Latino Leaders September- October 2025 by Latino Leaders

Publisher Jorge Ferraez

President and CEO Raul Ferraez

Editor Andrea Pina andrea.pina@latinoleaders.com

Administrative Director Lawrence Teodoro

Business Development Manager Cristina Villaseñor cristina@latinoleaders.com

Digital Media & Design Manager Wendy Zacarias wendy@latinoleaders.com

Event Director Isabela Herrera isabela@latinoleaders.com

Art Director Fernando Izquierdo

Editorial Art & Design Carlos Cuevas Luis Enrique González Moisés Cervantes

Human Resources Manager Susana Sanchez

Administration and Bookkeeping Carlos Bernal

Executive Assistant to the

Liliana Morales

/ OCTOBER 2025

The Trust Multiplier: Why Integrity and Credibility Matter More Than Ever

Ralph de la Vega

TRUST has always been the true currency of leadership. Today, in an age defined by AI, data, and nonstop transformation, it is also the most reliable measure of resilience.

You build trust when you act with integrity and credibility. Integrity means doing the right thinglegally, ethically, and morally even when no one is watching. Credibility means doing what you said you were going to do.

Integrity and credibility form the foundation of trust—and trust is what multiplies everything else: performance, innovation, and loyalty.

Boardroom Agendas

Across boardrooms today, three priorities dominate: strategy and risk, governance and culture, and technology transformation, especially around AI.

Each one runs on trust. Boards can’t oversee risk without faith in management’s transparency. They can’t shape culture if leaders don’t model integrity. And they can’t guide digital transformation unless management has earned credibility to execute responsibly.

Trust turns oversight into partnership. It allows boards to push for innovation with confidence, knowing that ethical boundaries will be upheld.

AI: The Character Test of Our Time

Artificial intelligence is forcing companies to rethink not only how they operate but how they decide what is right. AI has massive potential, but it also introduces significant risks: bias, misuse of data, and a loss of accountability.

That is why AI has become the ultimate test of leadership character.You can’t code integrity into an algorithm. You have to live it.

In today’s environment, boards must have leaders they trust to move fast without crossing lines. Leaders they can trust to use data responsibly. The companies that win with AI will be the ones where trust is strongest, where leadership makes bold moves grounded in ethics and credibility.

Integrity Turns Disruption into Progress

I have led transformations where technology was the easy part and trust was the hard part.

When employees fear automation or change, data dashboards do not solve the issue - honesty does. We communicated the “why,” invested in retraining, and honored our commitment to reskill. Over time, anxiety turned into engagement. People began driving the transformation themselves.

Integrity builds confidence in the unknown. It turns resistance into resilience.

Credibility Sustains Transformation

Digital transformation often fails because of a lack of credibility. Leaders over-promise, under-deliver, or shift priorities before results take root.

Credibility is built one commitment at a time, delivering small wins consistently, being transparent about setbacks, and holding yourself to the same standards you expect from others. In board reviews and executive sessions, I have seen how credibility buys patience and alignment. It allows leaders to ask for more time, more investment, or more risk because people believe they will deliver. In contrast, when credibility erodes, every ask feels like a gamble.

Trust as a Strategic Advantage

AI and digital transformation are rewriting business models, but trust remains the ultimate competitive advantage.

Boards can’t program it. Algorithms can’t replicate it. Consultants can’t import it. Trust must be earned— daily, deliberately, and visibly. It’s what makes strategy execution possible, governance credible, and transformation sustainable.

Final Thought

Technology will keep accelerating. Markets will keep shifting. Crises will keep testing us.

But integrity and credibility never go out of style.

They are the leadership constants that make trust possible, and trust is what multiplies everything else: innovation, performance, and resilience.

Because no matter how intelligent our machines become, the future will still belong to leaders who are trusted to use them wisely.

Ralph de la Vega is the former vice-chairman of AT&T Inc. He is the author of the best-selling book “Obstacles Welcome: Turn Adversity to Advantage in Business and Life.” He is also a LinkedIn Influencer, posting regularly on leadership and innovation.

By William Hanhausen

Courtesy of author Carlos Cuevas

HOSTILE ARRANGEMENT

ON THE MARGINS UNDERMINING OUR OWN NARRATIVE.

Is the art world’s neglect of Latino art a symptom of cultural amnesia — or a carefully orchestrated act of self-erasure? Perhaps it is both: a hostile arrangement between indifference and self-denial.

Even the institutions born to defend it — museums devoted to Latino art, particularly in California — have become, unintentionally, the velvet cages of its confinement. By isolating Latino art within ethnographic boundaries, they have stripped it of the universal valuation that true art commands. The great auction houses, following this same logic, continue to consign Latino works to the Latin American sales — a careless classification that erases both context and identity. And the grand compendiums of art appreciation, those modern bibles of taste and worth, rarely record a single Latino artist whose work crosses even the modest threshold of double-digit thousands. A silence more eloquent than any critique.

In an age that chants inclusion as its mantra, one would think that the art of a people who built cities, tilled empires, and dreamed in color would find its rightful place in the light. Yet, the galleries remain silent, their walls curiously bare of Latino visions. Our art — radiant with myth, memory, and rebellion — lingers on the margins, as though brilliance itself were an inconvenience.

But the tragedy is not only external. It also blooms within.

Too often, the Latino elite, eager for recognition, seek visibility not in the galleries that cradle their culture, but in the sterile pages of business magazines — celebrating the ascent of entrepreneurs and executives, while the poets and painters of their own lineage fade into obscurity. In that pursuit of borrowed prestige, they unwittingly abandon their own narrative, mistaking applause for legacy.

Once, the art of minorities — and especially Latino art — burned fiercely in museums and private collections, carrying the scent of revolution and faith.

Now, it is too often dimmed by the marketplace’s dull arithmetic. The language of art has been replaced by the dialect of commerce. Diversity has been domesticated, transformed into a polished slogan — a costume worn for the gala but discarded by dawn.

Collectors and young patrons stand bewildered before this masquerade. They are torn between desire and duty — between what stirs their soul and what flatters their reputation. In this fragile theatre, identity itself becomes a negotiation: Do I love what I love, or merely what I am told to love? Thus, the art that once reflected our essence now mirrors only our hesitation.

The great auction houses, oracles of value, remain reluctant to anoint what they do not yet understand. Latino art, they claim, lacks a “proven market.” What it truly lacks is their courage to see beyond it. Galleries, too, partake in this quiet betrayal — parading token gestures of inclusion while silencing authentic voices that do not fit the fashionable narrative.

As Hemingway once reminded us, “There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility lies in being superior to your former self.”

Our nobility must lie not in assimilation, but in self-reclamation. We must con-

front the ancient prejudices that slumber within us — those subtle whispers that tell us our art must be explained, justified, or translated to be worthy.

Those who now raise their voices — artists, curators, and collectors alike — are not merely lamenting neglect; they are performing an act of cultural resurrection. This is not a plea for charity or tokenism. It is an invocation for justice — a call to awaken memory and to reclaim beauty as belonging to all.

Latino art, in its essence, is a mirror fractured and luminous. It reflects the invisible, sings the unsung, and remembers what others have chosen to forget. It tells stories of exile and belonging, of love and loss, of survival and grace. It is not merely art — it is testimony.

