Excelencia in Education is committed to accelerating Latino college completion while increasing for all. Our analysis shows persistent gaps between Latino and White students in Illinois, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Illinois Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. To make our country stronger and meet the economy’s demand for a highly educated workforce, we must ensure access to quality higher education for Latino, and all, students. This requires accelerating Latino degree completion, increasing completion for all students, and scaling programs and initiatives proven to support Latino, and all, student success. The following demographics, institutional data, and practices inform Latino degree attainment. To find out more, scroll below. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2026) 26% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 51% Of White adults Fast Facts Illinois had the 5th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 25% K-12 Population 19% Total Population Enrollment 21% Latino Students 21% White Students Median Age 30 Latinos 44 White Median Income $37,191 Without a college degree $68,033 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 10%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Illinois. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 16%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Illinois. Top Institutions Enrolling and Graduating Hispanic Undergraduates, 2026 Rank Institution Name Sector Total Enrollment Hispanic Enrollment % Hispanic Enrollment Total Completions Hispanic Completions % Hispanic Completions 1 University of Illinois Chicago Public, 4-year or above 21,814 7,982 37% 5,177 1,612 31% 2 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Public, 4-year or above 34,623 4,805 14% 8,482 1,117 13% 3 College of DuPage Public, 2-year 15,185 4,325 28% 1,895 453 24% 4 College of Lake County Public, 2-year 9,282 4,322 47% 1,383 493 36% 5 DeVry University-Illinois Private for-profit, 4-year or above 25,975 3,990 15% 3,722 641 17% BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE Examples of What Works for Latino, And All, Students Looking to know what works or connect with evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? Our team can work with you to identify and connect with relevant programs making an impact on student success that can help you in your efforts to intentionally serve your Latino, and all, students. Click here to contact us . Sources U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Excelencia in Education analysis using U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey, and Institutional Characteristics Survey.

Verónica Herrero is the Executive Vice Chancellor, City Colleges of Chicago, President, City Colleges of Chicago Foundation, and Excelencia in Education's Board Member. < Back to Our People Page Verónica Herrero Executive Vice Chancellor, City Colleges of Chicago President, City Colleges of Chicago Foundation Verónica Herrero serves as the Executive Vice Chancellor at the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) and as President of the CCC Foundation. In her capacity, she provides leadership for the district in the areas of strategy, institutional effectiveness, external affairs, advancement, and marketing and communications. She also fosters partnerships across all sectors in support of CCC’s vision. In her previous role as Chief of Strategy and Staff, she architected CCC’s strategic framework, which is centered on a powerful vision that, as the most accessible higher education engine of social mobility, CCC Will empower Chicagoans to take part in building a stronger, more just city. She brings cross-sector leadership experience in strategy, student success, and education management through her previous roles at One Million Degrees, the UChicago Urban Education Institute, and Chicago Public Schools. Herrero serves on the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) as Vice Chair, and the Northern Illinois University Board of Trustees as the Chair of the Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Personnel Committee.

