Valerio Ferme is President of New Mexico State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page New Mexico State University Valerio Ferme President Institution website: https://nmsu.edu/ Bio Page: https://president.nmsu.edu/ Valerio Ferme is President of New Mexico State University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Arrick Jackson is Chancellor of Indiana University Northwest and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Indiana University Northwest Arrick Jackson Chancellor Institution website: https://northwest.iu.edu/index.html Bio Page: https://northwest.iu.edu/chancellor/chancellor-info/index.html Arrick Jackson is Chancellor of Indiana University Northwest and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Jermaine Williams is President of Montgomery College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Montgomery College Jermaine Williams President Institution website: https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/index.html Bio Page: https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/about-mc/office-of-the-president/presidents-biography.html Jermaine Williams is President of Montgomery College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Iris Yan serves as Research Analyst of Excelencia in Education. Iris collaborates on data collection, analysis, and dissemination of research projects to inform institutional practice and policy with a Latino lens, aligned with Excelencia’s mission of accelerating Latino student success. < Back to Our People Page Iris Yan Research Analyst Excelencia in Education Email: ryan@edexcelencia.org Current Position: As a Research Analyst, Iris collaborates on data collection, analysis, and dissemination of research projects to inform institutional practice and policy with a Latino lens, aligned with Excelencia’s mission of accelerating Latino student success. She plays a pivotal role in coordinating the use of national datasets, management of internal data sets, and conducting analyses that inform higher education issues, such as affordability and institutional capacity. Additionally, she actively contributes to data analysis on topics related to Latinos in higher education and assists in the development of research publications based on Excelencia's four core priorities: affordability, institutional capacity, retention and transfer, and workforce preparation. Past Experiences: Iris brings over three years of quantitative research experience to Excelencia , particularly with underrepresented student populations and their persistence in STEM fields. She previously worked as a Research and Data Analyst at Texas A&M University, on a grant project funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Iris earned her Master’s degree in Research, Measurement and Statistics from Texas A&M University at College Station. Her education and experience have equipped her with professional skills and theoretical framework to conduct both quantitative and qualitative research. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? Promoting education equity has been a passion of mine for many years. I firmly believe that education is the key to unlocking opportunities for underrepresented populations. Excelencia in Education’s mission to accelerate Latino student success in higher education by promoting institutional practices and educational policies aligns perfectly with my values, as I strive to make higher education a more accessible and equitable place for underrepresented students. I am thrilled at the opportunity of being part of the Excelencia team to make higher education more accessible for Latino students. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? We are a group of people that share the same values. We believe in Excelencia’s mission and commitment to serve the Latino community. Excelencia encourages everyone to achieve their full potential and succeed. I am honored to be part of the organization, collaborate with my team, and learn from my colleagues and leaders.

As a Senior Research Manager at Excelencia, Lily collaborates with the Research team to collect and analyze data and disseminate research projects to inform and compel action with a Latino lens. < Back to Our People Page Lily Cuellarsola Senior Research Manager Excelencia in Education Email: lcuellarsola@edexcelencia.org Current Position: As a Senior Research Manager at Excelencia , Lily collaborates with the Research team to collect and analyze data and disseminate research projects to inform and compel action with a Latino lens. She uses national and internal datasets to conduct analyses to inform higher education policies and develops research publications centered around Excelencia's policy priorities: affordability, institutional capacity, retention and transfer, and workforce preparation. Past Experiences: Lily comes to Excelencia with a personal passion for advancing equity in higher education and with over five years of institutional research experience. She previously worked as a Research Assistant with the Office of Institutional Research at Wellesley College where she conducted research related to financial aid, student enrollment, student success in graduate school admissions, and student well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, Lily worked as a Research Associate at EAB where she conducted market research to better advise institutions on their course offerings. She received her bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Wellesley College. Lily leverages her personal experience as a first-generation college graduate, education in Philosophy, and professional background to infuse her research analysis with empathy, critical thinking, and adaptability to ensure a diverse perspective in her role at Excelencia . Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? I work for Excelencia because of the organization's profound history and commitment to advancing Latino excellence in higher education. My professional background and personal values align with Excelencia's mission to accelerate Latino student success in higher education and beyond, and I eagerly contribute my skills and knowledge to further support the impactful research for which Excelencia is known. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Working at Excelencia is an inspiring experience. The passion my colleagues possess for their work, the communities they intentionally serve, and their genuine care for one another creates an exceptional environment. I feel privileged to collaborate with such a dedicated team on work that resonates deeply with me.

Alberto J.F. Cardelle is President of SUNY Oneonta and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page SUNY Oneonta Alberto J.F. Cardelle President Institution website: https://suny.oneonta.edu/ Bio Page: https://suny.oneonta.edu/office-president/biography Alberto J.F. Cardelle is President of SUNY Oneonta and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Berenecea Johnson Eanes is President of California State University-Los Angeles and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State University-Los Angeles Berenecea Johnson Eanes President Institution website: https://www.calstatela.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.calstatela.edu/president/berenecea-johnson-eanes Berenecea Johnson Eanes is President of California State University-Los Angeles and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institution: 2023-2026 California State University (CSU) Los Angeles, a Hispanic Serving Institution in East Los Angeles, serves approximately 27,000 students, 75% of whom are Latino, 55% first-generation college students, and 64% Pell Grant recipients. CSU Los Angeles is committed to the success of their Latino students and other students who have historically been underserved. Using data-informed and intentional strategies, CSU Los Angeles has closed the 4-year and 6-year graduation gap between Latino and other students.

Matt Cuozzo serves as Chief of Staff of Excelencia in Education. Matt servs as a core liaison to support strategic implementation across the organization. < Back to Our People Page Matt Cuozzo Chief of Staff Excelencia in Education Email: mcuozzo@EdExcelencia.org Current Position: As Chief of Staff, my role is to serve as a core liaison to support strategic implementation across the organization. Internally, I coordinate communication across teams, support organization-wide strategic planning, and work with our Executive Team and portfolio leads to increase organizational capacity. Externally, I provide oversight for several strategic partnerships, represent the organization at relevant meetings and events, and intentionally engage with affiliates and partners to meet our mission of accelerating Latino student success in higher education. Past Experiences: I began my career as a college success program coach serving low-income and first-generation students. This led me to pursue a graduate degree in Higher Education, where I studied the systemic barriers and opportunities for equity in higher education. During that time, I interned for Excelencia , contributing to our work on College Completion through a Latino Lens. Most recently I worked at a community college implementing models of academic support, peer mentorship, engagement, and personal growth for 650+ students yearly, both dual enrollment high school students and college scholarship recipients. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? I am committed to a future that prioritizes and recognizes the strengths of Black and Brown students. While I have significant experience serving students directly, I have the opportunity in my current role to contribute to a broader awareness and help build coalitions in ways that empower Latino students and communities. In everything I do, I try to help advance racial equity on a national scale. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Excelencia ’s power is its people. We know that the community we serve always comes first. Whether we’re collaborating to develop an innovative approach to help institutions transform, or whether we’re playing lotería during a team holiday party, we uplift, challenge, and inspire one other.

