National nonprofit develops Latino leaders from diverse backgrounds as the Latino student population grows

Boston, MA, October 9, 2018 — Twenty-four Latino education leaders were selected to join the second cohort of the Aspiring Latino Leaders Fellowship in Boston. Created by Latinos for Education, the fellowship is an academic-year program where Fellows are exposed to identity-development leadership frameworks, capacity-building sessions and consultancies with local education partners.

The Aspiring Latino Leaders Fellowship was designed to cultivate the talent of Latino education leaders working across Greater Boston and is the first of its kind to support leadership pathways for local Latinos within the education sector.

Massachusetts is one of six states that attributes all its population growth between 2000 and 2010 to the increase in its Latino population. As the Latino student population grows, Latinos for Education is committed to developing leaders who share the backgrounds of our students.

Like Latino students across the Commonwealth, the Fellows bring diverse experiences, races, and circumstances to the Fellowship. This year’s cohort includes Fellows from nine different ethnic backgrounds across the Latino diaspora and leaders working across the sector including local K-12 schools (district and charter), education nonprofits, and higher education. “The rich diversity of this cohort provides opportunities for nuanced learning and discussion about how we best support students and families across the city,” says Amanda Fernandez, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Latinos for Education. “We create conditions to deliver strong professional development and discussion space to discern how we develop a shared vision for an equitable education.”

The second cohort of the Boston Aspiring Latino Leaders Fellowship began their leadership journey on September 21^st with an immersive weekend retreat. Fellows will participate in monthly sessions through May 2019.

The 2018 cohort of the Boston Aspiring Latino Leader Fellowship includes:

• Janice Brea, Associate Director of Family and Community Engagement, Roxbury Prep
• DJ Cervantes, Director of Partnerships, Transforming Education
• Valerie Coimbra, Recruitment Manager, Teach For America – National
• Natalia Cuadra-Saez, Organizer, Boston Teacher’s Union
• Julie Duran, Math Department Chair, Boston Preparatory Charter School
• Sebastian Gomez, Research Assistant, American Institutes for Research
• Rebeca Gomez Baez, Impact Manager, City Year
• Gabriela Gonzalez del Real, 8^th Grade English Language Arts Teacher, Boston Collegiate Charter School
• Roberto A. Jimenez, Assistant Director of Admissions, Tufts University
• Antonelli Mejia, Lead School Culture Coordinator, UP Academy Network
• David Mendez, Outreach Director, Educators for Excellence
• Paulette Piñero, Program Director, Jumpstart
• Steven Ramirez, Education Consultant
• Lilliam Rivera, Special Projects Coordinator, KIPP Academy Lynn
• Danny Rojas, Director of Post-Secondary Partnerships, OneGoal MA
• Stacey Rosario, ESL Teacher, ENLACE Newcomer Academy
• Ivette Rubio, Middle School Science Teacher, Gardner Pilot Academy
• Arlene Sanchez, Navigator, EdNavigator
• Yinnette Sano, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Excel Academy Charter School
• Ivanna Solano, Manager of Teacher Leadership Development, Teach For America Massachusetts
• Jessica Tellez, Program Manager, YouthBuild
• Loris Toribio, Early College Coordinator, Lawrence Public Schools
• Sebastián Villa Bahamón, Career Services Manager, City Year
• Perla Vitela, ELL Teacher, Boston Public Schools

To access bios and photos of the 2018 Aspiring Latino Leader Fellows, click here.

About Latinos for Education:
Latinos for Education is mobilizing a network of skilled Latino education leaders, who make sure the voice of Latino students and families is not only heard but also factored into decision-making in schools, communities and education institutions throughout the U.S. Our Aspiring Latino Leaders Fellowship and Latino Board Fellowship programs accelerate the careers of Latino professionals while providing them with the training, connections and support they need to succeed and create change. We’re also ensuring Latino education professionals have access to job and professional development opportunities across the country through our members-only Talent Hub. With more Latinos in positions of influence, Latino children are more likely to achieve their full potential in the classroom and in life. For more information visit: https://www.latinosforeducation.org.