ABOUT US
Mission
Our mission is to develop, place, and connect essential Latino leadership in the education sector, while mobilizing Latino voices to promote practices and policies that remove barriers to equitable educational opportunity.
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. 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
Julene Pérez
Julene’s experience as a grant maker includes roles at the Carnegie Corporation of New York, where she contributed to strengthening U.S. democracy and promoting immigrant integration, and at the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. At the Packard Foundation, she played a critical role in a $100 million preschool initiative and managed a youth-focused grantmaking portfolio across California, promoting policy strategies, movement building, and academic support in after-school programs.
At the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Julene served as Vice President of Development and Communications, where she designed and led a capital campaign to secure a building and establish a permanent headquarters and non-profit center in downtown Los Angeles. Her early nonprofit career began with the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, where she established the organization’s first development department and launched a national media campaign in partnership with Univision and ABC. This campaign reached millions of households, highlighting the contributions of naturalized citizens and providing naturalization assistance to immigrants.
Before her nonprofit work, Julene gained experience in the film industry, working in studio film production. She also dedicated four years volunteering at a free health clinic, translating for doctors and assisting the Central American refugee community in Los Angeles.
Throughout her career, Julene has held various board and advisory positions, including roles with the Leadership Advisory of Jolt Texas, Moms Rising, Hispanics in Philanthropy, and the Foundation Consortium for California’s Children and Youth. She currently serves on the Advisory Board of the UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute.
Julene earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of San Francisco and a Master’s degree in International Affairs, focusing on Economic and Political Development, from Columbia University. A proud mother and passionate advocate for social justice and equal opportunity, Julene is deeply committed to the well-being and future of every child.
Julene Perez
Chief Advancement Officer
Anyeli Matos
Anyeli 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
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
Claudia Alvarez
Claudia Alvarez is the Managing Director of Finance at Latinos for Education. In her role, Claudia leads day-to-day operations of an $8 million budget and supports the continued strengthening of the organization’s infrastructure by leading all finance, accounting and reporting activities.
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
Managing Director, 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, Regional Development & Engagement at Latinos for Education. Miguel, born in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, 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.
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, 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 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
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 serves as Vice President of Program Strategy and Operations at Latinos for Education, the first Latino-founded and led national organization advancing Latino leadership and policy in education. He drives national program strategy, oversees operations, and ensures excellence in program delivery across regions. He leads recruitment, selection, and alumni engagement efforts while strengthening data management, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration.
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, 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, including the distribution of library cards to all students, updating the district equity policy, expansion of ethnic studies, early expansion of transitional kindergarten, grading for equity policy, and he was co-author of resolutions protecting Black, Latino, Asian Pacific Islander, and LGBTQ+ students. He also serves as the Secretary of the California Latino School Boards Association, founding member of the Digital Equity Coalition, and voting member on the Santa Clara County School Board Association’s Legislative Action Committee.
Previously, José coached teachers, leaders, and school districts across the country to incorporate technology into math instruction and early literacy programs to meet the individual needs of their students. José also was Managing Director of Impact for City Year San José/ Silicon Valley, an education non-profit serving students in East San José schools. José has worked at BookNook, where he led the collaboration with foundations, government entities, non-profits, and districts to support and implement high impact tutoring throughout the country. Through his work at BookNook, José secured various national grants geared towards education ecosystem building throughout the country. He has also served as Chair of the Library and Education Commission for the City of San José, where they eliminated late fees for children’s items and for people over 65 years old.
José began his professional career in education as a kindergarten teacher through Teach for America. José 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.
As the grandson of Mexican immigrants, and the son of Mexican-American parents, education was the gateway to opportunity for José. He recognizes his circumstances could have led him down a different path and he works every day to make sure other Latinos like him become the expectation, and not the exception.
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
Director of Operations and Technology
Jeremy Rodriguez
Jeremy Rodriguez proudly serves as Manager, Development Operations at Latinos for Education. Jeremy is dedicated to serving the organization’s mission through tactful leadership in the systems, processes, and technologies that support Latinos for Education’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts.
Jeremy comes to Latinos for Education with over 7-years of experience in the education and non-profit sectors, where they have centered their career on serving organizations that address the causes of education access, social justice, and racial equity. Most recently, Jeremy elevated development operations at Broadway Dallas through the building and innovation of systems centered on establishing revenue growth for theatre arts programming to high-needs communities in Dallas. At After-School All-Stars North Texas, Jeremy skillfully led fundraising efforts through the trials of the pandemic, raising funds to support the launch of the social justice programs and helping to expand the reach of cost-free afterschool education to youth across North Texas. Jeremy attributes his success in the non-profit development field to his early work in Texas public school classrooms as an educator.
Jeremy is a third-generation Mexican-American and a first-generation university graduate from Texas A&M University-Commerce. They were honored as a National Afterschool Association’s Next Generation Leader for their development work and became equipped to advocate for students through Leadership ISD’s Civic Voices of Dallas Advocacy Fellowship. Jeremy holds a firm belief that success-driving resources like quality education and enrichment should be available to all, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or the zip code they reside in.
Jeremy Rodriguez
Manager, Development Operations
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 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. 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
Director of Online Learning & Technology
Charly Schwartz
Charly Schwartz serves as the Managing Director of People, Culture, and Operations at Latinos for Education, where he leads efforts to cultivate an inclusive culture and drives talent and operational strategies to support the organization’s mission of advancing educational equity and leadership for Latino communities. 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
Managing Director of People, Culture, and Operations
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
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