< Back to News Page College Affordability Solutions from Texas Students and Postsecondary Leaders Inform National Efforts to Serve Latino, and All, Students Jun 26, 2025 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE New Excelencia in Education Brief Highlights Recommendations Informed by Nine Trendsetting Institutions Ensuring Financial Access to Quality Education WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 26, 2025) – Excelencia in Education, the premier authority on accelerating Latino student success, while increasing all student success in higher education, released today a brief highlighting perspectives from stakeholders in three areas: 1) how Latino students in Texas make cost-conscious decisions to pay for college, 2) how trendsetting Texas institutions are making college more affordable, and 3) how state and federal policy can further improve college affordability. Drawing from interviews, the brief identifies affordability challenges and solutions from Texas college students, administrators, and leaders that inform national efforts to intentionally serve Latino, and all, students by ensuring financial access to a quality education. “Trendsetting institutions that commit to affordability and a strong return on investment for graduates, like those that have earned the Seal of Excelencia , exemplify how intentional leadership and support can deliver quality, affordable education for Latino, and all, students,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “In turn, understanding how college students and leaders propose addressing affordability can inform and compel action to meet basic needs, contain costs, and support student success.” The brief, “ College Affordability: Insights and Solutions from Texas Students and Postsecondary Leaders ,” presents detailed information on the affordability experiences of Latino students — the largest student group in Texas — as well as other post-traditional students. It also outlines recommendations from students, administrators, and leaders aligned with four areas shaping college affordability: Paying for College: Students are pragmatic and seek debt-free solutions such as grants, scholarships, and work-study over loans to pay for college, while administrators see loans as tools supporting persistence. Despite diverging perspectives, both emphasize the urgency of maximizing income-based aid. Students recommend institutions provide income-based scholarships and flexible payment plans. Administrators and leaders recommend policymakers cover tuition for students whose families earn less than $100,000 annually — double the current income threshold for which Texas covers tuition — and that federal policy expand Pell Grant support and adjust lifetime limits. Navigating Support Systems: Students report the most useful information comes not from centralized financial aid offices but academic departments, where they have personal relationships. They recommend institutions strengthen first-year support by enhancing advising structures. Administrators and leaders recommend policymakers make financial education a requirement for graduation. Addressing Basic Needs: Basic needs and non-tuition expenses, including housing, food, and transportation, pose significant barriers to college access and success. Students we interviewed often navigate these barriers independently, commuting long distances, relying on SNAP benefits, and sacrificing one need to afford another. They recommend institutions offer more affordable housing, dining, and parking options. Administrators and leaders recommend policymakers control the cost and availability of off-campus housing and improve transportation systems. Applying for Financial Aid: Texas continues to lead nationally in institutionalizing financial aid completion through its policy mandating Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) submission as a condition for high school graduation. However, the recent simplification of the FAFSA introduced significant challenges. Students and administrators stress that timely, accessible, and equitable aid processes are essential for maintaining affordability and student trust in higher education. Excelencia engaged students, administrators, and leaders from nine institutions in Texas that have earned the Seal of Excelencia — a national certification for institutions that strive to go beyond enrollment to intentionally serve Latino students: Angelo State University St. Edward’s University Texas State University Texas Woman’s University The University of Texas at Arlington The University of Texas at Austin The University of Texas at El Paso The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley The University of Texas at San Antonio With this brief, Excelencia builds on over 20 years of effort to examine institutional policy and practice as well as federal and state policy to ensure college is affordable for Latino, and all, students. Earlier this year, the organization released “ How Latinos Pay for College: 2025 National Trends ,” a comprehensive analysis of how Latino students leverage financial aid and institutions ensure degrees are affordable. Access the full brief: EdExcelencia.org/research/publications/college-affordability-insights-and-solutions-from-texas-students-and-postsecondary-leaders About Excelencia in Education Excelencia in Education leads a national network of results-oriented educators and policymakers transforming higher education to tap the talents of the Latino community and address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. With this network, Excelencia ensures access to excellence by promoting student achievement, informing educational policies, and advancing evidence-based practices to more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org