If the art world wishes to remain honest, it must cease to decorate itself with diversity and begin to dwell in it. To collect not what is convenient, but what is true. For art, in its purest form, has never sought permission to exist — it simply insists upon being seen.

Latino art does not ask for pity, nor for a seat at a borrowed table.

It demands recognition as what it has always been:

American art — unashamed, uncontained, and profoundly alive.

“THE FORTIFICATIONS WE BUILD TO PROTECT OUR ART TOO OFTEN BECOME THE BARRIERS THAT CONFINE IT.” — W.H.

LATINOS IN MUSIC

XIMENA SARIÑANA

The author is a Global High-Tech Executive, Senior Vice-president at Softtek USA and previously at Oracle and HP; Board Advisor for high-tech startups and scale-ups, and Board Director for a music nonprofit. Alexis is also a drummer and percussionist, has performed with rock, jazz, and chamber music ensembles, and attends over 30 concerts every year.

WHERE TWO WORLDS BECOME ONE VOICE

Gaby Moreno (María Gabriela Moreno Bonilla) isn’t just a singer, guitarist, and composer—she’s a truly bicultural artist whose music flows effortlessly between worlds. With one Grammy, two Latin Grammys, an nomination,Emmy and a spot on the BBC’s 100 Women list, her résumé is as impressive as her voice is soulful. Add her recent appointment as UNICEF’s first Goodwill Ambassador from Guatemala, and you realize she’s not only making music—she’s making history.

Born in Guatemala City, Gaby’s mother discovered her gift at age seven and got her started with singing lessons. By 17, she was signed to a Los Angeles record company, relocating to the U.S. and enrolling at the Musicians Institute. Nine albums later, she has become an “indie & alternative rock” powerhouse, weaving blues, jazz, and Latin genres into something uniquely hers. She’s written music for films and TV, sometimes including a little acting as well; has performed with legends like Tracy Chapman, Bono, Andrea Bocelli, and Paquito D’Rivera - and has turned being bicultural into a superpower. I recently saw her live in Philadelphia, where her performance was equally delicate and explosive - a masterclass in balance. Her songs have beautiful melodies and are full of colors, and at the same time they are a little dark and nostalgic. Before the concert, I had the privilege of asking her my favorite questions:

• If 100 years from now you’re remembered for just one song, which would it be?

Her answer was “Fronteras” (“Borders” in English), a song dedicated to Latino immigrants in the U.S. It became like an anthem for Guatemalans, when it was embraced by Guatemorfosis, a movement celebrating national pride.

• When did you decide to dedicate your life to music?

At nine years old, performing at packed Guatemala’s National Theater. The following year, she recorded her first songs in Mexico and opened for Ricky Martin and other famous artists. Great thing that she always had the support of her Parents - both were in the performing arts business but none a musician.

• If not a musician, what would you be?

“Something with animals,” she said, loves them - but not a vet.

• Ever hit a major setback?

Absolutely. The first contracts

that Gaby signed with 3 US record labels were cancelled due to CEO turnover. She used that time to take acting lessons, so at least she could continue learning and growing – in the business world some call it upskilling!

• What’s your next big project?

While Gaby is already producing other artists and mentoring young female ones; but her next big project is presenting a full musical play that she has composed called “Mija” (short for “Mi Hija” or “my daughter” in English), based on the true story of an immigrant girl. This is a huge and exciting project, and recently I introduced Gaby to Executives at Broadway Dallas to see if they can sponsor it.

• What do you think about Generative AI in music?

“It is scary… but I don’t think -GenAI- will ever be able to replace humans”. So far, she can tell that something is produced by GenAI,

because it is too perfect. Gaby uses ChatGPT daily, not for writing songs, but she realizes some positive implications in music – for example it can make it easier to test new ideas, like merging genres.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Gaby’s creative process is how she decides the language of a song. She doesn’t choose English or Spanish beforehand; she lets the music dictate it. Sometimes it’s English, sometimes Spanish, sometimes both. That’s bilingual agility at its finest— something global businesses strive for, but Gaby makes it look effortless.

Spending time with Gaby was immensely inspiring. She has already built a remarkable career, but it feels like she’s just getting started. What sets her apart isn’t just talent or hard work - it’s her humility, generosity, and refusal to let setbacks define her.

A bicultural star. A fearless dreamer. A voice that crosses borders. And where two worlds become one voice!

[Yes, this time a little GenAI helped in this column—but the heart is all Gaby.]

LEADERSHIP ISN’T ABOUT CONTROL, IT IS ABOUT CONSISTENCY

RAY LOPEZ, COLLIERS

Can you share a bit about your professional journey and what led you to your current role at Colliers?

RL: After college, I was nearing completion of a 20-week sales program at a global financial services and insurance company (2007), primarily focusing on business development for life insurance clients. During that time, at a friend's wedding engagement shower, I met a former baseball teammate's father, who welcomed me to visit his office and discuss insurance. I didn't

BUILDING QUALITY

AND LOCATION REMAIN

CRITICAL, AND STRONG ASSETS ARE EXCEEDING MARKET PERFORMANCE.

realize what would happen next, but he offered me a job at the end of our meeting. I accepted immediately, returned to my office, and told my soon-to-be former employer I didn't think this job was the right fit for me. I then started at Colliers in a property management role. There, I learned about building operations, and in 2010, I switched companies to become a leasing director for a local owner’s office portfolio in Houston. After three years and a desire to grow further, I became a corporate real estate advisor, and I’ve been in that role since 2013. In 2021, I returned to Colliers, advising business owners on their real estate needs. As an advisor, every day is different because each client has unique needs and challenges they are working to solve.

MY MAIN PRINCIPLE IS INTEGRITY: DOING WHAT I SAID I WOULD DO, WHEN I SAID I WOULD DO IT, AND HONESTLY COMMUNICATING IF PLANS CHANGE.

How has your experience in real estate shaped the way you approach leadership and client relationships today?

RL: Real estate has shown me that communication is fundamental to everything: relationships, leadership, and trust. The more I explore it, the more I see how much there is to learn. As Einstein said, “The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.” This keeps me humble and eager to learn. My main principle is integrity: doing what I said I would do, when I said I would do it, and honestly communicating if plans change. I’ve found this applies universally—whether with clients, colleagues, or family. Over time, I’ve realized that true leadership isn’t about control, but about consistency, empathy, and following through. I admire those who live by these qualities, and I strive to lead with the same accountability and authenticity in everything I do.

The industry has gone through many changes in recent years. What trends or shifts do you think are most transforming commercial real estate right now?

RL: I haven't observed major changes in the commercial real estate market; fundamentals remain consistent. High-quality buildings continue to perform well or lead the market, while lower-quality ones face ongoing challenges. The Flight to Quality trend persists, with companies focusing on Class A offices and amenities to attract and retain staff. Building quality and location remain critical, and strong assets are exceeding market performance. Houston’s industrial sector remains solid with a positive long-term outlook, supported by rising construction activity and large lease agreements, even as supply exceeds demand. Leasing activity continues to be strong.

What principles guide your decision-making when working on major projects or partnerships?

