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Noé Ortiz serves as Senior Manager, Program Operations of Excelencia in Education. Noé supports program efforts by coordinating the use of tools implemented by Excelencia’s program teams. < Back to Our People Page Noé Ortiz Senior Manager, Program Operations Excelencia in Education Email: nortiz@EdExcelencia.org Current Position: As the Senior Manager, Program Operations, Noé supports program efforts by coordinating the use of tools implemented by Excelencia’s program teams. He is responsible for the development and maintenance of reference manuals and training materials for users. Noé supports the management of user issues, vendor outreach, and data management for the software that supports program efforts. Past Experiences: Noé has over 25 years of experience in the field of financial aid and college preparation spanning every segment of higher education (four-year private/public institutions as well as community colleges) and educational consulting. Prior to joining Excelencia , his focus was on process improvement of higher education systems to ensure they work for students. As an advocate for access to higher education for low-income, underrepresented students, his passion was to demystify the college enrollment process through outreach efforts and by partnering with schools and community organizations. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? I am a firm believer that education changes lives and future generations. I also believe that there are more talented students waiting to be discovered and nurtured, particularly in the Latino community, than are readily recognized by institutions. Many have been ready to do the work to serve these students. Excelencia is the change agent that is tapping into this energy to transform institutions to do this work. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? I love working at Excelencia because no matter how different our individual responsibilities may be, we are a team of highly talented and motivated individuals working towards one same common cause, to accelerate Latino student success. To a person, this is what drives us. It is refreshing to work for an organization where you don’t have to worry about convincing colleagues to support your efforts.

Honee Herrera Gil serves as Institutional Capacity Manager of Excelencia in Education. Honee connects and engages institutional teams to Excelencia’s technical assistance support and the Seal of Excelencia. < Back to Our People Page Honee Herrera Gil Institutional Capacity Manager Excelencia in Education Email: hgil@edexcelencia.org Current Position: As the Institutional Capacity Manager, Honee works with colleagues to connect and engage institutional teams to Excelencia’s technical assistance support and the Seal of Excelencia . She serves as an essential connection point to the Institutional Capacity team and actively engages with institutional partners, affiliates, and constituents, fostering trust and maintaining high-quality communications. She plays a vital role in program operations to keep team members informed, organized, and connected so that the team can deliver on its goals to support institutions on their journeys to more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. Honee also leads the Institutional Capacity team’s data collection to inform strategic planning and decision making to support the organization’s commitment to serving the Latino community, with a specific focus on how these efforts contribute to institutional transformation and progression through the Ladder of Engagement. Past Experiences: Honee has previous leadership experience in programs designed to help various underserved groups, including migrant families, students with disabilities, non-traditional transfer students, and first-generation college students. Her commitment to education and social justice grew stronger through these roles. In her last role at GEAR UP, she played a crucial role in improving the academic achievements and college preparedness for students from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds. Beyond her work with GEAR UP, Honee has made significant contributions to the migrant community – assisting farm workers in obtaining their GEDs to empower them to pursue further education, and working collaboratively with school staff, district leaders, parents, and community members to create inclusive and supportive learning environments for all students. Additionally, she served as a staff advisor for a student organization supporting Dreamers, offering support and encouragement to undocumented students as they navigated their educational journeys. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? I am deeply committed to expanding educational opportunities and equity for underserved communities. Being part of a comunidad that’s dedicated to empowering Latino student success, such as Excelencia , is a true privilege. Excelencia’s platform offers me an opportunity to expand the reach of my work, fostering institutional growth and transformation on a national platform. I’m eager to continue advocating for access to quality education for every student and to support Excelencia in its mission to promote educational success for Latino, and all, students. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Working at Excelencia fills me with a sense of purpose and excitement. The commitment to educational equity and the success of Latino students is tangible in all of our technical assistance work. Our team’s passion contributes to a working environment that encourages innovation and teamwork. I am honored to play a role in intentionally SERVING Latino students and to collaborate with a team that’s genuinely making an impact every day.

