ABOUT US
Mission
We unite Latino communities to transform education policy and practice, creating a future where every child can thrive.
OUR VISION
Educational opportunity for all powered by Latino communities.
What We BELIEVE
We believe that education provides opportunities for students to decide their destiny.
Our Team
Amanda Fernández
CEO AND Founder
Migdalia Diaz
Born in Puerto Rico, Migdalia moved to the mainland United States at the age of three, where she was raised by a resilient and hardworking mother who instilled in her a deep sense of determination, integrity, and a passion for giving back.
Determined to pursue higher education and serve her country, Migdalia enlisted in the Connecticut Army National Guard, where she proudly served for eight years. This experience remains one of the most transformative of her life, shaping her leadership skills, resilience, and dedication to service.
Following her military tenure, Migdalia spent 17 years in the private sector, where she cultivated her expertise in operations while actively engaging in initiatives to uplift the Latino community. Her commitment to service led her to the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), where she served as President of the Boston Chapter from 2013 to 2015 before stepping into the national role of Chief Operating Officer. In this capacity, she combined her operational acumen with her deep desire to advance opportunities for Latinos, gaining firsthand insight into the systemic challenges they face across industries.
In December 2017, Migdalia transitioned to public service as Chief of Staff for the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Her exceptional leadership led to a promotion as Chief Operating Officer in April 2021. Through this role, she deepened her understanding of the interconnectedness of education, housing, and healthcare in shaping the economic mobility of Latino communities.
Continuing her mission, in August 2023, Migdalia became the Chief Operating Officer for Latinos for Education, a national nonprofit dedicated to closing the equity gap for Latinos in education. In this role, she strives to expand opportunities for Latino families and educators, ensuring that future generations have the resources they need to thrive.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Migdalia remains deeply committed to community empowerment. She serves on the boards of Junior Achievement of Northern New England and WeReach, the Corporate Advisory Board for ALPFA Boston, and actively mentors students and professionals, championing the advancement of communities of color through leadership, advocacy, and service.
Migdalia Diaz
Chief Operating Officer and Interim Executive Director, Massachusetts
Samantha Ader
Samantha Ader serves as Latinos for Education’s Chief of Staff, where she leads strategic planning and implementation, drives leadership and cross-functional alignment, and advances executive and organizational effectiveness in partnership with the CEO.
She brings more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit management, strategy, fundraising, and organizational effectiveness. Previously, she held roles at Teach For America, United Way, and Butler University, and has also worked as an independent consultant for a variety of social impact organizations.
Samantha earned her M.S. in Learning and Organizational Change from Northwestern University and her B.A. from Indiana University. She resides outside of Chicago with her partner and two daughters, where she also serves as President of the Board of Education for her local school district.
As the granddaughter of Cuban immigrants, Samantha 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
Chief of Staff
Claudia Alvarez
Claudia has dedicated her career to mission-driven organizations and has worked in nonprofit financial management for over thirteen years. In her last role as Finance and Administration Manager at the International Surfing Association, a 501(c)3 and the only Olympic sport federation housed in the U.S., Claudia played a key role in the management of the organization’s finances as it grew its revenues and reporting to become one of the Olympics’ newest sports at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and receive a multi-million dollar grant, the largest in the organization’s history.
She earned her B.S. in Business Administration Finance at San Diego State University and followed with certificates in finance and operations at USC Marshall School of Business and the University of San Diego.
Claudia is a strong believer in leading from identity and is proud to have grown up in Mexico and Miami, where her family insisted on always maintaining a Spanish-speaking household. She credits these experiences with shaping her perspective and desire to bridge across cultures, even within our Latino communities. She lives in Chicago, IL with her husband and dog.
Claudia Alvarez
Vice President, Finance
Natalie Chevalier
A lifelong social sciences enthusiast, Natalie is deeply invested in applying her skills to human-centered, compassionate work rooted in equity, justice, and respect. She is a fierce believer in living authentically and honoring one’s personal and cultural histories.
Natalie holds a Masters in Public Administration focusing on nonprofit management from Western Carolina University, and a Bachelors degree in International Studies from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Chicago.
Natalie Chevalier
Manager, Finance
Manny Cruz
Manny Cruz serves as a Senior Policy Fellow at Latinos for Education. With 15 years of experience in government and nonprofit leadership, Manny leads national advocacy efforts for the 1 Million Teachers of Color Campaign working to increase educator diversity across the country and spearheads the Latino Action Agenda.
A skilled coalition builder, Manny was the senior policy advisor to the Massachusetts Educator Diversity Act Coalition, created the Tech Para Todos Campaign, and is a founding board member of the Massachusetts Alliance for Early College.
In addition to his service at Latinos for Education he is also the first Afro-Latino to serve as both the State Representative and as the Vice Chair of the Salem School Committee for the city of Salem. In these roles, he has successfully advocated for community investments, educational equity, and policies that create pathways to opportunity for marginalized communities. He holds Bachelor of Science from Northeastern University where he graduated cum laude, and lives in Salem with his wife and children.