RL : Alignment with Core Values: I ensure every project or partnership reflects integrity, respect, and lasting value. If it doesn’t support my client’s top priorities or my core values, I consider it a poor fit. Clarity Through Data and Dialogue – I base decisions on market data and open communication, valuing both numbers and input from others. Service Before Self-Interest – I prioritize serving clients, helping them make informed decisions that build trust and drive results.

What advice would you give to young professionals who want to build a long-term, meaningful career in real estate?

RL: I've heard many responses to this, but I particularly favor Emmett Smith's advice: arrive early and stay late. Most people recommend this, but he emphasized an important addition: seek out a mentor. A mentor who dedicates time and whom you respect can provide significant guidance. I also recommend reading "The Gap and The Gain" by Dan Sullivan; in essence, cultivating gratitude is vital. Make a habit of identifying something to be thankful for each day.

TOP LATINO LAWYERS

BEN AGOSTO III

ABRAHAM WATKINS Associate

Type of Law Practice: Personal injury

Ben Agosto III is a trial lawyer at Abraham Watkins in Houston, representing clients in catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and commercial accident cases. A skilled advocate with extensive courtroom experience, he handles complex claims involving the Jones Act, products liability, and bad faith insurance. Known for his strategic approach and client dedication, Ben combines deep legal knowledge with compassion, ensuring the best possible outcomes for those he represents in highstakes personal injury litigation.

LENA LAURENZO

ABRAHAM WATKINS Partner

Type of Law Practice: Personal Injury

Lena B. Laurenzo is a Houston-based trial attorney and the first Latina partner at her firm, specializing in personal injury and maritime law. She has secured over $130 million in verdicts and settlements, including multimillion-dollar wrongful death cases. A third-generation Houstonian, Lena draws inspiration from her family’s legacy of community service. Recognized by Super Lawyers and Houstonia, she is known for her skill, compassion, and fierce advocacy for justice.

BENNY AGOSTO

ABRAHAM WATKINS

Type of Law Practice: Personal injury

Benny Agosto, Jr. is a well-known personal injury trial lawyer, managing partner at one of Texas’s oldest plaintiff firms. He was born in New York City and raised in Puerto Rico. His work focuses on catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, workplace accidents, refinery/chemical plant explosions, and product liability. Beyond litigation, he is very active in the legal community, in bar leadership, Hispanic organizations, and legal education for underrepresented students.

GLORIA ALLRED

Type of Law Practice: Civil rights, employment discrimination, gender equity

Gloria Allred co-founded Allred, Maroko & Goldberg, one of the nation’s most prominent women’s rights law firms. Of Puerto Rican and Mexican descent, she has become one of the most recognizable attorneys in America, representing clients in high-profile gender discrimination, harassment, and civil rights cases. Allred is a tireless advocate for women and minorities, with decades of groundbreaking litigation experience.

ALLRED, MAROKO & GOLDBERG Co-Founder & Partner

CLAUDIA FARFÁN BADILLO

BADILLO LAW GROUP, P.C. Founder & Managing Partner

Type of Law Practice: Consumer bankruptcy, debt relief, financial counseling

Claudia Farfán Badillo founded Badillo Law Group, a Chicago firm focused on consumer bankruptcy, debt relief, and financial counseling for families. As a bilingual Latina attorney, she’s recognized for community outreach and pro bono work helping Spanish-speaking clients navigate bankruptcy and rebuild credit. Badillo is active in bar associations and in efforts to expand access to legal services for Latino communities.

PEDRO BERNAL

Type of Law Practice:

Pedro Bernal is a San Diego-based criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor with deep experience in state and federal cases. He defends clients in complex matters including fraud, violent crimes, and white-collar offenses. Fully bilingual, he brings cultural insight and advocacy to the Latino community. Pedro also teaches at California Western School of Law and the University of San Diego, where he expands legal education access for Spanish-speaking professionals through his commitment to justice and mentorship.

DINO BARAJAS

BAKER BOTTS LLP

Co-lead of Telecom and Digital Infrastructure (Data Centers) Initiative; Co-lead of AI Practice Team; Chair of Project Finance Practice Group (Americas)

Type of Law Practice: Corporate/Finance

Dino Barajas is a leading attorney in domestic and international project development and finance, with deep expertise in Latin American infrastructure, energy, and telecommunications. He co-leads his firm’s AI practice and digital infrastructure initiative, representing lenders, investors, and developers in complex financings and mergers. Dino’s experience spans over 15 countries, guiding clients through high-value transactions and innovative project structures that drive growth across emerging markets and transformative industries.

CHRISTINA ALVAREZ

C. ALVAREZ LAW Owner/Attorney

Type of Law Practice: Family Law

Christina C. Alvarez is the founder of C. Alvarez Law, a boutique family law firm focused on high-net-worth and collaborative divorce cases. She is recognized for crafting strategic solutions that protect clients’ wealth and family interests. A past president of the Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida, Christina is known for her compassionate advocacy, leadership, and dedication to advancing diversity in the legal community. She serves clients across Central Florida.

CARMEN ROSAS

CARMEN

Type of Law Practice: Estate planning, probate, business succession

Carmen Rosas is the founder of her own boutique law firm focused on estate planning, probate, and empowering women to take control of their financial and legal futures. A first-generation Latina lawyer, she is passionate about serving diverse communities in the Bay Area. Rosas is also a public speaker and coach, frequently featured for her innovative, client-centered approach to legal practice.

RAFAEL NENDEL-FLORES

CLARK HILL Member

Type of Law Practice: Labor & Employment

Rafael Nendel-Flores is an employment attorney who advises and defends employers in complex labor matters. He is a former President of the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association and has served on multiple non-profit/community boards. Committed to service and diversity, he supports minority and other underrepresented groups in law and co-leads a very diverse employer-side team. He currently serves as both a parent co-lead for the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and as board member for his local YMCA, offering leadership across legal and civic spaces.

FERNANDO CHÁVEZ

CHÁVEZ LAW GROUP Founder

Type of Law Practice: Civil rights, employment law, personal injury

Son of legendary labor leader César Chávez, attorney Fernando Chávez founded Chávez Law Group, handling civil rights, employment, and personal-injury cases. He has built a reputation for advocating on behalf of marginalized communities in California. Chávez also mentors young Latino lawyers and has served as a voice for justice at the intersection of law and social activism, following his father’s legacy.

CLAUDIA COBREIRO

COBREIRO LAW Founder

Type of Law Practice: Real Estate, Family, and Business

Claudia Cobreiro, Esq., is a 1.5-generation American and founder of Cobreiro Law, a minority- and female-led Miami firm specializing in real estate, family, business, and estate law. Celebrated for her expertise in high-stakes transactions and her accessible, bilingual counsel, she’s a trusted media voice and thought leader guiding clients—from high-net-worth individuals to first-time homebuyers—through complex legal and life transitions.

ROSAS LAW Founder

ALEX & ORLANDO DE CASTROVERDE

DE CASTROVERDE LAW GROUP

Co-Managing Partners

Type of Law Practice: Personal injury, criminal defense, immigration law

Brothers Alex and Orlando De Castroverde expanded their father’s legacy into De Castroverde Law Group, now one of Nevada’s most prominent Latino-owned firms. They focus on personal injury, criminal defense, and immigration law. Known for their dedication to clients and community service, they have built a strong reputation in Las Vegas. The firm is recognized for empowering the local Hispanic community.

