This brief examines financial aid strategies aimed at increasing enrollment, success, and completion at 8 Texas Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). < Back Reality Check: Hispanic-Serving Institutions on the Texas Border Strategizing Financial Aid Deborah A. Santiago January 2011 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication Executive Summary SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview As Latino representation in U.S. higher education grows, a reality check of institutional practices that support Latino, and all, students' access, persistence, and graduation is needed. This brief examines financial aid strategies aimed at increasing enrollment, academic success and degree completion at eight Texas Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) located along the U.S.-Mexico border serving low-income communities. These institutions rank among the top institutions, both statewide and nationally, in enrolling and graduating Latino students: Texas A&M International University The University of Texas at Brownsville The University of Texas at El Paso The University of Texas Pan American Laredo Community College Texas Southmost College El Paso County Community College District South Texas College Understanding what influences Latino students' financial aid choices and which institutional practices are effective in enrolling, retaining, and graduating Latino students amongst all is directly relevant to other institutions that are only beginning to experience growth in the number of their non-traditional students. The findings of this brief are intended to inform the programs and services at institutions with growing Hispanic enrollment, as well as state and federal policymakers addressing the broader growth of Hispanic students throughout higher education. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Excelencia provides an updated summary of how Latinos pay for college to inform financial aid policy to ensure Latino college access, retention, and success. < Back How Latinos Pay for College Fact Sheet Excelencia in Education April 2019 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Fact Sheet SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Excelencia knows college is not affordable for many Latino students. One of our first reports (2005) summarized how Latino students paid for college. Fifteen years later we see significantly more Latinos in higher education—but challenges in affordability remain. The profile of Latino students and their participation in federal financial aid are important as we consider implications for policy changes and investments that impact all students. Latino students make pragmatic choices to finance their college education. Latino students pay for college through grants more so than loans and adapt their enrollment and the types of institutions they enroll in to make college affordable. In this factsheet, Excelencia provides a summary of how Latinos pay for college to better inform financial aid policy to ensure Latino, and all, students' college access, retention, and success. This summary includes Latino students’ participation in federal student aid overall, Pell Grants, Federal Work-Study, and federal student loans with the latest available data from the 2015-16 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS). Suggested Citation: Excelencia in Education analysis of U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015-16 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study. Infographics to share Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

George Timmons is President of Holyoke Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Holyoke Community College George Timmons President Institution website: https://www.hcc.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.hcc.edu/about/news-events-and-media/news-stories/george-timmons#:~:text=Timmons%2C%2054%2C%20holds%20a%20Ph,State%20University%20in%20Norfolk%2C%20Virginia George Timmons is President of Holyoke Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

This brief identifies the top institutions graduating and preparing Latinos in health, and highlights evidence-based practices to increase Latino student success. < Back Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent in Health Excelencia in Education March 2024 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview For 20 years, Excelencia in Education has served its mission to accelerate Latino student success while increasing all student success in higher education in order to address the country’s need for a highly educated workforce and civic leadership. Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent in Health represents the latest extension of Excelencia’s hallmark work of bringing national attention to higher education institutions and practices advancing Latino talent, strengthening our economy, and ensuring America’s future. Healthcare occupations are projected to increase over the next decade. As the demand for healthcare professionals increases, Latinos are increasing their representation in healthcare positions. Despite their increased representation, Latinos are more likely to be in healthcare support occupations rather than in healthcare management or professional occupation that offer higher salaries. This brief presents Excelencia’s roadmap for both employers and institutions to take action to ensure America’s future by advancing Latino talent in health. The top institutions awarding credentials to Latinos at each level in health are: NUC University in Puerto Rico (Certificate and Associate) Western Governors University in Utah (Baccalaureate) Miami Regional University in Florida (Master’s) Rutgers University-New Brunswick in New Jersey (Doctorate) Nova Southeastern University in Florida (First Professional) Strategies for institutions and employers to link Latino graduates to the workforce include: Invest in high-wage, high-demand career pathways by developing stackable credentials in collaboration with employers and funding short-term career programs. Provide transition services between completion and employment or graduate school, including financial and mental health support. Connect the Latino talent pipeline to employers by recruiting graduates for internal employment opportunities and leveraging partnerships with employers. Suggested Citation: Santiago, D., Labandera, E., Arroyo, C., & Nour, S.R. (February 2024). Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent in Health . Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

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 Texas. Latino College Completion - Texas 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) 25% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 51% Of White adults Fast Facts Texas had the 2nd largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 49% K-12 Population 40% Total Population 2-Year Graduation Rate 35% Latino Students 34% White Students Median Age 29 Latinos 42 White 4-Year Graduation Rate 46% Latino Students 58% White Students Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 1%-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. 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 Texas, 2021-2022 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Public, 4-year or above 26,402 24,721 94% 2 Lone Star College System Public, 4-year or above 49,093 21,610 44% 3 El Paso Community College Public, 2-year 24,423 20,891 86% 4 South Texas College Public, 4-year or above 19,668 18,737 95% 5 Dallas College Public, 4-year or above 42,033 18,737 45% Top Institutions Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanics in Texas, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Dallas College Public, 4-year or above 9,786 4,456 46% 2 South Texas College Public, 4-year or above 3,918 3,771 96% 3 Lone Star College System Public, 4-year or above 8,409 3,359 40% 4 El Paso Community College Public, 2-year 3,457 2,951 85% 5 San Jacinto Community College Public, 4-year or above 4,991 2,874 58% Top Institutions Awarding Bachelor Degrees to Hispanics in Texas, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Public, 4-year or above 4,924 4,598 93% 2 The University of Texas at San Antonio Public, 4-year or above 6,262 3,672 59% 3 The University of Texas at El Paso Public, 4-year or above 3,910 3,251 83% 4 University of Houston Public, 4-year or above 8,817 3,136 36% 5 Texas A & M University-College Station Public, 4-year or above 13,092 3,063 23% 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 Michigan. Latino College Completion - Michigan 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) 30% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 43% Of White adults Fast Facts Michigan had the 20th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 9% K-12 Population 6% Total Population 2-Year Graduation Rate 21% Latino Students 23% White Students Median Age 27 Latinos 43 White 4-Year Graduation Rate 54% Latino Students 64% White Students Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 2%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Michigan. At four-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 10%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Michigan. 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 Michigan, 2021-2022 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Public, 4-year or above 32,063 2,352 7% 2 Michigan State University Public, 4-year or above 38,424 2,344 6% 3 Grand Rapids Community College Public, 2-year 11,244 1,689 15% 4 Western Michigan University Public, 4-year or above 14,286 1,208 8% 5 Grand Valley State University Public, 4-year or above 19,239 1,208 6% Top Institutions Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanics in Michigan, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Grand Rapids Community College Public, 2-year 1,393 152 11% 2 Lansing Community College Public, 2-year 1,157 93 8% 3 Washtenaw Community College Public, 2-year 1,293 90 7% 4 Oakland Community College Public, 2-year 1,644 67 4% 5 Delta College Public, 2-year 911 66 7% Top Institutions Awarding Bachelor Degrees to Hispanics in Michigan, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Public, 4-year or above 7,995 495 6% 2 Michigan State University Public, 4-year or above 9,245 397 4% 3 Grand Valley State University Public, 4-year or above 4,543 256 6% 4 Western Michigan University Public, 4-year or above 3,528 193 5% 5 Wayne State University Public, 4-year or above 3,959 185 5% 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 Massachusetts. Latino College Completion - Massachusetts 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) 29% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 58% Of White adults Fast Facts Massachusetts had the 15th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 19% K-12 Population 13% Total Population 2-Year Graduation Rate 14% Latino Students 25% White Students Median Age 29 Latinos 45 White 4-Year Graduation Rate 68% Latino Students 77% White Students Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 11%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Massachusetts. At four-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 9%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts, 2021-2022 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Bunker Hill Community College Public, 2-year 8,006 2,319 29% 2 University of Massachusetts-Boston Public, 4-year or above 11,949 2,259 19% 3 University of Massachusetts-Amherst Public, 4-year or above 23,947 2,048 9% 4 Boston University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 17,501 1,881 11% 5 Northern Essex Community College Public, 2-year 3,884 1,788 46% Top Institutions Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanics in Massachusetts, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Bunker Hill Community College Public, 2-year 1,173 290 25% 2 Springfield Technical Community College Public, 2-year 780 186 24% 3 Northern Essex Community College Public, 2-year 478 159 33% 4 North Shore Community College Public, 2-year 719 157 22% 5 Middlesex Community College Public, 2-year 881 141 16% Top Institutions Awarding Bachelor Degrees to Hispanics in Massachusetts, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Boston University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 4,417 517 12% 2 University of Massachusetts-Amherst Public, 4-year or above 5,970 422 7% 3 University of Massachusetts-Boston Public, 4-year or above 2,674 415 16% 4 University of Massachusetts-Lowell Public, 4-year or above 3,111 387 12% 5 Northeastern University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 4,295 316 7% 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.

This fact sheet provides allies on the mainland with information on enrollment and completion, funding patterns, and challenges for higher education in Puerto Rico. < Back Higher Education in Puerto Rico Excelencia in Education May 2019 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Fact Sheet SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, a U.S. commonwealth, almost two years ago (September 2017) and most educational institutions were severely impacted. Many are still recovering. As those on the island look to rebuild, it is important potential allies on the mainland are more aware of the enrollment and completion, funding patterns, and future challenges of higher education in Puerto Rico. Learn the facts Download the Higher Education in Puerto Rico fact sheet Learn more about Latino College Completion in Puerto Rico Support To support colleges and universities in Puerto Rico dealing with the aftereffects of Hurricane Maria, Excelencia dedicated a session during the 2018 Accelerating Latino Student Success (ALASS) Institute and joined forces with Margarita Benitez, Executive Director of the Fundación Puertorriqueña de las Humanidades. The Importance of Colleges and Universities in Puerto Rico Highlights from the 2018 ALASS Institute The Fundación Puertorriqueña de las Humanidades (FPH) / Puerto Rico Endowment for the Humanities is the equivalent of a Humanities State Council: an independent, non-profit organization affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities and dedicated to promoting humanistic values in its region. Margarita Benítez is the executive director. Since its creation in 1977, the FPH has significantly enabled Puerto Rico’s cultural and humanistic development by supporting organizations, communities, museums, universities and individuals as they undertake projects that reflect the diversity of the Puerto Rican experience, its heritage, traditions and history in the island and beyond. FPH’s support of research, symposia, exhibitions and multiple public programs contribute to the understanding and dissemination of the Puerto Rican humanistic experience in all its forms. For the past eight decades, higher education in Puerto Rico has been the most reliable pathway for individual and collective advancement. Puerto Rico is now facing a difficult economic situation, made more complicated by the ongoing repercussions of Hurricane Maria and demographic trends that show a reduction in the birth rate and an increase in the over 60 population Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