Manny Cruz
Senior Policy Fellow
Miguel Angel Duncan-Galvez Bravo
Miguel Angel Duncan-Galvez Bravo is the Managing Director, Development at Latinos for Education. In this role, Miguel ensures L4E’s mission translates into sustained funding, managing funder relationships, shaping institutional and individual giving strategies, and partnering across the organization to share its impact with philanthropic partners.
Born in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Miguel moved to the U.S. at age 2 and has dedicated his career to education, advocacy, and philanthropy. He holds a Political Science degree from California State University Northridge and an MA in Diplomacy and Military Studies from Hawaii Pacific University, where he made history as the first undocumented student in the program. He earned the Holomua Scholarship and the Perseverance Award, exemplifying his resilience. Miguel is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Change and Leadership at the USC Rossier School of Education.
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, Entre Hermanos, growing its budget from $200,000 to over $2 million. Entre Hermanos is now a leading organization for immigration and HIV work for the Latino community in Washington.
As Director of Development for C5 Youth Foundation, Miguel secured over $2 million annually, supporting 500 youth. Before joining L4E, he worked for Out in Tech, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ tech nonprofit, where he helped build a culture of philanthropy and secured major foundation support.
During COVID-19, King County hired Miguel to distribute $7 million in relief funds to nonprofits, ensuring vital resources reached marginalized communities. His leadership and strategic oversight helped stabilize numerous organizations during the crisis.
Beyond his professional roles, Miguel has remained deeply engaged in community service. He served on the boards of Equality Hawaii and Seattle Pride, contributing to LGBTQ+ advocacy and equity efforts. His passion for education led him to serve on the scholarship committee for California State University Northridge, helping increase access to higher education for underrepresented students. Recognizing his expertise in immigrant rights, King County appointed him to a two-year term on its Immigrant & Refugee Commission.
Miguel’s lifelong commitment to advocacy, philanthropy, and education continues to shape opportunities for diverse communities across the country.
Miguel Angel Duncan-Galvez Bravo
Managing Director, Development
Mara Gilyard
Mara Gilyard is the Director, Leadership Programs at Latinos for Education. In this role, Mara leads participant engagement and pipeline growth for Latinos for Education’s leadership programs, building the systems, partnerships, and connected experiences that help educators deepen their leadership and see themselves as part of a broader community of impact.
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, Leadership Programs
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
Previously, R.D. served as Chief of Staff at Latinos for Education, providing strategic oversight and operational leadership. As Director of National Engagement, he expanded the organization’s reach by connecting Latino professionals to leadership opportunities. Before joining Latinos for Education, he was Director of Diversity and Leadership at Teach For America, where he built regional alumni networks and led national diversity initiatives.
R.D. began his career as a middle school math teacher in West Philadelphia while earning his teaching certification at The University of Pennsylvania. A native Texan and first-generation college graduate, he holds a B.S. in Interpersonal Communications from The University of Texas at Austin. He is a graduate of the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Leaders Program and an inaugural Pahara-Aspen NextGen Fellow. Passionate about fostering Latino leadership, R.D. is committed to strengthening inclusive communities and expanding access to opportunity.
R. D. Leyva
VICE PRESIDENT, Network Activation
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 Foy
Julielys Foy is the Manager, Network Activation at Latinos for Education. In this role, Julielys builds and activates networks of families, community leaders, and partners, mobilizing communities from participation to leadership and collective action in support of educational equity.
Julielys brings over 10 years in the education field and a deep passion for family and community engagement to her work at Latinos for Education.
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 Foy
Manager, Network Activation
Rachel Lerberg
Rachel Lerberg is the Manager, Development at Latinos for Education. In this role, she advances institutional fundraising and development operations, providing tactical and strategic support around grant deliverables, prospecting, and the creation and refinement of development systems. Prior to joining Latinos for Education, Rachel supported institutional fundraising for leading national nonprofits, including United We Dream, National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, and Voto Latino Foundation. She has additionally worked with organizations focused on youth mental health (Edgewood), youth arts access (Imagination Stage), and foreign-born survivors of violence (Mosaic Family Services). As an institutional fundraiser and grant writer for a variety of racial and social justice organizations—local, regional, and national, direct services and movement building—Rachel has secured five-, six-, and seven-figure grants from foundations, corporate partners, and local, state, and federal government. A trained mezzo-soprano, Rachel worked for more than ten years as a vocal coach and professional singer before transitioning to the nonprofit sector. She holds a Master’s degree from University of Texas at Arlington and a Bachelor’s from Bennington College.
Rachel lives in North Texas with her husband, two children, and their very large and handsome rescue dog, Señor Jeff. She firmly believes there is only time in life for what matters most. In a moment when overlapping crises and bad actors threaten to divide and diminish us, she is committed to long-term systems change that advances an inclusive future where Latinos and all people can enjoy lives of freedom, health, opportunity, and well-being.