SYLVIA TORRES-GUILLÉN

Sylvia Torres-Guillén, former General Counsel of the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board, now leads her own firm focusing on labor rights and workplace fairness. A nationally recognized civil rights attorney, she has litigated major employment discrimination cases. Torres-Guillén, a daughter of Mexican immigrants, is widely respected for her advocacy on behalf of farmworkers and for advancing equity in labor law.

ARLENE QUINONES PEREZ

DECOTIIS, FITZPATRICK, COLE & GIBLIN, LLP Equity Partner/Director of Diversity & Inclusion

Type of Law Practice: Government, labor, education law

Arlene Quinones Pérez is an equity partner and Director of Diversity & Inclusion at DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole & Giblin LLP. She advises municipalities, school boards, and private entities on education, labor, election, and government law. With extensive experience in employment and cannabis law, Arlene is also a former Director of Law for the City of Perth Amboy. Her career reflects a strong commitment to public service, equity, and community empowerment.

JASON VILLALBA

Type of Law Practice:

Jason Villalba is a corporate and business law attorney. He practices in areas including business, technology, and securities law. Before returning to Frost Brown Todd, he served as State Representative in Texas and also worked in in-house counsel roles. He now also leads a public affairs subsidiary (CivicPoint Texas) under Frost Brown Todd, helping clients with government relations, legislative strategy, and regulatory matters.

GABRIELA SMITH

Gabriela N. Smith is the Founder and Managing Partner of GNS Law, a boutique firm based in Texas focused on international business transactions, corporate law, and mergers and acquisitions. She advises companies, investors, and family offices on structuring, compliance, and strategic growth across multiple jurisdictions. A summa cum laude graduate of Widener Law School, Gabriela is recognized for her multicultural expertise and practical approach to helping clients navigate complex cross-border legal and business challenges.

NANETTE AGUIRRE

Type of Law Practice: Private funds, derivatives, compliance, cross-border finance

Nanette Aguirre is a seasoned attorney at Greenberg Traurig based in New York, specializing in derivatives, structured financial products, private funds, and regulatory compliance. She negotiates complex transactions including ISDA/prime brokerage agreements, repo and securities lending, swaps, and risk management arrangements. Her clients span hedge funds, endowments, banks and financial institutions across Latin America, Europe and Asia. She also advises emerging fund managers on launch and compliance, and is active on boards advancing diversity and alternative investment practices.

RAED GONZALEZ

Raed Gonzalez, JD, LLM, is the founder and chairman of Gonzalez Olivieri LLC, a Houston-based immigration law firm. Born in Puerto Rico, he has over 18 years of experience handling immigration litigation, appeals, removal defense, family-based cases, naturalization, and corporate/non-immigrant visa issues. His reputation includes published decisions in higher courts and memberships in professional immigration law associations.

ARNULFO HERNANDEZ

HERNANDEZ & ASSOCIATES, PC Managing Partner

Type of Law Practice: Immigration Law & Criminal Defense

Arnulfo Hernández is the founding and managing partner of Hernández & Associates, P.C., the largest immigration law firm in Colorado. He focuses on immigration and criminal defense, particularly “crimmigration.” A respected leader, he has served as president of the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association and the Hispanic National Bar Association’s regional president. A community advocate and adjunct professor at the University of Denver, Arnulfo is known for his dedication to justice, inclusion, and mentorship in the legal profession.

GONZALEZ OLIVIERI LLC

CHRISTINE HERNANDEZ

HERNANDEZ & ASSOCIATES, PC Partner

Type of Law Practice: Immigration Defense

Christine Hernández is a shareholder at Hernández & Associates, P.C., specializing in removal defense and immigration law. She represents clients before federal courts, immigration agencies, and consular posts worldwide. An adjunct professor at the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law, she frequently lectures on immigration and diversity in law. Christine is a former president of the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association and past regional president of the Hispanic National Bar Association, recognized for her leadership and advocacy.

JAVIER MARCOS

JAVIER MARCOS & ASSOCIATES Founder

Type of Law Practice: Personal injury, workplace accidents, wrongful death

Based in Houston, Texas, Javier Marcos leads one of the most recognized Hispanic-owned personal injury law firms. His practice serves the Latino community by offering legal representation in cases such as auto accidents, workplace injuries, and wrongful death. With a focus on justice and accessibility, Marcos has become a trusted advocate for Spanish-speaking clients.

OSCAR GARCIA-ISITA

ISITA LAW PLLC Managing Partner

Type of Law Practice: Corporate, M&A

Oscar García-Isita is a transactional attorney specializing in mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships, particularly in the healthcare and technology sectors. Dual-qualified in Texas and Mexico, he advises Fortune 500 companies and investors on cross-border deals across Latin America. Oscar is known for his ability to bridge cultural and legal differences, streamline transactions, and craft strategies that drive innovation, mitigate risk, and unlock growth opportunities in complex international markets.

ELIZABETH ESPINOSA KRUPA

LAW OFFICE OF ELIZABETH ESPINOSA KRUPA LLC Principal

Type of Law Practice: Criminal defense, securities litigation, professional ethics

Liz Krupa is an experienced trial lawyer and community leader with over 25 years of practice in criminal defense, civil litigation, and securities law. She has chaired Colorado’s Commission on Judicial Discipline and the Independent Ethics Commission. A frequent lecturer and mentor, Liz teaches trial advocacy at the University of Denver and with national organizations. Her career reflects a strong commitment to justice, professional ethics, and advancing diversity in the legal profession.

KARINA A. RAMIREZ

LAW OFFICE OF KARINA A. RAMIREZ Founder & Principal Attorney

Type of Law Practice: Family law

Karina A. Ramirez runs her own firm focusing on family law, divorce, and related matters. She has over 20 years of experience, serves the Latino community, and provides legal representation in Spanish. Her practice is well regarded locally in Houston.

MANUEL DIAZ

MANUEL DIAZ LAW FIRM, PC Founder & Managing Attorney

Type of Law Practice: Civil litigation, business law, small business representation

Manuel Diaz founded his Dallas boutique after working in corporate and litigation practices. His firm concentrates on civil litigation, business law, and representation of Hispanic entrepreneurs and small businesses. Diaz is known locally for combining transactional savvy with practical courtroom experience, and for his mentorship of Latino law students and lawyers in North Texas.

Type of Law Practice:

Motion Law is an immigration law firm headquartered in Washington, D.C. Attorney Nadin Elias specializes in Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), asylum, and deportation defense. She has built a strong reputation among immigrant communities by guiding families and young people through complex immigration processes with compassion and expertise.

PATRICIO GUTIERREZ

& Managing Attorney

Type of Law Practice: Corporate, M&A, cross-border transactions

Patricio J. Gutiérrez is the Founder and Managing Attorney of Gutierrez Law Group PLLC and Of Counsel at Ontier. He advises European and Latin American companies, family offices, and investors on cross-border transactions, M&A, governance, and U.S. market entry. A frequent speaker on global trade, investment law, and transatlantic expansion, he is recognized as a trusted legal strategist for international growth.

YINE RODRIGUEZ PEREZ

Yine Rodríguez Pérez is an international arbitration attorney specializing in high-stakes investment and commercial disputes across Latin America. She has represented sovereign nations and multinational companies in arbitration cases exceeding billions of dollars, including landmark disputes in the energy, mining, and real estate sectors. Yine also advises U.S. clients on compliance programs, cross-border transactions, and Cuban law matters, bringing a unique perspective on Latin American regulatory frameworks and global investment strategies.