< Back to News Page Excelencia in Education Releases Compilation of Evidence-Based Practices That Work for Latinos in College Apr 13, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Higher Education Programs Across the Country Identified For Improving Latino Student Achievement Amongst All In Five Areas WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 24, 2024) – Excelencia in Education announces today the release of a compilation of evidence-based programs that are at the forefront of improving higher educational achievement for Latino, and all, students. The compilation, “ Advancing What Works to Intentionally Serve Latino Students: Opportunities for Action – 2024 ,” emphasizes cultural responsiveness and asset-based approaches to serving Latinos, as well as other post-traditional students, in five key areas: Engagement to Prepare Students and Families in College First-Year Experiences Building Strong Foundations for Success Bilingualism Enhancing Academic and Career Connections Experiences and Partnerships Building Career Pathways Gender-Based Learning Communities to Support Success Excelencia’s compilation brings national attention to noteworthy efforts increasing Latino student success amongst all served in higher education to inspire and support educators, community leaders, funders, and policymakers to replicate and bring to scale evidence-based practices. It builds on the organization’s 20-year history of applying a Latino lens to critical issues in postsecondary education while linking data and practice to support Latino, and all, student achievement. “ Excelencia increases awareness of programs that work for Latino students with the understanding that what serves our students ultimately serves our country,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “These data-informed and evidence-based practices tell unique stories of our students and prove what is possible. These programs also show there is no excuse for inaction to make a positive difference for students.” For nearly two decades, Excelencia has led the charge in highlighting and growing effective practices for Latino, and all, students through Examples of Excelencia . Examples is the only national data-driven effort to recognize and promote programs increasing Latino student success amongst all served in higher education. Since launching Examples, Excelencia has received over 2,000 program submissions, recognized over 400 programs for their impact, and raised and awarded over $2 million to sustain the life-changing work of those programs. “America’s future is brighter with the talents of Latinos,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia . “Now more than ever, Excelencia commits to bringing national attention to effective efforts advancing students’ higher education journeys to completion. By sharing information and supporting replication we build momentum for institutional transformation that accelerates Latino student success and thus grows our civic leadership and future workforce.” Excelencia releases this publication at Prepárate 2024, a national convening hosted by the College Board for those committed to advancing educational opportunity for Latino students. Together, we champion asset-based approaches that uplift the strengths of and opportunities for Latino, and all, students. Programs from the compilation are featured in Excelencia’s Growing What Works Database — the only national, searchable database for institutional leaders, funders, policymakers, and others interested in effective programs for Latino, and all, students. “Advancing What Works to Intentionally Serve Latino Students: Opportunities for Action – 2024” benefited from the support and public leadership of 24 colleges and universities that have earned the Seal of Excelencia : Arizona State University Austin Community College District California State University Channel Islands California State University, Fresno California State University, Fullerton California State University, Long Beach California State University, Northridge City Colleges of Chicago, Richard J. Daley College City Colleges of Chicago, Wilbur Wright College El Paso Community College Florida International University Grand Valley State University Long Beach City College Mercy University Miami Dade College San Antonio College South Texas College St. Edward’s University University at Albany, SUNY University of Illinois Chicago The University of Texas at Arlington The University of Texas at Austin The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley The University of Texas at San Antonio Access the full compilation: EdExcelencia.org/advancing-what-works-latino-students-2024 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

Ann D. Bieber is President of Lehigh Carbon Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Lehigh Carbon Community College Ann D. Bieber President Institution website: https://www.lccc.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.lccc.edu/about/who-we-are/leadership/dr-ann-bieber-president/ Ann D. Bieber is President of Lehigh Carbon Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Cathy Sandeen is President of California State University-East Bay and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State University-East Bay Cathy Sandeen President Institution website: https://www.csueastbay.edu/index.html Bio Page: https://www.csueastbay.edu/administration/index.html Cathy Sandeen is President of California State University-East Bay and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified: 2024-2027 California State University, East Bay (CSUEB) is a public university located in Hayward. CSUEB caters to the diverse aspirations of its student population and is a transfer-oriented campus. Almost over 60% of its undergraduates were transfer students, and 36% of those are Latino. In Fall 2023, CSUEB enrolled 13,338 students with more than 41% of undergraduates identifying as Latino. The University is designated both a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI).

Michael Baston is President of Cuyahoga Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Cuyahoga Community College Michael Baston President Institution website: https://www.tri-c.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.tri-c.edu/administrative-departments/office-of-the-president.html Michael Baston is President of Cuyahoga Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network.