How have the number and location of Hispanic-Serving Institutions and eHSIs changed over time? Learn more about the evolution of HSIs with Excelencia's StoryMap. < Back Evolution of HSIs: Interactive StoryMap Excelencia in Education April 2026 DOWNLOADS/LINKS StoryMap on HSIs SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview How have the number and location of HSIs and eHSIs changed over 31 years? Learn more about the evolution of HSIs through Excelencia’s HSI StoryMap. CLICK HERE to Explore Excelencia's interactive StoryMap on HSIs. Source: Excelencia in Education analysis using U.S. Department of Education, NCES, IPEDS, 1994-2024 Fall Enrollment, Institutional Characteristics, and Completions Surveys. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Cindy Mendiola-Perez serves as Director of Institutional Capacity of Excelencia in Education. Cindy is responsible for a comprehensive plan of technical assistance to support institutions on their journey of intentionally serving Latino, and all, students, and manage evaluation of institutes and other learning opportunities. < Back to Our People Page Cindy Mendiola-Perez Director of Institutional Capacity Excelencia in Education Email: cmperez@EdExcelencia.org Position Description: As Director of Institutional Capacity, Cindy is responsible for a comprehensive plan of technical assistance to support institutions on their journey of intentionally serving Latino, and all, students, and manage evaluation of institutes and other learning opportunities. This position is part of the Institutional Capacity team. Past experience: Prior to joining Excelencia , Cindy spent 32 years working in higher education institutions, 15 of those in student services at an HSI community college and 13 as an administrator at the district level where she led the development of various district-wide initiatives, including the development of a centralized center for admissions and records and the implementation of a redesigned, case-managed advising model. Cindy also spent 7 years helping prepare K-16 Latino students for careers in health and STEM both in a private, non-profit organization and at the university level. Your why: My passion for higher education stems from a commitment to creating equitable opportunities for students who struggle to gain access to and complete college, especially Latino students. Excelencia’s mission of accelerating Latino student success and the organization’s approach to mobilizing and supporting institutions intentionally SERVING Hispanic students aligns with my passion. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? The passion, commitment and dedication to the mission are evident amongst the staff at Excelencia . This, coupled with the opportunity to serve the higher ed community while enhancing student success for Latino, and all, students, makes Excelencia a great place to work.

A one-of-a-kind ceramic, Excelencia’s Tree of Life encapsulates our organization’s history and mission. Excelencia's Tree of Life As Excelencia in Education’s first 10 years of service came to a close in 2014, Co-founders Sarita Brown and Deborah Santiago considered a meaningful way to mark the organization’s growth into a recognized leader accelerating Latino student success while increasing all student success in higher education. They commissioned San Antonio-based artist Verónica Castillo Salas, a third-generation sculptor and award-winning ceramicist, to create a work of art that reflected our mission and invoked our community, culture, and roots. The result was Excelencia’s Tree of Life, now on display in our office in Washington, D.C. The sculpture is similar to the artist’s Tree of Life created for the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino’s debut exhibition in 2022. Learn more about the significance and symbolism of the artwork below. Significance A one-of-a-kind ceramic, Excelencia’s Tree of Life encapsulates our organization’s history and mission. The sculpture is a depiction of a large, healthy tree, with Excelencia’s co-founders at its base holding a heart, representing our passion for education. Along its branches, literal blossoms appear interspersed with Latino and Latina college graduates and professionals — blossoms Excelencia seeks to grow by serving our mission — who contribute their talents and energies to their communities and country. Through this artwork, we communicate our unfaltering belief in what can be accomplished by planting a seed and nourishing it to grow through support, collaboration, and hard work. Since its installation, Excelencia’s Tree of Life has become a focal point embodying Excelencia’s mission and impact. Taking selfies and group pictures with it is now a tradition for collaborators who travel to the organization’s D.C. office. Like those who gravitate toward Excelencia’s Tree of Life, our founders, staff, Board, and supporters remain committed to linking leadership, data, and practice to accelerate Latino student success while increasing all student success and ensure America’s future with the talents of the Latino community. Symbolism In creating Excelencia’s Tree of Life, Verónica Castillo Salas was inspired by the world’s oldest and largest tree, El Árbol del Tule, in her parents’ homeland of Mexico. Castillo shared insights into the symbolism of the work: Giant trees, like El Árbol del Tule , are a testimony of history. In the past, our ancestors would put memorials on this tree. It was a ‘tree of life’ because it symbolized lives and generations of strength and longevity. This giant tree began as a seed once. It was planted, and that related to Excelencia’s story; the dreams of these two women, who planted with passion and love a seed about education to help young Latinos. They planted this dream. They embraced it, and it grew. I read the materials Excelencia publishes and saw how many Latinos have entered the professional ranks and succeeded at the highest levels, so I wanted to visualize that they become lawyers and doctors and architects... When these students benefit and move on, they too will plant seeds and keep growing and spreading life in the future. I hope they never forget the seed where they came from and how Excelencia helped them.