These programs positively impact their Latino students and local communities by incorporating intentional and culturally relevant evidence-based practices. Examples of Excelencia Finalists 2026 Excelencia in Education announces finalists and Programs to Watch for the 2026 Examples of Excelencia . This year, Excelencia is recognizing and elevating what works by highlighting practices in four key issue areas that are shaping and evolving the landscape of higher education for Latino, and all, students. The four areas are: (1) Career and Workforce, (2) Teaching and Learning, (3) Student Support, and (4) AI Innovation . The finalists recognized this year are making a measurable difference for students and their local communities through intentional, culturally relevant, evidence-based practices. Their programs offer sustainable and data-informed models that can inspire higher education leaders to advance student success across diverse institutional contexts. The 2026 Examples of Excelencia finalists join a Community of Practice for What Works—a national network of recognized programs dedicated to sharing what works, learning from one another, and driving institutional change that benefits Latino, and all, students. For more than two decades, Excelencia in Education has elevated evidence-based practices that are transforming higher education. Through Examples of Excelencia , the organization has reviewed more than 2,500 program submissions, recognized over 400 programs for their measurable impact, and awarded more than $2.2 million to support programs advancing Latino student success. Looking to connect with these programs or other evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll provide you with a curated list of programs making an impact on student success based on the state, academic level, or issue area of your interest. Contact us . CAREER & WORKFORCE: Blue Chip Leadership Experience | University of Arizona (AZ) Institution/Organization: University of Arizona State: Arizona Area of Impact: Retention Program Focus: Mentoring, Other, Leadership Program Focus: https://career.arizona.edu/blue-chip-leadership-experience/ Nursing BSN Bridge | San Antonio College (TX) Institution/Organization : San Antonio College State : Texas Area of Impact: Academic Program Program Focus : Adult Learners, Dual Credit Learn More : https://www.alamo.edu/sac/academics/program-index/nursing-education/bsn/ ? Spanish for Global Health and Human Services | University of Texas at Arlington (TX) Institution/Organization : University of Texas at Arlington State : Texas Area of Impact: Academic Program Program Focus: Bilingual/ESL, Other, Workforce Pipeline and Health Equity Learn More : https://catalog.uta.edu/liberalarts/languages/undergraduate/spanish-global-health-human-svcs-minor/ TEACHING & LEARNING: The Bridge-to-Math Doctorate Program | The University of Texas at Arlington (TX) Institution/Organization: The University of Texas at Arlington State : Texas Area of Impact: Academic Program Program Focus: Mentoring, Scholarship Student Experience Project Faculty Community of Practice | The University of Texas at San Antonio (TX) Institution/Organization : The University of Texas at San Antonio State : Texas Area of Impact: Retention Program Focus: Faculty Development Learn More : https://provost.utsa.edu/academicinnovation/sep/ STUDENT SUPPORT: College Access Latinx Initiative (CALI) | Portland Community College (OR) Institution/Organization : Portland Community College State : Oregon Area of Impact: Retention Program Focus: First Year Support, Mentoring Learn More : https://www.pcc.edu/college-access-latinx-initiative/ College Success Program | Latino Education Advancement Foundation (CA) Institution/Organization : Latino Education Advancement Foundation State : California Area of Impact: Retention Program Focus: Family Engagement, First Year Support Learn More : https://www.leafca.org/what-we-do/college-success-program Early College | Cerritos Community College District (CA) Institution/Organization : Cerritos Community College District State : California Area of Impact: Access Program Focus: College Prep, Dual Credit G-Force Work-Study Mentorship Program (TWU Go Program) | Texas Woman's University (TX) Institution/Organization : Texas Woman's University State : Texas Area of Impact : Retention Program Focus : Mentoring Learn More : https://twu.edu/firstgen/ Honors Living-Learning Community | Rutgers University-Newark (NJ) Institution/Organization : Rutgers University-Newark State : New Jersey Area of Impact: Access Program Focus : Other, Holistic student support Learn More : https://hllc.newark.rutgers.edu/ SOAR: Summer Orientation and Registration | Aurora University (IL) Institution/Organization : Aurora University State: Illinois Area of Impact: Retention Program Focus : First Year Support Learn More : https://aurora.edu/student-life/orientation/summer.html

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education, and institutions can use AI responsibly and enhance pathways, research, and student support for Latino, and all, students. < Back How Institutions Can Use AI to Intentionally Serve Latino, and All, Students Excelencia in Education March 2026 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Fact Sheet SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how institutions design pathways to opportunity, conduct research, and deliver student support. As the youngest and fastest growing, and increasingly AI-engaged population, institutions can use AI responsibly and intentionally to improve education for Latino, and all, students. This factsheet highlights how AI is reshaping education and actionable strategies for institutions to responsibly leverage AI to improve education, workforce readiness, and student support for Latino, and all, students. Latinos demonstrate strong engagement with emerging AI technologies, offering institutions an opportunity to expand access, build skills, and strengthen pathways into AI-enabled careers. Institutions can leverage AI responsibly to better serve students by: Preparing students for an AI-enabled workforce: Integrate AI literacy and applied learning into curricula, align programs with labor market needs, and create department- and institution-wide policies that support workforce readiness. Enhancing institutional research and decision-making: Develop comprehensive AI strategies, build staff capacity, and use data and analytics to inform program design and improve student outcomes. Expanding personalized and proactive institutional support and student services : Implement AI-enabled advising, tutoring, predictive analytics, and chatbots to provide tailored guidance, identify learning gaps, and scale access to critical resources. Suggested Citation: Excelencia in Education. (2026). How Institutions Can Use AI to Intentionally Serve Latino, and All, Students . Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Excelencia established the Seal of Excelencia, a national certification for institutions that strive to go beyond enrollment to better SERVE Latino students. Seal of Excelencia Trendsetting colleges and universities across the country are taking responsibility for transformation that ensures their students earn a quality education of value. Excelencia in Education created the Seal of Excelencia as a national certification that holds colleges and universities accountable for continuous improvement in student success before and beyond graduation — reinforcing higher education’s role as an engine of social mobility, economic vitality, and workforce development. The Seal of Excelencia recognizes and drives excellence at institutions with Latino students, knowing that an intentional, mission-driven investment that includes serving this population, ensures all of our students, communities, and country are served. " The Seal of Excelencia recognizes institutions that are lifting the students that they serve. Being an institution that serves Latino learners should do more than just serving — ensuring students have everything they need when they walk out those doors to improve their lives and the lives of their families for generations to come. That intentionality was missing before Excelencia introduced the Seal. " - Eloy Ortiz Oakley, President & CEO, College Futures Foundation Continuous, Student-Centered Improvement The Seal of Excelencia is a rigorous, student-centered, data-informed certification framework that requires colleges and universities to show momentum leading to continuous improvement in student outcomes. Institutions earn this standard of excellence through an intentional alignment of data, evidence-based practices, and leadership, all resulting in student success. Is your institution ready to demonstrate intentionality and impact? The Seal of Excelencia Framework FIND OUT The Seal represents a voluntary journey of continuous improvement in student success — not a destination. Excelencia charted this journey based on 20 years of working with institutions and offers tools to assess readiness and build capacity along the way. There are 45 institutions that have earned the Seal, spanning three progressive levels of certification: Certified, Recertified, and Intentionally Thriving Institutions (ITIs). Could your institution lead alongside these trendsetters? Institutions on the Seal Certification Journey JOIN THEM The Seal and Institutional Value The Seal helps colleges and universities move beyond isolated programs toward systemic change to intentionally serve all students. Seal certification is both a national standard of excellence and proof of positive student impact to funders, accreditors, and communities. Does Seal certification align with your institution’s vision? LOOK AHEAD Expand Your Knowledge with Excelencia How does the Seal of Excelencia uphold the value of higher education? The Seal framework reinforces four essential components of higher education value: 1) Ensuring all students succeed; 2) Supporting continuous improvement institution-wide; 3) Enhancing economic/social mobility; and 4) Demonstrating effective use of public funds. Institutions that earn the Seal articulate how they deliver this value for students, communities, and our country. Does the Seal of Excelencia apply only to institutions serving Latino students? The Seal framework combines data on the educational pathway for all students served — not Latinos alone — with evidence of impact from intentional practices and leadership commitment from strategic planning. For that reason, it applies to all institutions serving post-traditional students. Excelencia focuses on Latino students because they represent the post-traditional majority, and what works for them can also work for others. What distinguishes Seal of Excelencia certified institutions from Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs)? HSIs are defined as having 25% or more undergraduate Hispanic student full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment, and they constitute a critical set of colleges and universities expanding access to higher education. Through the Seal, Excelencia asserts the opportunity to go beyond enrollment and deconstruct the “S” in “HSI” to intentionally SERVE Latino, and all, students. An institution does not need to be an HSI to earn the Seal. Is my institution ready to start the Seal of Excelencia certification journey? Institutions must join our community of practice and affiliate with the Excelencia in Action network to be eligible for Seal certification. Applicants will tell their story of intentionally serving Latino, and all, students through data, practice, and leadership. Institutions can assess their readiness for certification with our Seal Serving Institutional Transformation Assessment (SSITA) tool and capacity building opportunities. To learn more, contact us at: Seal@EdExcelencia.org. What makes Intentionally Thriving Institutions (ITIs) stand out from other Seal of Excelencia certified institutions? ITIs have committed to the journey toward continuous improvement for more than six years, earning Seal recertification twice along the way. In addition to ensuring Latino, and all, students thrive on campus, ITIs demonstrate strong post-completion success outcomes — preparing and linking Latino, and all, students to the workforce and growing talent for America’s future.