ANGEL L. REYES III

Angel L. Reyes III is the managing partner of Reyes Browne Reilley, a Dallas-based firm he founded specializing in personal injury and mass torts. Recognized among the top trial lawyers in Texas, Reyes has secured major verdicts for clients while advocating for diversity in the legal field. He is frequently featured in media outlets for his expertise and leadership in litigation.

JOSEPH RAMOS

Joseph Ramos founded Ramos Law, a prominent Colorado-based personal injury and workers’ compensation firm. Known for his compassionate approach and litigation success, Ramos has grown his firm into a highly respected name in the Rocky Mountain region. His practice is particularly known for serving Spanish-speaking clients and immigrant families, combining strong trial work with a deep commitment to community service.

MARIANA D'ANDREA

Mariana D’Andrea is a global media executive leading international content licensing and distribution for The Roku Channel. Previously, she oversaw original content at Tubi and held senior roles at Paramount, driving global streaming service expansion. Originally from Buenos Aires, Mariana holds degrees from Universidad Católica Argentina, NYU School of Law, and EOI Business School in Spain. Her career reflects deep expertise in digital media strategy, global partnerships, and content innovation.

PAULITA PIKE

ROPES & GRAY LLP

Type of Law Practice:

Paulita Pike is managing partner of Ropes & Gray’s Chicago office and a nationally recognized expert in asset management law. She advises on fund structuring, M&A, and governance for investment advisers and boards. A frequent lecturer and law professor at Notre Dame and Northwestern, she champions diversity and inclusion initiatives and provides pro bono legal services. Paulita’s innovative approach and leadership have earned her numerous industry honors and client recognition.

BEATRIZ AZCUY

Beatriz Azcuy is co-managing partner of Sidley’s Miami office and global co-leader of its Real Estate group. With 30 years of experience, she advises financial institutions, investment banks, and private equity funds on major real estate transactions across the U.S. and Latin America. She has been recognized by Forbes, Women in Business Law Americas, and GlobeSt. for excellence in real estate law.

MICHAEL G. SALAZAR

Michael Salazar, founder of Salazar Law, is a Cuban-American attorney recognized for his work in commercial litigation, bankruptcy, and corporate law. His Miami-based firm represents both Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurs. Salazar is consistently ranked among Florida’s leading Latino attorneys and is active in the Hispanic National Bar Association, promoting opportunities for Latinos in corporate and commercial practice.

ENRIQUE A, CONDE

Enrique Conde focuses his practice on domestic and international mergers & acquisitions, corporate financings, private equity and venture capital deals, joint ventures, and general contracts. He advises Latin American, European, and U.S. clients across sectors including technology, telecommunications, energy, infrastructure, and franchising. Enrique has also served in in-house corporate counsel roles and led investment fund legal teams focused on Latin America.

GABRIEL VALDES

SIDLEY AUSTIN LLP Partner

Type of Law Practice: Corporate: M&A Private Equity

Gabriel Valdes counsels clients in M&A, leveraged buyouts, divestitures, corporate governance, and strategic planning. He works closely with private equity sponsors, family offices, fundless sponsors, and public and private companies. Gaby also advises private credit and hedge funds on governance, fund structuring, and regulatory matters. As a founding partner of Sidley’s Miami office, he also plays leadership roles in recruiting, associate development, and strategic growth.

YOLANDA GARCIA

SIDLEY AUSTIN LLP Partner

Type of Law Practice: Securities and Shareholder Litigation

Yolanda Garcia co-leads Sidley’s Securities and Shareholder Litigation practice and co-chairs the firm’s Inclusion Committee. She represents corporations and executives in class actions, arbitrations, securities cases, and investigations. Recognized by Bloomberg Law, Forbes, Chambers USA, Benchmark Litigation, and D Magazine, Yolanda is widely regarded as a top trial lawyer and advocate for clients nationwide.

IRWIN RAIJ

SIDLEY AUSTIN LLP Partner

Type of Law Practice:

Corporate: Entertainment, Sports and Media, M&A, Private Equity

Irwin Raij advises clients across the sports, media, and entertainment industries, handling matters such as stadium development, purchase/sale of sports franchises, media rights, broadcasting, licensing, and public-private partnerships. He works with professional leagues, teams, universities, investors, and broadcasters, both in the U.S. and internationally (including European leagues, Formula 1, and media ventures). His clients include developers, private equity firms, networks, and state/local governments.

YVETTE OSTOLAZA

SIDLEY AUSTIN LLP Chair of Management Committee

Type of Law Practice:

Corporate Litigation, Securities, Internal investigations, Arbitration

Yvette Ostolaza is Chair of the Management Committee of Sidley, a global premiere law firm with 21 offices across four continents, and member of its Executive Committee. She is on the Board of Directors of Lionsgate Studios Corp. and serves as Chair of its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Recognized as one of the world’s foremost business litigators and crisis managers, she advises companies, boards, and executives on investigations, disputes, and corporate crises across multiple jurisdictions and industries. In 2025, Forbes named her to its “50 Over 50” list and to its “America’s Top 250 Lawyers” list in both 2024 and 2025.

MARBET LEWIS

Type of Law Practice: Alcohol regulation, licensing, compliance

Marbet Lewis focuses her practice on alcohol beverage law, licensing, and regulatory compliance for domestic and international clients. She advises on licensing, mergers, asset transfers, trade practices, and enforcement defense across the hospitality and entertainment industries. Marbet also assists with zoning, permitting, and regulatory approvals for major retail and venue clients. Proficient in Spanish, she frequently appears in media to discuss industry trends and compliance, recognized as a leading expert in alcohol regulation and business law.

JOSÉ “JOE” BÁEZ

José Báez is one of the most recognized Latino criminal defense lawyers in the U.S., known for handling high-profile cases such as Casey Anthony’s acquittal. He founded The Báez Law Firm in Miami, specializing in criminal defense, civil litigation, and wrongful death. Born to Puerto Rican parents, Báez is also a lecturer and media commentator on legal issues.

EVELYN SUERO

Evelyn I. Suero a global business & entertainment attorney and Founder of Suero Law. With over a decade of experience, she is a trusted advisor on all phases of business & creative development incl. corporate law, contracts, copyright & trademarks, business visas, and succession planning. Originally from NYC, she earned her JD at UPenn Law and is licensed in Florida, New York & DC. She also serves as VP General Counsel for OWIT International, supporting women in international business & trade.

TANIA EDITH BUITRON

Tania Buitron founded her own immigration law firm in Houston. Originally from Reynosa, Mexico, she is fluent in English and Spanish, and uses her personal background to serve clients who face immigration challenges. Her firm handles a wide variety of immigration matters including removal defense, naturalization, family-based immigration, and more.

JUAN J. DOMINGUEZ

THE DOMINGUEZ FIRM, LLP Founder & CEO

Type of Law Practice: Personal injury

Juan J. Dominguez is the founder and CEO of The Dominguez Firm, one of Southern California’s leading personal-injury and employment law firms. Under his leadership, the firm has won over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements. Originally from Cuba, Dominguez is celebrated for his community philanthropy, commitment to justice, and leadership as one of the most successful Latino attorneys in California.