Latinos will need to earn 6.2 million degrees by 2030 to reach the U.S. degree attainment goal. Learn about Latino College Completion in Alaska. Latino College Completion - Alaska Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. However, different patterns emerge within each state or location. To reach the Latino degree attainment goal by 2030, states can close the degree completion gap by accelerating Latino completion while increasing for all students and scale up programs and initiatives that work for Latino, and all, students. To find out more, scroll below. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2021) 32% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 48% Of White adults Fast Facts Alaska had the 44th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 10% K-12 Population 7% Total Population 2-Year Graduation Rate 82% Latino Students 86% White Students Median Age 27 Latinos 40 White 4-Year Graduation Rate 29% Latino Students 39% White Students Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 4%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Alaska. At four-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 10%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Alaska. BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE Top Institutions To find out more about the top institutions enrolling, and awarding associate and bachelor degrees to Hispanics by using the tabs below to navigate the information. Click on the tabs below to explore. ENROLLING ASSOCIATES DEGREES BACHELORS DEGREE Top Institutions Enrolling (Hispanic Undergraduates) in Alaska, 2021-2022 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of Alaska Anchorage Public, 4-year or above 7,284 729 10% 2 University of Alaska Fairbanks Public, 4-year or above 4,108 353 9% 3 University of Alaska Southeast Public, 4-year or above 999 80 8% 4 Alaska Pacific University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 347 36 10% 5 Alaska Career College Private for-profit, 2-year 317 29 9% Top Institutions Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanics in Alaska, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of Alaska Anchorage Public, 4-year or above 665 53 8% 2 University of Alaska Fairbanks Public, 4-year or above 254 23 9% 3 University of Alaska Southeast Public, 4-year or above 77 7 9% 4 Alaska Career College Private for-profit, 2-year 29 4 14% 5 - - - - - Top Institutions Awarding Bachelor Degrees to Hispanics in Alaska, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of Alaska Anchorage Public, 4-year or above 1,039 96 9% 2 University of Alaska Fairbanks Public, 4-year or above 558 52 9% 3 University of Alaska Southeast Public, 4-year or above 144 10 7% 4 Alaska Pacific University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 52 2 4% 5 Alaska Bible College Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 4 1 25% 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 Excelencia in Education. (2020). Ensuring America’s Future: Benchmarking Latino College Completion to 2030. Excelencia in Education. Washington, D.C. U.S. Census Bureau, 2021 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Excelencia in Education Analysis using the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2021 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey and Institutional Characteristics Survey.

Latinos will need to earn 6.2 million degrees by 2030 to reach the U.S. degree attainment goal. Learn about Latino College Completion in Pennsylvania. Latino College Completion - Pennsylvania Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. However, different patterns emerge within each state or location. To reach the Latino degree attainment goal by 2030, states can close the degree completion gap by accelerating Latino completion while increasing for all students and scale up programs and initiatives that work for Latino, and all, students. To find out more, scroll below. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2021) 28% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 45% Of White adults Fast Facts Pennsylvania had the 10th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 13% K-12 Population 8% Total Population 2-Year Graduation Rate 28% Latino Students 40% White Students Median Age 28 Latinos 45 White 4-Year Graduation Rate 63% Latino Students 72% White Students Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 12%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Pennsylvania. At four-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 9%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Pennsylvania. BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE Top Institutions To find out more about the top institutions enrolling, and awarding associate and bachelor degrees to Hispanics by using the tabs below to navigate the information. Click on the tabs below to explore. ENROLLING ASSOCIATES DEGREES BACHELORS DEGREE Top Institutions Enrolling (Hispanic Undergraduates) in Pennsylvania, 2021-2022 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 The Pennsylvania State University Public, 4-year or above 72,229 6,184 9% 2 Temple University Public, 4-year or above 25,596 2,205 9% 3 Community College of Philadelphia Public, 2-year 10,881 1,826 17% 4 Northampton County Area Community College Public, 2-year 7,173 1,825 25% 5 Harrisburg Area Community College Public, 2-year 11,295 1,550 14% Top Institutions Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanics in Pennsylvania, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Northampton County Area Community College Public, 2-year 1,159 229 20% 2 Community College of Philadelphia Public, 2-year 1,657 223 13% 3 Lehigh Carbon Community College Public, 2-year 834 173 21% 4 Harrisburg Area Community College Public, 2-year 1,876 169 9% 5 Reading Area Community College Public, 2-year 433 144 33% Top Institutions Awarding Bachelor Degrees to Hispanics in Pennsylvania, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 The Pennsylvania State University Public, 4-year or above 15,903 1,142 7% 2 Temple University Public, 4-year or above 6,572 484 7% 3 University of Pennsylvania Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 2,636 289 11% 4 Drexel University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 3,150 216 7% 5 University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Public, 4-year or above 4,652 188 4% 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 Excelencia in Education. (2020). Ensuring America’s Future: Benchmarking Latino College Completion to 2030. Excelencia in Education. Washington, D.C. U.S. Census Bureau, 2021 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Excelencia in Education Analysis using the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2021 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey and Institutional Characteristics Survey.

