni summits and the annual School Leaders of Color Conference.
R.D. began his professional career as a middle school math teacher in West Philadelphia while earning his teaching certification at The University of Pennsylvania. He is a native Texan and holds a B.S. in Interpersonal Communications from The University of Texas at Austin. R.D. is a graduate of the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Leaders Program and an inaugural Pahara-Aspen NextGen Fellow. He also serves as a board member for oneTILT. As a proud Mexican and first-generation college graduate, R.D. is passionate about supporting an inclusive community of Latino leaders from diverse backgrounds.
R. D. Leyva
VICE PRESIDENT, PROGRAM OPERATIONS & STRATEGY
Jose Magaña
José Magaña is the Executive Director – Bay Area for Latinos for Education. In this role, he is overseeing the expansion of programs into the Bay Area.
José has championed several equity-focused policies in the Bay Area through his role as Board President on the San José Unified Board of Education. His career began as a kindergarten teacher through Teach for America, and he has served in various roles for City Year San José/Silicon Valley, BookNook, and the Library and Education Commission for the City of San José. He has an undergraduate degree from University of California – Santa Barbara, a master’s in governance from the California School Boards Association, and a certificate of education finance from Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy.
José Magaña
Executive Director, Bay Area
Juanluis Montero
Juanluis Montero is the Manager, Graphic and Web Design for Latinos for Education, where he brings over 30 years of experience to support the marketing and communication efforts. Prior to joining the organization, he served as a pivotal member of the senior management team at El Mundo Boston, where he oversaw overall communications operations strategy while managing diverse business procedures and functions.
In addition to his work in graphic design and marketing, Juanluis is an experienced Information Technology advisor and consultant for several local companies in the Greater Boston and northern Massachusetts areas. He has assisted with system, data, security, and storage management.
Juanluis is a hardworking and inspiring leader with exceptional interpersonal skills, excellent business acumen, and an ambitious self-driven work ethic. He earned a BA in Graphic Arts and Advertising from the Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo, and he lives in Massachusetts with his wife, Mónica and their four children. He is a Dominican immigrant of Afro-Latino heritage, who takes pride in his family roots. He is deeply committed to working hard and helping Latinos create a brighter future for themselves and their loved ones.
Juanluis Montero
Manager, Graphic and Web Design
Jacqueline Monterroso
Jacqueline Monterroso is the Massachusetts Director of Policy and Advocacy at Latinos for Education. Jacqueline is also the first Latina ever elected in Revere, Massachusetts where she currently serves as the School Committee Vice Chair. Previously, Jacqueline served as the Accountability and Dissemination Specialist in the Office of Charter Schools and School Redesign for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. She is a former kindergarten teacher, with a bachelor’s in International Relations and Political Science and a minor in French from the University of Florida and a master’s in Education and Social Change from the University of Miami. Jacqueline is an alumna of Leadership for Educational Equity’s 2019 organizing fellowship and 2020 public policy fellowship. In 2018, she also served as a Bob Graham Fellow in the Florida State House. She is an alumna of the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and has been running her own scholarship for Latino, first-generation college students in Central Florida’s farm-worker communities since 2014. Jacqueline is a fierce advocate for educational equity and Latino empowerment, understanding the need to agitate when necessary and the need to always work “con ganas” to ensure all students have access to high-quality education and to educators and leaders who look like them.
JACQUELINE MONTERROSO
DIRECTOR OF POLICY AND ADVOCACY, MASSACHUSETTS
Julielys Ortiz-Leger
Julielys Ortiz-Leger is the Manager of Regional Programs in Massachusetts at Latinos for Education. She comes to Latinos for Education with over 10 years in the education field and passion for family and community engagement. In her role as regional manager, Julielys supports all our program efforts in Massachusetts, including our Familias Latinas Por La Educación Fellowship.
Julielys received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from UMASS Lowell and obtained a Master of Education in Community Engagement from Merrimack College. As someone who is deeply committed to fostering a strong sense of community and advocating for inclusive education, she is passionate about family and community engagement in K-12 schools. Through advocacy, outreach, and relationship-building initiatives, Julielys strives to create welcoming and supportive environments where families can thrive.
Julielys Ortiz-Leger
Manager of Regional Programs, Massachusetts
Jorge Pacheco Jr
Jorge “Cheko” Pacheco Jr
Director of Programs & Partnerships – Bay Area
Rafael Reyes Orona
Rafael Reyes Orona serves as Latinos for Education’s Manager of Operations. In this role, he supports the Director of Operations in managing Latinos for Education’s national internal operations to ensure the organization is effectively working toward its mission. He is also a sitting member on Governor Polis’ HB19-1192 Commission, where he hopes to make recommendations for teaching and content standards that include the history, culture and social contributions of Native Americans, Latinos, African Americans, Asian Americans, and LGBTQ+ individuals within these groups.
Prior to joining Latinos for Education, Rafael was the Manager of Operations and Partnerships at Climb Higher Colorado, where he focused on facilitating collaboration between policy makers, advocacy groups, education institutions, educators, and families and students that resulted in collaborative, adaptive, and community-centered solutions to Colorado’s complex education challenges.