DAVID SHEVES

THE LAW OFFICES OF DAVID W. SHEVES PLLC Founder & Lead Attorney

Type of Law Practice: Personal injury, wrongful death, auto accidents, criminal, family, probate, business litigation

David Sheves heads his own law firm in Dallas, offering legal representation in personal injury, wrongful death, vehicle and motorcycle accidents, criminal defense, family law, probate, and business litigation. His practice is bilingual (English & Spanish), focused on providing compassionate support to clients from diverse backgrounds. Operating on a contingency-fee basis for injury cases, Sheves emphasizes strong advocacy, personalized attention, and clear communication. His firm handles both state-level and cross-county matters, aiming to help clients recover both their well-being and legal rights.

FRANK HERRERA, JR.

Type of Law Practice: Personal injury

Frank Herrera, Jr. is the founder of Herrera Law Firm, a wellknown personal injury and accident law firm in San Antonio. He grew up in humble circumstances, started his own firm after working for others, and has focused his career on representing individuals in injury cases, often “fighting for the underdog.” He is very active in Hispanic legal and community organizations.

SERGIO C. GARCÍA

THE LAW OFFICES OF SERGIO C. GARCÍA Founder

Type of Law Practice: Immigration, personal injury, civil litigation

Sergio García made history as the first undocumented immigrant admitted to practice law in California. Today, he runs his own law firm focusing on immigration, personal injury, and civil litigation. García, originally from Mexico, became a national symbol for immigrant rights and professional perseverance. He also serves as a motivational speaker, inspiring future lawyers and immigrant communities across the U.S.

THE HERRERA LAW FIRM, INC. Founder

REGINA VASQUEZ

VASQUEZ LAW GROUP Founder & Lead Attorney

Type of Law Practice: Bankruptcy, debt relief, and financial restructuring

Regina Vasquez is the founder of Vasquez Law Group PLLC, a Houston-based firm focusing on consumer bankruptcy and personal injury. Known as “Your Legal Mama,” she blends sharp legal advocacy with compassionate guidance, helping clients find financial relief and justice while building a modern, client-centered practice.

AMARILLIS VELEZ DIAZ

VELEZ LEGAL PRACTICE Founder & CEO

Type of Law Practice: Estate Planning, Probate, Real Estate, Business Law

Amarillis Vélez, Esq., founder of Velez Legal Practice, PLLC, is devoted to guiding families, entrepreneurs, and communities in estate planning, probate, real estate, and business law. Living her motto “Less Business, More Connection,” she helps clients protect their futures and preserve their legacies, ensuring lasting impact across generations while uplifting and empowering those she serves.

Courtesy of Nanette Aguirre Carlos Cuevas

A LOVE LETTER TO WALL STREET

NANETTE AGUIRRE’S JOURNEY OF COURAGE AND RESILIENCE

HER RELATIONSHIP with finance began long before she stepped onto a trading floor. At NYU’s Stern School of Business, she was drawn to four subjects that might seem unrelated at first glance: economics, statistics, anthropology, and derivatives. For her, they were all connected by the same thread—the human behavior behind money and markets. She recalls discovering how derivatives and related products could mimic ownership through structure and strategy, how they can restructure high-cost debt, how global alternative investment portfolio managers created new assets and cash flows real time with a few taps on the keyboard, and ultimately, how every market is linked to the next despite politics and socioeconomic disparities. That realization ignited a lifelong fascination with financial systems and the individuals who shape them, take for example, George Soros and Alan Greenspan, whose own modest starts became powerful catalysts for extraordinary achievements. Their stories reminded her that humble beginnings, paired with grit and determination, can fuel a journey toward impactful milestones and lasting influence.

Aguirre humbly recalls that her story did not begin in the corridors of finance. She grew up in the South Bronx, the daughter of Puerto Rican and Mexican parents. Her father worked as an airplane mechanic, and her mother a homemaker. Despite their limited means, her parents encouraged her curiosity and tenacity. “No matter what I wanted to do,” she remembers, “their answer was always the same: you can do it.” Her father met any doubt or fear with the same quote, “Failure is not an option, it is a nagging possibility to help keep you focused”. That quiet encouragement became the foundation for a

When Nanette Aguirre, Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig, speaks about her career, there is a calm confidence that only comes from experience earned the hard way. She refers to her years on Wall Street as if she were describing a mentor, a crucible that shaped her into the leader she is today. “If I were to write a love letter to anyone or anything,” she says, “it would be Wall Street. It is the place where I discovered a love for finance despite growing up in an area a few miles north that was undeniably short of it.”

young woman who would later navigate one of the most demanding industries in the world.

After graduating from NYU at just 20 years old, Aguirre’s first job placed her in an operations role on a trading floor, surrounded by an unforgiving energy, high pressure, and few women or minorities. It was intimidating, but also electrifying. “Wall Street was not interested in my feelings or self-doubt,” she recalls. “It demanded that I unleash my courage, work ethic, and unwavering focus on getting the job done fast and perfectly. There was no room for error and every minute mattered.” She realized that to succeed, she would have to prove herself and the only way to do so was to truly show up, seek mentorship, learn even when no one was looking and work for the best. Her dedication paid off and caught the attention of the investment bank’s legal department, which recruited her and offered to pay for her to attend law school at night. She had not planned on becoming a lawyer—it was someone else’s belief in her effective communication and solution focused work ethic that set her on that path which she considers the biggest blessing of her life.

Today, Aguirre is a corporate lawyer at Greenberg Traurig, one of the world’s leading law firms, with more than two decades of experience advising on derivatives and alternative investments. Her clients range from banks and broker-dealers to private funds operating in a global, fast-changing regulatory landscape. The 2008 financial crisis transformed her field, introducing sweeping reforms like Dodd-Frank and EMIR. Her strength, she says, lies in translating complex laws and contracts into clear, strategic guidance. “My superpower is problem solving and clear communication,” she says. “I take on that which keeps my clients up at night and turn it into something they can both understand and act on.”

Two moments stand out in her career. The first was when she served as lead counsel on a billion-dollar deal— the only woman and the only Hispanic at the table. “That meant everything to me,” she says. The second came from a

“MY SUPERPOWER IS PROBLEM SOLVING AND CLEAR COMMUNICATION,” SHE SAYS. “I TAKE ON THAT WHICH KEEPS MY CLIENTS UP AT NIGHT AND TURN IT INTO SOMETHING THEY CAN BOTH UNDERSTAND AND ACT ON.”

long-time client who told her, “We trust your judgment so much, we would follow you off a cliff.” For Aguirre, trust has always mattered more than admiration. Respect is important, but being trusted defines her sense of leadership.

Aguirre’s approach to mentoring the next generation mirrors the discipline that shaped her early career. She is direct, honest, and demanding. “If you have a problem,” she advises, “you should already be thinking of two or three possible solutions.” She encourages young professionals to replace distraction with learning and to focus their energy on growth rather than any limitations. “People will invest in an action plan. They will not invest in a storyline.” Her message is practical but empowering: stay curious, keep learning, and surround yourself with people who challenge you.