Excelencia’s retention and transfer recommendations compel policymakers to strengthen policies that support access to excellence through a variety of educational pathways. < Back Excelencia’s Policy Agenda: Retention and Transfer Excelencia in Education June 2025 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Latino students fit a post-traditional learner profile and are more likely to take multiple paths through higher education, often balancing work, family, and financial responsibilities. Students’ decisions to pause or change institutions are typically driven by life circumstances, not academic ability. Policy must support seamless transitions and degree completion. Excelencia in Education prioritizes: Strengthening Transfer Pathways: Expanding credit transfer agreements and articulation policies that ensure students don’t lose time or credits when transitioning between institutions. Supporting Proactive Student Support Systems: Encouraging institutions to adopt advising, coaching, and financial aid structures that recognize the realities of Latino students and provide tailored support to keep them on track. How can policymakers support access to excellence through a variety of education pathways? Make transfer efforts an allowable activity for Higher Education Act Title V, Part A, (Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program) grants. Update federal data to more accurately capture Latino students’ pathways and how federal funding impacts Latino student success. Strengthen partnerships between higher education institutions and high school districts for high-quality dual enrollment programs. Provide financial incentives to institutions to retain Latino students on their path to graduation. Featured Publications Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Cintia Elenstar serves as Director of Institutional Programs of Excelencia in Education. Cintia implements strategies to advance and scale three national programs: Examples of Excelencia, Growing What Works, and Programs for Latino Student Success. < Back to Our People Page Cintia Elenstar Director of Institutional Programs Excelencia in Education Email: celenstar@edexcelencia.org Current Position: As Director of Institutional Programs, Cintia implements strategies to advance and scale three national programs: Examples of Excelencia , Growing What Works, and Programs for Latino Student Success. Cintia supports a team that identifies, aggregates, and promotes evidence-based practices that intentionally SERVE Latino students. She also works collaboratively with Excelencia colleagues to develop engagement opportunities for action-oriented program leaders so that they can leverage their collective expertise and amplify their efforts to accelerate Latino student success. Past Experiences: Cintia’s restless curiosity and passion for making a positive difference in the world have led her to explore various professional and personal opportunities. Before joining Excelencia , she was the executive director of a Florida nonprofit supporting primarily low-income Latino students and their families on their journey to higher education, where she established donor management and data collection processes for effective program evaluation and improvement. Prior to this, Cintia served as Education Administrator at a botanical garden, taught English as a second language to new US residents in underserved communities, and worked as a legal assistant supervisor in a Public Defender’s Office. Before coming to the US, Cintia founded and managed a travel company in Argentina and, through this experience, gained insight into the importance of customer service, how to lead a team effectively, and the value of empowering others. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? As a first-generation Latina immigrant, I strongly connect with Excelencia’s mission. I have experienced the life-transforming opportunities that higher education brings about, and it is an honor to work alongside a talented and passionate team, practitioners, and institutional leaders to advance educational achievement for Latinos in our nation. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? A high level of professionalism, commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration, and exemplary leadership is what I experience working at Excelencia . Every day, I am challenged and inspired to do my best. It is energizing to be part of a high-performing team with a strong foundation working towards a common purpose.

Audrey Dow serves as Partner, Secoya Affect at the Campaign for College Opportunity, and Excelencia in Education's Board Member. < Back to Our People Page Audrey Dow Partner, Secoya Affect Campaign for College Opportunity Audrey Dow is a public affairs, media and communications strategist who provides consulting services to leading nonprofit, philanthropic, public, and business organizations working to improve the lives of marginalized people in California and the nation. She previously served as a member of the Executive Team at the Campaign for College Opportunity, one of the most impactful higher education policy, advocacy, and research organizations in California. Ms. Dow's work has influenced historic policy reforms in higher education, including ending the inequitable practice of placement exams and remedial courses, expanding financial aid for students, improving transfer policies from community colleges to universities, stopping unfair admission changes at the California State University, and supporting the end of SAT/ACT exams for University of California admissions. California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Ms. Dow to the Health Professions Education Foundation Board of Directors. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Alliance for a Better Community.

Star Huff serves as Senior Operations Manager of Excelencia in Education. Star provides hands-on operations and administrative support to ensure that Excelencia team members are resourced to do their best work. < Back to Our People Page Star Huff Senior Operations Manager Excelencia in Education Email: shuff@edexcelencia.org Current Position: As the Senior Operations Manager, Star provides hands-on operations and administrative support to ensure that Excelencia team members are resourced to do their best work. In addition to day-to-day operational functions, Star contributes to internal systems planning, human resources, vendor and consultant management, information technology, and office management. Past Experiences: Star has 20 years of operations experience in the nonprofit sector, specializing in administration, human resources, and information technology management. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? As someone who is deeply passionate about equal opportunities for all, Excelencia’s mission resonates with me on a personal level. It motivates me to work towards creating an educational system that is inclusive and equitable, where every student, regardless of their background, can achieve success. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? As a staff member of Excelencia , I have the privilege of working with a team of talented and motivated individuals who share the same vision. Being part of a collaborative and mission-driven organization means that each day presents unique challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth.