



Our mission is to advance Latino educational attainment and workforce preparedness statewide through advocacy, leadership development, and culturally responsive programming.
Our mission is to advance Latino educational attainment and workforce preparedness statewide through advocacy, leadership development, and culturally responsive programming.
The Indiana Latino Institute (ILI) is a 501(c)3 statewide non-profit organization committed to serving Latino communities across Indiana Since 2001, ILI's efforts have focused on education and health programming, and in 2018, launched the Indiana Latino Leadership Circle program to increase the pool of Latino leaders within Indiana represented at the executive level. The Indiana Latino Institute will continue to elevate and empower Latino Hoosiers and work to improve all communities throughout the state.
MARLENE DOTSON
ILI President & CEO
SETH MORALES
ILI Board Chair
Seth Morales, Morales Group, Board Chair
Art Vasquez, President, IU Health West Central Region, Board Vice Chair
Matzine Sanchez-Gutierrez, Corteva Agriscience, Board Secretary
Mike Merkel, La Rosa & Co , Board Treasurer
Dr. Andrew Adams, Eli Lilly and Company
Dr Virginia Caine, Marion County Health Department
Carole Casto, Cummins Inc
Sam Centellas, CDFI Friendly South Bend
Marlene Dotson, Indiana Latino Institute
Rebecca Espinoza Kubacki, Former State Legislator
Ricardo Garcia De Alba, Corteva Agriscience
Rosemily Geyer, Geyer Fire Protection
Jadira Hoptry, First Merchants Corporation
Danny Lopez, Pacers Sports and Entertainment
James McBryant, Hendricks County
Rafael Sanchez, Old National Bank
Alfonso Vidal, Nylene USA
MARION COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE COMPRISED OF 22.4% HISPANIC STUDENTS
The Indiana Latino Institute has partnered with Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, IUPUI, and Marian University on a five-year initiative with the goal of reducing poverty within Latino communities in Marion County by increasing postsecondary education attainment and strengthening career pathways and placement in good jobs for Latino students.
Thanks to the Lilly Endowment grant, the Indiana Latino Institute will help in lowering cycles of poverty for Latino communities in Marion County. $2 million will be directed towards aiding Latino high school students through: helping them enroll in postsecondary programs, training four cohorts of peer mentors and leaders, strengthening professional and academic mentoring resources on campuses, and connecting college graduates to career opportunities.
At the initiative’s end, the enhanced pathway to good jobs will show:
More than a 13-percentage point increase in Latino high school graduates enrolling in college
A 70% college completion rate among the initiative’s cohorts
More than 6,250 Marion County Latino high school students to have received college admissions and financial aid information 2,000 parents will be engaged 48 students (four cohorts of 12 students in each) would be trained and serve as peer leaders at the three institutions
Up to 24 cohort students will have completed degrees and will be gainfully employed, enrolled in graduate school, or transferred to a four-year institution
3 to 5 thriving chapters of Latino professional associations with upwards of 2,000 Latino college students engaged; scores of professional mentors connected
Framework and lessons learned from the initiative will be published 21% LATINO HOOSIER ADULTS HOLD DEGREES OR CERTIFICATES
LIAN FERNADEZ
Degree in Psychology
Marian University
ASHLEY RODRIGUEZ
History and Global Studies
Marian University
KIMBERLYN HERNANDEZ
Degree in Cybersecurity
Ivy Tech
HEIDY LUCAS-ANASTACIO
Tourism Convention and Event Management ANDRES SANCHEZ
ABY VILCHIZ IUI
Software Development Ivy Tech
KIMBERLY MATA
Associate Degree in Human Services
Associates degree in Nursing
Associate Degree in Accounting
KATHERINE GUERRA
Diagnostic Sonography IUI
LICETH MIRANDA-GARCIA
Business Management
Marian University
Ivy Tech
Marian University
Degree in Psychology, with a minor in Exercise Science
Lian Fernandez is a Psychology student at Marian University with a minor in Exercise Science. Drawing from her experiences as a firstgeneration college student, she is committed to improving people's overall health and advocating for equity. Through various activities like networking events, mentoring high school students, and speaking engagements, she has honed her leadership, communication, and professional skills, particularly in serving the Latino community. Lian firmly believes in equal access to higher education for all.
Internship Site:
Marian University Admissions / Recruitement
Associate Degree in Cybersecurity
Ivy Tech Office of student / Multicultural Center
Kimberlyn Hernandez San Juan is attending Ivy Tech Community College since the Fall 2023. She is studying to get an associate degree in Cybersecurity. The speed at which technology is developing motivates her to pursue her career, and to keep things in line and secure. Her personal goal is to have a comfortable life with a home and transportation. With her major, she will contribute to the community by helping them keep their cyber information secure.