Networking, she insists, is another cornerstone of professional success. “Every major milestone in my life came because of someone who believed in me,” she says. For her, relationships are the true currency of leadership. She tells younger professionals to join teams that align not just with their current roles, but with the futures they hope to build. Forward thinking, preparation, and community—those are the forces that move careers forward.

After more than a decade at Greenberg Traurig, Aguirre calls the firm “home.” Beyond her legal practice, she is active on several boards, including New America Alliance and Angeles Investors, organizations that connect professionals and investors committed to expanding opportunities. Looking ahead, she hopes to serve on a corporate board where she can help companies navigate regulatory, economic and

strategic challenges from a governance perspective.

As the conversation draws to a close, Aguirre reflects on the broader picture. Less than three percent of Fortune 100 senior leadership roles are held by Latinos, and just over one percent of law firm partners are Latina. Yet Latinos make up roughly a quarter of the U.S. population. “There is a gap between our population, our capabilities, and our C-suite presence,” she says. Bridging that divide, she believes, will take visibility, mentorship, and platforms that celebrate Latino excellence. She credits publications that highlight these stories for helping to close that distance.

Nanette Aguirre’s journey is not just a success story. It is a reminder that resilience can turn barriers into bridges, that excellence often grows in places where few expect it, and that representation is not only about numbers—it is about the courage to step into rooms where you were never meant to be and make your mark. She remarks that it just might surprise you just how much people want you to win so dare to be the solution.

Courtesy of Rafael Nendel-Flores Carlos Cuevas

FINDING PURPOSE IN THE DETAILS

RAFAEL NENDEL-FLORES, CLARK HILL

Rafael Nendel-Flores never imagined he would build a career in employment law. After graduating from law school in 2002, he entered a struggling job market as the dot-com bubble collapsed and firms were cutting back on new hires. By coincidence, labor and employment law was one of the few areas still in demand. He took the opportunity and discovered work that fit him perfectly. “I ended up really enjoying this practice area,” he says. “I never really wanted to do anything else.”

TODAY, Nendel-Flores is a member at Clark Hill LLP, where he represents employers in complex wage and hour cases. His work focuses on class, collective, and representative actions—cases filled with detail, nuance, and high stakes. That complexity is exactly what keeps him engaged. “I really enjoy the highly detailed and nuanced nature of wage-hour class and representative claims,” he says. “These matters are intellectually challenging, and I enjoy helping clients navigate through these often-stressful situations.”

What he brings to the table is calm, precision, and perspective. Employment law is an area where rules, people, and business realities collide. For him, the role of a lawyer isn’t just about citing regulations but guiding clients through uncertainty. “The biggest challenge for my clients is balancing legal compliance with business goals,” he explains. “Especially in highly regulated states like California, 100 percent compliance is often impossible.”

Instead of chasing perfection, he helps clients focus on what can be achieved. “It becomes a matter of managing risk in a way that preserves workforce morale, creates a culture of compliance, and efficiently uses outside counsel resources,” he says. That mindset has earned him the trust of business leaders who rely on him for clarity when the rules get messy.

Nendel-Flores’s leadership extends beyond legal advice. Over the years, he has built diverse teams and hired talented lawyers who might have been overlooked elsewhere. He believes the legal profession too often values credentials over capability. “Too often the profession focuses on credentials such as law school rankings,” he says. “I’ve hired supremely talented lawyers who many firms likely overlooked because they didn’t go to the right schools.”

He’s seen firsthand how many gifted attorneys never had access to elite institutions. For him, that lack of access should never limit opportunity. “Our profession needs to understand that many diverse and highly talented attorneys simply didn’t have access to elite law schools,” he says. “That shouldn’t be a barrier to AmLaw 200 firms.” His approach is simple: hire based on potential and performance, not pedigree. The result is stronger, more empathetic teams that reflect the diversity of the clients they serve.

Community involvement is another cornerstone of his leadership. He credits it with keeping him grounded and connected to the real world beyond law. “Community service allows me to give back to a country and community that has given me so much,” he says. Working with people outside the legal field, he adds, brings balance and perspective that help him lead better within it. That perspective also shapes how he views the future of employment law. He sees two major forces driving change: artificial intelligence and the growing diversity of the legal workforce. Both, he believes, will redefine how law is practiced in the coming years. “AI, if used properly and prudently, will allow law firms to operate more efficiently and provide better client service,” he says. It can take over repetitive tasks, improve accuracy, and give lawyers more time to focus on strategy.

But technology isn’t the only factor transforming the profession. The changing demographics of the legal field are just as powerful. “The increasing diversity in the legal profession, particularly with the projected exponential increase of female attorneys in this practice area, will have profound effects on day-to-day practice,” he says. More women and diverse voices in the field will mean new perspectives on how to manage risk, resolve disputes, and lead teams.

Taken together, those trends point to a profession that’s becoming more innovative and inclusive. For Nendel-Flores, that evolution is both overdue and exciting. It represents an opportunity for the next generation of lawyers to redefine how the legal system serves clients, businesses, and communities.

Through it all, what stands out about Nendel-Flores is his steady balance between technical mastery and human understanding. His work demands sharp analysis, but his leadership style is grounded in empathy and realism. He knows that behind every policy or lawsuit are people trying to do their jobs well—and that law works best when it helps them do so.

His path may have started by chance, but it’s clear that he found something more meaningful than a career. He found a calling that combines rigor, fairness, and purpose. “Community service keeps me grounded,” he says, reflecting on what drives him. “It allows me to give back and to work with a diverse group of people outside of the legal profession.”

For someone who began his career during a recession, Nendel-Flores has built a legacy rooted in resilience and perspective. He entered a field where complexity is constant and uncertainty is the norm, yet he’s managed to turn those challenges into strengths. Whether advising Fortune 500 clients, mentoring young lawyers, or giving back to his community, he approaches every role with the same calm precision that first drew him to employment law.

Rafael Nendel-Flores is a reminder that success in law isn’t about where you started but what you do with the opportunities you find. And for him, the details that once seemed daunting have become the foundation of a career defined by purpose, fairness, and impact.

FOR HIM, THE ROLE OF A LAWYER ISN’T JUST ABOUT CITING REGULATIONS BUT GUIDING CLIENTS THROUGH UNCERTAINTY.

RESILIENCE, DIVERSITY, AND PURPOSE

Benny Agosto Jr. on 75 Years of Abraham Watkins

When Benny Agosto Jr. talks about Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, there is unmistakable pride in his voice. The Houston-based law firm, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary, stands today as one of the most recognized plaintiffs’ firms in Texas and beyond. “We are the oldest, longeststanding plaintiffs’ firm in the state of Texas,” he says. “That’s historic in and of itself. Our firm is stronger than ever, bigger than ever, and I have a number of things I attribute that to.”

Andrew Strother

AGOSTO JOINED Abraham Watkins in the early 1990s as the eighth lawyer on staff. Today, the firm counts around 30 attorneys and nearly 95 employees. “It’s really fantastic to see how far we’ve come,” he reflects. “In the 30 years I’ve been here, we went from a good, respectable firm with great history to now one of the best firms in the state, and we practice law all over the country, not just in Texas.”

For a firm that only gets paid when it wins, success depends on discipline and resilience. “We have to win to get paid,” he says plainly. “So we’re working through that every month. We stand on the shoulders of giants, of incredible lawyers who founded this firm, and we celebrate them. Today we have a very strong group of

partners, and we are very proud of our accomplishments.”