Cassy Castañón serves as a Capacity Building Manager of Excelencia in Education. Cassy supports and implements institutes, pláticas, webinars, and tools for institutional teams to support their transformational progress to more intentionally serve Latino students. < Back to Our People Page Cassy Castañón Capacity Building Manager Excelencia in Education Email: ccastanon@edexcelencia.org Current Position: Cassy serves as the Capacity Building Manager as part of the Institutional Capacity team and is responsible for supporting and implementing institutes, pláticas, webinars, and tools for institutional teams to support their transformational progress to more intentionally serve Latino students. In addition, she coordinates the case management, informational methods, and strategies to assist institutions with improving access, retention, and completion of Latino students. Past Experiences: Cassy has dedicated her professional career to ensuring students have access to the information, tools, and support to ensure their educational success. After receiving her master’s degree in Library and Information Science, she worked at Reading is Fundamental, a literacy non-profit in DC, supporting schools and programs throughout the US, Puerto Rico and Guam. She also dedicated more than 10 years supporting foster youth with educational and housing needs at United Friends of the Children. As a coordinator, she supported the organization’s goal to bring college within reach for their students by securing event locations for college access workshops and other engagements and creating and maintaining various processes. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? Exclencia’s mission to accelerate Latino student success in higher education resonates with me. As a first-generation college student and granddaughter of farm workers, I recognize the important role education has played in my life which is why I have spent most of my career giving back to education in some capacity. Excelencia allows me to continue to do that by helping to SERVE Latino students. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Working at Excelencia is an amazing experience. I have exceptional coworkers who are dedicated to transforming higher education. Excelencia approaches everything with integrity and passion and allows me to continue to grow professionally.

Margaret M. McMenamin is President of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ Margaret M. McMenamin President Institution website: https://www.ucc.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.ucc.edu/discover-union/presidents-biography/ Margaret M. McMenamin is President of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Latino talent is vital to our workforce—particularly in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM), where innovation and creativity converge to drive economic growth as AI and emerging technologies reshape work. < Back Finding Your Workforce: Linking College Completion with U.S. Workforce Needs in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Executive Summary Ruyu (Iris) Yan; Lily Cuellarsola; Deborah A. Santiago March 2026 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Latino talent is vital to our workforce—particularly in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM), where innovation and creativity converge to drive economic growth. As artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates changes across industries, the future of work will rely on an interdisciplinary workforce that pairs technical expertise with uniquely human capabilities like creativity and collaboration. Integrating the arts into STEM is essential for national competitiveness; however, Latinos remain significantly underrepresented in these high-wage, high-growth sectors. This executive summary highlights Latino participation in the STEAM education-to-workforce pipeline and actionable strategies for institutions and employers to close persistent gaps in access, completion, and workforce outcomes. For the research publication and lists of Top 25 institutions graduating Latinos in STEAM, visit: Finding Your Workforce: Linking College Completion with U.S. Workforce Needs in STEAM Top 25 Institutions Awarding Degrees to Latinos in STEAM - Companion piece Suggested Citation: Yan, R., Cuellarsola, L., & Santiago, D. (2026). Finding Your Workforce: Linking College Completion with U.S. Workforce Needs in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) - Executive Summary . Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Excelencia in Education is committed to accelerating Latino college completion while increasing for all. Our analysis shows persistent gaps between Latino and White students in Texas, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Texas Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. To make our country stronger and meet the economy’s demand for a highly educated workforce, we must ensure access to quality higher education for Latino, and all, students. This requires accelerating Latino degree completion, increasing completion for all students, and scaling programs and initiatives proven to support Latino, and all, student success. The following demographics, institutional data, and practices inform Latino degree attainment. To find out more, scroll below. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2026) 26% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 52% Of White adults Fast Facts Texas had the 2nd largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 48% K-12 Population 40% Total Population Enrollment 18% Latino Students 21% White Students Median Age 30 Latinos 42 White Median Income $33,737 Without a college degree $65,146 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 5%-points higher than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Texas. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 12%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Texas. Top Institutions Enrolling and Graduating Hispanic Undergraduates, 2026 Rank Institution Name Sector Total Enrollment Hispanic Enrollment % Hispanic Enrollment Total Completions Hispanic Completions % Hispanic Completions 1 The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Public, 4-year or above 27,026 25,338 94% 4,810 4,530 94% 2 Lone Star College System Public, 4-year or above 47,486 21,532 45% 8,790 3,685 42% 3 Dallas College Public, 4-year or above 41,815 20,761 50% 7,729 3,973 51% 4 El Paso Community College Public, 2-year 22,893 19,005 83% 3,321 2,850 86% 5 The University of Texas at San Antonio Public, 4-year or above 29,675 18,170 61% 5,880 3,441 59% BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE Examples of What Works for Latino, And All, Students Looking to know what works or connect with evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? Our team can work with you to identify and connect with relevant programs making an impact on student success that can help you in your efforts to intentionally serve your Latino, and all, students. Click here to contact us . Sources U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Excelencia in Education analysis using U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey, and Institutional Characteristics Survey.