Tourism Convention and Event Management
Aby Vilchiz graduated from North Central High School and is currently studying Tourism Convention and Event Management at Indiana University Indianapolis. After graduating, she hopes to work in the event management entertainment industry. She is highly motivated to pursue her career because of her family and she wants to make them proud. In Aby's free time, she likes to put in hours at work, paint and read. She is also involved in her church by helping youth groups and volunteering. Aby’s personal goal is to continue being involved in campus activities.
Software Development
Fueled by a passion for computers and programing, Andres Sanchez is pursuing a Software Development degree at Ivy Tech University in Indianapolis. Through the P2C program he has mentored K-14 students, aided with academic challenges, and helped in filling FAFSA applications and giving scholarship information. He also supports Latinx students by clarifying course materials and translating resources into Spanish. Lastly, he draws from his own high school experience to enhance accessibility and support for underrepresented groups.
Ashley is a first-generation freshman at Marian University. She is on track to graduate with two degrees in History and Global Studies with a minor in French. As a first-generation student, she struggled to apply to colleges because of the lack of aid available. With the knowledge she gained from the experience, she was more than ecstatic to be part of the mentoring program at Marian University, where she can help other Latino high schoolers who also struggle with their college applications. Upon graduation, Ashley will use her career to amplify the voices of the Latino community, encouraging the younger generation to embrace their history and take pride in their cultural heritage.
Ivy Tech
Associates degree in Nursing
This year marked Heydi's first year at Ivy Tech Community College, where she is pursuing her associate degree in Nursing. Her main motivation stems from her family, especially her mom, who has faced numerous challenges. She aims to repay her sacrifices and make her proud. Ultimately, her goal is not only to earn her associate degree, but to also obtain her bachelor's degree at IU Indianapolis. Beyond personal success, she aspires to support and inspire the Latino community, urging them not to abandon their dreams and to persevere in their chosen paths. She wants to serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that despite coming from a humble background, anyone can achieve their goals with dedication.
Ivy Tech
Associate Degree in Accounting
Jessica Fabiola Olivarez Mancera is pursuing an associate degree in Accounting at Ivy Tech Community College. She aims to run her own restaurant in the future and wants to be able to make informed accounting decisions. Inspired by the support she's received as a first-generation student; she is motivated to give back to her community. Through the P2C program, Jessica has found valuable mentors who have helped her navigate her journey. This experience not only allowed her to develop new skills, but also provided her with opportunities to mentor others through programs like the Camino Mentoring Program.
Associate Degree in Human Services
Kimberly Mata-Guerrero is a student at Ivy Tech Community College who is pursuing an associate degree in Human Services with plans to advance to a bachelor's in Social Work. She is dedicated to combating inequalities, advocating for human rights, and addressing discrimination. Kimberly applies her passion for community service in her role at the Enrollment Center of the Indiana Latino Institute, where she assists Latino and Spanishspeaking students and families in navigating the college system. Through her work, she aims to dismantle generational barriers and make a positive impact in her community.
Marian University
Business Management with a minor in Graphic Design
Liceth Miranda overcame barriers in her education journey with the support of her family. Despite facing challenges during the college application process due to limited resources, she succeeded with her parents' backing. Now, she mentors high school Latinos, sharing her story and offering guidance. She currently studies Business Management with a minor in Graphic Design and is excelling academically. She aspires to one day launch her own makeup brand. Liceth is dedicated to empowering her community and inspiring future generations. She's alsogaining confidence in leadership through Pathways to Careers, aiming to continue making a positive impact.
IUPUI
Diagnostic Sonography
Katherine Guerra is a freshman at IUPUI studying Diagnostic Sonography. She finds her motivation in God, her loved ones, and the desire to make them proud. Outside of academics, she enjoys dining out, aiding others, and spending time with loved ones and her faith. She aspires to graduate from medical school and work at Eskenazi or Riley Hospital while also establishing a charity to support Central American and other countries in need. Driven by her passion to help others, Katherine contributes to her community by translating, participating in church activities, assisting with food pantries, and donating clothes.
Thank you to Lilly Endowment, Inc. for funding the ILI Pathways to Careers program.
Thank you to our partners:
Beech Grove City Schools
Decatur Township School Corporation
Franklin Township Community School Corporation
Indiana Commission for Higher Education
Indiana Department of Education
Indiana Latino Institute
Indiana Talent Network
Indianapolis Public School Corporation
Indy Chamber
IUPUI
Ivy Tech Community College
Lawrence Township School Corporation
Marian University
Perry Township School Corporation
Pike Township School Corporation
Prospanica
School Town of Speedway
SHPE
Warren Township Corporation
Washington Township Corporation
Wayne Township Corporation