Rafael holds a B.A. in American Studies from Wesleyan University, where he focused his studies on the political, economic, and social history of North, Central, and South America and the implications that it has had and continues to have on current human relations, motivations, interactions, and politics.
Born and raised in Denver to a single, immigrant mother, he navigated both Denver Public Schools and private schools in Colorado and quickly became aware of the opportunity gap that exists between these two worlds. This has impassioned him to work hard and make sure that every student has all the resources, support, and education needed to achieve success–race, ethnicity, economic class, zip code, and opportunity notwithstanding.
Rafael Reyes Orona
Director of Operations and Technology
Sandra Rodriguez
Her experience connecting community members to critical resources drives her work outside of the office. She obtained her bachelor’s from Springfield College School of Human Services as a single mother and currently serves as the President of the Gulfton Super Neighborhood Council, is a Fellow of the American Leadership Forum Class XLVIII, and is a member of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators.
Sandra Rodriguez
Interim Executive Director, Greater Houston
Elvira Salazar
Elvira Salazar is the Director of Online Learning & Technology, where she leads the strategy, design, and implementation of online learning and development opportunities for Latinx leaders across the country.
She is the proud daughter of Mexican immigrant parents and has dedicated her career to education. Prior to joining Latinos for Education, Elvira was the Program Director for Secondary Science & Health in Galena Park ISD. She has served in various roles in public school districts in the Houston area, including Senior Manager of Design, Media, & Online Learning, Senior Education Technologist, Instructional Specialist, & Science Teacher. Elvira has a passion for developing people and designing systems that foster equitable education pathways for all children.
Elvira earned her B.S. in Biology and M.S.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Houston. Moreover, she holds a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Harvard Business School. Currently she is a doctoral student at Baylor University where her focus is on learning design and organizational change. Elvira lives in the greater Houston area with her spouse and two children. She is a fervent believer in the Latinos for Education value “Bridge Across Cultures” because she believes our common bond of humanity is a key lever to building coalitions and allyships that ensure every child has access to a high-quality education.
Elvira Salazar
Director of Online Learning & Technology
Rocio Sidonio
Rocio Sidonio is the Coordinator, Regional Programs at Latinos for Education, where she plays a pivotal role in enhancing educational opportunities and equity for Latino families in the Texas region. In this capacity, Rocio supports and leads the planning, recruitment, implementation, and alumni engagement efforts, ensuring the success and impact of the organization’s fellowship programs.
Prior to joining Latinos for Education, Rocio held various roles that honed her skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy. Rocio grew up in Spring Branch and as a child witnessed disparities in her Latinx community and knew she wanted to impact it for the better. Rocio is known for her ability to build strong relationships with community leaders, educators, and families, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.
With a strong background in community outreach, program management, and bilingual communication, Rocio is committed to fostering meaningful connections and empowering Latino communities. Rocio holds a Family Studies degree from Houston Christian University and a minor in Spanish from Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, and her dedication to educational equity is evident in their professional journey. She has a proven track record of collaborating with local organizations, coordinating impactful events, and supporting diverse communities through culturally responsive approaches.
In her current role, Rocio is particularly focused on creating inclusive and accessible program experiences, addressing barriers to participation, and leveraging data to drive program improvements. She is passionate about education and advocacy, continuously seeking ways to support and uplift Latino families.
Rocio Sidonio
Coordinator, Regional Programs
Ciro Valiente
Ciro Valiente is the Manager of Marketing and Communications at Latinos for Education, where he brings over 10 years of experience in communications, video production, broadcasting and marketing. He was previously News Producer at Telemundo New England, where he won two New England Emmy Awards, becoming the first Latino to win for Outstanding Live News Producer.
Since arriving in the United States in 2014, Ciro has worked for multiple media outlets in Boston and Washington, D.C., and has served as a game broadcaster for the Boston Red Sox Spanish Network on over 50 games.
In July 2017, he became the youngest member of the Board of Directors of First Literacy, a non-profit organization founded in 1988 by a group of corporate and community leaders, including former Boston Mayor Raymond Flynn and former Boston Globe publisher William O. Taylor. In over 33 years, First Literacy has helped over 45,000 adults to improve their lives through education.
Originally from Venezuela, he earned a BS in Mass Media & Communications from the Universidad Santa María in Caracas. Ciro lives in Massachusetts with his spouse and two daughters. As a proud Venezuelan immigrant, he is passionate about working hard to help Latinos to build a better future for them and their families.
Ciro Valiente
Manager of Marketing and Communications
Board of directors
TINA FERNÁNDEZ
Executive Director, Achieve Atlanta
LANDON MASCAREÑAZ
Vice president of community partnership, the Colorado education initiative
SUSAN VALVERDE
CHIEF OF Operations, Sylvan Learning
Margarita Florez Vasconcelos
strategic advisor, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
Maria Orozco
partner, The Bridgespan Group
Manny Rivera
principal, RALLY
FELIX RUANO
co-founder at subject
SENIOR Facilitator, Public Narrative
Nancy Gutierrez
President and CEO, The leadership academy
Katiusca Moreno
Vice President of Internal Learning & Innovation, Teach For America