Rachel Lerberg
Manager, Development
Rafael Reyes Orona
Rafael Reyes Orona
Director of Operations and Technology
Sandra Rodriguez
Sandra Rodríguez is the Executive Director, Texas at Latinos for Education. She is a visionary leader committed to advancing Latino representation in education leadership and ensuring equitable opportunities for all students. As the Executive Director, Texas at Latinos for Education, she drives strategic initiatives that strengthen the Latino educator pipeline, mobilize communities, and influence policies that create inclusive learning environments.
A proud Mexican American and first-generation college graduate, Sandra’s leadership is deeply rooted in her lived experiences and years of advocacy, community development, and policy work. She has dedicated her career to dismantling barriers that disproportionately impact historically underrepresented communities. Before joining Latinos for Education, Sandra played a pivotal role in shaping regional strategies for leadership development, coalition-building, and systemic change. Her ability to convene diverse stakeholders, advocate for resources, and build sustainable programs has positioned her as a leading voice in education equity.
Beyond education, Sandra has led initiatives addressing transportation equity, ensuring access to safe, reliable transit that connects families to schools and essential services. She has also driven environmental justice efforts, championing the creation of green spaces and infrastructure improvements to support student and community well-being.
As President of the Gulfton Super Neighborhood Council, Sandra uses her expertise to bridge community voices with policymakers, driving forward solutions that benefit historically resilient communities. Her work at the intersection of education, advocacy, and policy innovation reflects her deep commitment to empowering Latino leaders and creating pathways for success. Sandra brings an unwavering passion for justice and a belief in the transformative power of education to every aspect of her leadership.
Sandra Rodriguez
Executive Director, Texas
Elvira Salazar
Dr. Elvira Salazar is the Managing Director, Leadership Programs at Latinos for Education. In this role, she leads the national strategy, design, and growth of partnerships and programs that prepare educators to strengthen schools, influence systems, and shape the future of education. Her work connects leadership development to collective impact in service of educational opportunity for all.
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. She completed her doctoral studies in learning and organizational change at Baylor University. 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.
Dr. Elvira Salazar
Managing Director, Leadership Programs
Charly Schwartz
Charly Schwartz serves as Vice President, People, Culture, and Operations at Latinos for Education. In this role, Charly leads the organization’s talent strategy, culture, and operational infrastructure, ensuring Latinos for Education has the people systems, organizational design, ways of working, and culture needed to advance its mission and grow sustainably.
Charly’s leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that inclusive, people-centered environments drive organizational success.
With over 20 years of experience in strategic operations and people leadership across the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, Charly’s career history centers around scaling organizations, building people-first systems, and embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into organizational culture. Most recently, at IMC, a NGLCC-certified experience studio, he developed and launched equity-centered people systems and processes. At youth development nonprofits Music Will and America SCORES, Charly led strategic planning, infrastructure alignment, and capacity-building efforts that strengthened organizational performance, enabled growth, and expanded impact. As co-founder of LeadDog Marketing Group, he honed his skills in organizational development, talent leadership, and business strategy, guiding the agency’s growth from an event-focused startup to an award-winning, full-service marketing firm.
A first-generation Cuban-American, Charly’s dedication to advancing educational equity and his passion for the Latino community extend beyond his professional pursuits. He is a timbalero in Latin bands in New York City, and an active leader at his children’s international school. Charly holds a Master’s in Sports Administration from St. Thomas University and a B.A. from the University of Michigan.
Charly Schwartz
Vice President, People, Culture, and Operations
Rocio Sidonio
Rocio Sidonio is the Manager, Network Activation at Latinos for Education. In this role, Rocio transforms Latinos for Education’s alumni network into an activated community of leaders, creating pathways for educators to deepen their leadership, advocacy, and collective impact, and building the engagement
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
Manager, Network Activation
Ciro Valiente
Ciro Valiente Parra is the Manager, Campaigns at Latinos for Education. In this role, Ciro designs and executes campaigns that translate organizational strategy into stories and experiences that inspire action, engaging communities, educators, families, and partners through strategic communications, storytelling, and video content.
Ciro 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, Campaigns
Board of directors
TINA FERNÁNDEZ
Founder, Day Six Leadership
BOARD Chair
Dr. Landon MascareñaZ
Co-Founder, The Open System Institute
BOARD Secretary
Gregory Gonzalez
Partner, Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP
Maria Orozco
Partner, The Bridgespan Group
Dr. Margaret ‘Maggie’ S. Marcus
Executive Director, Sullivan Family Charitable Foundation
FELIX RUANo
Founder & CEO at Onetera – Co-Founder At Subject
mora segal
Managing DireCtor,
A-Street & Co-Founder, Leading Now
SUSAN VALVERDE
Brand President, Sylvan Learning