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.

Montserrat Fuentes is President of St. Edward's University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page St. Edward's University Montserrat Fuentes President Institution website: https://www.stedwards.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.stedwards.edu/about/university-leadership/president Montserrat Fuentes is President of St. Edward's University and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institution: 2023-2026 St. Edward’s University (St. Edward’s) is a private university in Austin, Texas that enrolls 2,766 undergraduate students, of whom 51% are Latino, and 40% are Pell Grant recipients. St. Edward’s was founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross, from which it acquired distinguishing characteristics: the courage to take risks, an international perspective and the commitment to provide educational opportunities for students of varied cultural, religious, educational and economic backgrounds.

Alexia Carrillo Villalobos serves as a Policy & Research Analyst of Excelencia in Education. Alexia informs Excelencia’s policy and practice efforts to accelerate Latino student success in higher education by conducting research related to Latinos in higher education. < Back to Our People Page Alexia Carrillo Villalobos Policy & Research Analyst Excelencia in Education Email: acarrillovillalobos@edexcelencia.org Current Position: As a Policy & Research Analyst, Alexia informs Excelencia’s policy and practice efforts to accelerate Latino student success in higher education by conducting research related to Latinos in higher education. Alexia also supports work on institutional transformation through the Seal of Excelencia , and the policy agenda’s current four core priorities: affordability, institutional capacity, retention and transfer, and workforce preparation. Past Experiences: Alexia’s passion for higher education policy was motivated by her personal background as a first-generation college student. She previously worked as a Research Assistant with the Johns Hopkins Poverty & Inequality Research Lab (PIRL) and the Education Policy Initiative (EPI) at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy - University of Michigan where she supported a qualitative research study aimed at reducing inequality in access to higher education. She was also a Summer Scholar at the Postsecondary National Policy Institute with a particular emphasis on accessibility and affordability for underrepresented student populations. She received her AA in Sociology and Social Behavioral Sciences from Santa Rosa Junior College, her BA in Sociology from the University of California, Riverside, and her Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? I decided to join Excelencia because of their commitment and dedication to accelerating Latino student success in higher education. I wanted to bring my experiences and be a part of the leadership that can transform higher education at the national level. By combining research and policy, I look forward to uplifting student voices and identifying areas that serve Latinos, and all students more intentionally. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Working at Excelencia is an inspiring, collaborative, and empowering experience. As a collective, we believe in Excelencia’s mission and commitment to intentionally serve the Latino community. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and work alongside professionals who are just as passionate as I am in supporting students to, through, and beyond their journey in higher education.

Jessica Marie Arguello serves as the Institutional Engagement Coordinator of Excelencia in Education. Jessica supports and coordinatates the enrollment, onboarding, and engagement of institutions within the Excelencia in Action (E-Action). < Back to Our People Page Jessica Marie Arguello Institutional Engagement Coordinator Excelencia in Education Email: jarguello@edexcelencia.org Current Position: My role in the Institutional Engagement team is to support and coordinate the enrollment, onboarding, and engagement of institutions within the Excelencia in Action (E-Action) network. I work closely with the team to grow the number of institutions in the network, track engagement, respond to inquiries, and maintain a high year-to-year retention rate. Past Experiences: After receiving my undergraduate degree in Social Work (April 2010) from Florida International University, I served as a Research Assistant from 2012-2017 and gained experience in higher education. I then joined the School of Social Work as their Senior Program Coordinator for the Office of Field Education, while obtaining my graduate degree in Higher Education Administration (August 2021). My skills in higher education and social work were guided by professors and mentors that continue to challenge my journey as a life-long student. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? I brought my talent and skills to Excelencia in Education, because of my passion for discovering evidence-based practices that transform and accelerate Latino students in higher education. I relate to this organization as a Latina and life-long student of higher education and my goal is to empower others that are motivated to work in this field in transforming the country towards equity and inclusion. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Working at Excelencia in Education, feels aspirational on a daily basis. Our organization is working with institutions on a national platform to highlight the success of the transformational journey these institutions are paving. To work with leaders committed and dedicated to the growth of their Latino students is the greatest motivation to continue the mission, vision, and goals of Excelencia in Education.