Adriana Rodriguez serves as Chief Operating Officer & Vice President for Institutional Programs of Excelencia in Education. Adriana works closely with the CEO, focusing on optimizing processes, managing resources, and ensuring efficient execution of business strategies. < Back to Our People Page Adriana Rodriguez Chief Operating Officer & Vice President for Institutional Programs Excelencia in Education Email: arodriguez@EdExcelencia.org Current Position: Adriana Rodriguez serves as Excelencia in Education’s Chief Operating Officer & Vice President for Institutional Programs. As the COO she works closely with the CEO, focusing on optimizing processes, managing resources, and ensuring efficient execution of business strategies. In her role as Vice President, she sets the strategic direction of the Institutional Practices portfolio. This involves supporting a dedicated team in the execution of programming for Examples of Excelencia and the Growing What Works (GWW) Database. Past Experiences: Adriana has 20 years of experience in non-profit education sector. During her 17 years of service at the Maya Angelou Schools in Washington, D.C., she worked in the areas of data infrastructure, office operations, continuous improvement practices, and school accountability policy. These focus areas had a secondary education lens, but she also worked on post-secondary pathways for six of those years by designing and managing college access and success services for the schools’ seniors and alumni. She was a tireless advocate among school leaders and city officials to ensure the inclusion of alternative youth populations in policy decisions. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? My career has focused on equitable access to education and employment opportunities for older youth and young adults, especially those most marginalized by educational systems. Excelencia provides an opportunity to bring a Latino lens to my work and to address issues at a national level and with higher education partners committed to student-thriving environments. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? I show up every day for Excelencia because of its mission and clear pathway to achieve it. I enjoy being part of a diverse and talented staff that works hard to achieve our goals. I appreciate the collaboration with all of our wonderful programs and institutions to transform higher education to more intentionally serve Latino and all post-traditional students.

Jessica Leach serves as Grants Manager of Excelencia in Education. Jessica works closely with the Finance and Executive teams to support the administration of grants and contracts. < Back to Our People Page Jessica Leach Grants Manager Excelencia in Education Email: jleach@edexcelencia.org Current Position: As the Grants Manager, Jessica works closely with the Finance and Executive teams to support the administration of grants and contracts. She is responsible for tracking project progress, timely and accurate grant reporting, and supporting development efforts. Past Experiences: Jessica has over a decade of experience working at various universities in the United States and Canada in administrative, teaching, and graduate student positions. Before Excelencia , she managed a grants team that administered language preservation grants and contracts for Tribes and First Nations across the United States and Canada. Jessica has a Ph.D. in History from Indiana University Bloomington. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? I thrive working with teams of highly motivated and talented individuals, like our team at Excelencia . This position allows me to collaborate closely with leadership and the entire team, which I find motivating and rewarding. My previous work in admissions, standardized testing, and teaching really showed the inequities in higher education, and it is extremely important to me to help make higher education more accessible for all. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Working at Excelencia immerses me in a fast-paced and collaborative environment with passionate coworkers. It is refreshing to work for an organization that cares deeply about its mission and its employees. We are offered many opportunities for professional and personal growth, which helps employees better support Excelencia’s mission.