For Agosto, the firm’s longevity comes down to hiring and culture. “Who you hire matters,” he often reminds his partners. The firm’s success, he believes, lies in finding people with both skill and empathy, lawyers who are passionate about justice and clients. That passion, he says, fuels the work ethic required in trial law. “We have to be resilient and passionate to keep fighting for our clients,” he explains.

As Managing Partner, a role he has held for about five years, Agosto focuses on professionalizing every area of the firm while maintaining its fighting spirit. “Being Managing Partner doesn’t mean slowing down,” he says. “I still go to trial and get big verdicts.” His leader-

ship has helped modernize operations while keeping the personal touch that defines the firm’s character.

One of the achievements he is most proud of is how much the firm has grown in representation. “When I started, I was one of very few Latinos,” he recalls. “Now we have six, seven, eight Latino and Latina lawyers out of thirty. I’m really proud that we are looking like our community.” Diversity, he says, is a source of strength. “When you walk in looking for help, people like to see somebody that sounds like them, looks like them, and relates to them. Having a firm that’s so diverse allows us to do great work, and we see the results. The results are exceptional because we have hardworking lawyers who look like our community.”

THE FIRM’S SUCCESS, HE BELIEVES, LIES IN FINDING PEOPLE WITH BOTH SKILL AND EMPATHY, LAWYERS WHO ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT JUSTICE AND CLIENTS.

TOP LATINO LAWYERS

BENNY AGOSTO JR.

Agosto links diversity directly to success. “Since we became more diverse, you can literally see diversity with success,” he notes. The firm’s clients, he adds, connect more deeply when they see themselves reflected in their advocates. “It’s about representation and trust,” he says, describing how diversity fuels both team spirit and stronger outcomes.

Even in a field rooted in tradition, Agosto recognizes the role of innovation. The firm uses artificial intelligence to handle time-consuming tasks like document review and summarizing depositions. “AI saves time,” he says, “but you must verify everything. Otherwise, you can get sanctioned.” His view is clear: technology should serve people, not replace them. It is one of several ways he seeks to keep Abraham Watkins efficient and future-ready while preserving its human core.

Agosto’s influence extends well beyond the courtroom. Together with his wife, Nikki, he has made philanthropy

AGOSTO’S

INFLUENCE EXTENDS

WELL BEYOND THE COURTROOM. TOGETHER WITH HIS WIFE, NIKKI, HE HAS MADE PHILANTHROPY A FAMILY MISSION.

give back.” For him, this work completes the circle between professional success and community responsibility. “It’s about being influential for the right reasons,” he says. “Using that influence to make a difference.”

His dedication to education and leadership development shines through the Agosto Justice Center for Leadership and Empowerment, a program he helped establish to prepare the next generation. “When we started, we wanted to put money to build it,” he recalls. “Now we’ve built it. The center is flourishing.” The center hosts lecture series that bring national figures to inspire students and highlight leadership, confidence, and civic engagement. “The mission is to teach students and empower them about leadership and confidence to be ready for challenges when they get out,” he explains. “We do scholarships for students and postgraduates, and we have a full staff and a professorship. It was a dream, and now it’s a reality.”

a family mission. One of their most recent efforts focuses on rebuilding a community library in the Aldine area of Houston. “We donated one hundred thousand dollars out of our own pocket to start that seed money,” he shares. “When we tell politicians that, they feel that they need to join, so things are moving in the right direction.” Thanks to their advocacy, Harris County expanded its budget to include funds for the library renovation. “Nikki’s passion for libraries has given good results,” he adds. “We find things in the community that are maybe not directly related to what we do for a living, but by being impactful, we’re helping others. That gives us more credibility when we work on our next project.”

He also serves as Chair-Elect of the Houston Bar Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the city’s bar association. “The Foundation gives money every year to charity,” he explains. “I’ve been elected Chair-Elect, and what we’re doing is getting lawyers to

Looking forward, he hopes to continue expanding its reach. “The goals are to continue to provide scholarship opportunities and have a think tank where students can come together to prepare themselves with leaders teaching them how to become the future,” he says. “I was blessed to get a good education, but I didn’t have those opportunities. So I want to be better for the next generation.”

At the heart of it all, Agosto remains close to his roots. “I’m for Latinos and Latinas first,” he says, “but the law has changed, and we have to be a little more careful how we do it. Still, we stay rooted in the community where there’s need.” His message is simple and constant: “There are communities in need, and we know who they are and what they look like, so we serve them. It’s important that they get that help.”

As Abraham Watkins enters its next chapter, its Managing Partner keeps his focus on people—those in the courtroom, in the firm, and in the community. For Benny Agosto Jr., resilience and empathy are not just values. They are the foundation of a legacy built to last.

GENERAL COUNSELS 2025

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Dominic J. Andreano

General Counsel

Envision Healthcare

Dominic J. Andreano has accrued nearly 30 years of experience in the field of healthcare law. He advanced through roles in a major healthcare organization, advising on compliance, litigation, business development, securities, and board governance. His legal career includes managing risk in highly regulated environments and aligning legal strategy with organizational growth. He transitioned from roles supporting operations to more senior oversight of legal affairs, leveraging a deep understanding of the evolving U.S. healthcare legal and regulatory landscape.

Mariana D'Andrea

Associate General CounselInternational ROKU, Inc.

Rene Casares

Chief Legal Officer ULTA

Rene G. Casares has built a distinguished legal career spanning big-law firms, finance, and in-house leadership. He worked at Latham & Watkins and Vinson & Elkins, advising clients on mergers & acquisitions, private equity, corporate governance, and capital markets. Before moving to Ulta, he held senior legal roles at Academy Sports & Outdoors, where he oversaw legal, compliance and corporate secretarial functions.

Alberto De Cardenas

Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary.

MasTec

Alberto de Cárdenas has served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of MasTec, Inc. since 2005. He oversees all corporate and operational legal matters, governance, and regulatory compliance. Previously, he was Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Perry Ellis International and practiced law at Broad and Cassel. He began his career as an accountant at Deloitte & Touche. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Florida, an M.S. in Taxation from FIU, and a J.D. from The George Washington University Law School.

Anna M. Alvarado

Managing Director, Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary

Texas Capital Bank

Anna M. Alvarado is Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary, and interim Chief Human Resources Officer at Texas Capital. She oversees all legal services for the firm, advises the Board of Directors, and manages regulatory compliance. Anna brings over 15 years of legal and advisory experience, including as global general counsel for FirstCash, Inc.

Ignacio A. Cortina

Executive vice president & Chief Legal Officer and Secretary Oshkosh Corporation

Ignacio A. Cortina has a longstanding record in industry-related legal, ethics, compliance, environmental and sustainability issues across diverse manufacturing sectors. He joined his company in the early 2000s in roles of increasing responsibility, including litigation and transactional functions, rising from assistant counsel positions into broader legal leadership. His early experience in private practice in Washington, D.C., prepared him well for advising on corporate affairs, navigating regulatory complexity, and guiding multinational operations. He combines legal depth with executive-level strategic counsel.

Brenda Durham

Chief Legal Counsel

Marriott International

Brenda Durham is the highest-ranking Latina legal executive at Marriott International, leading the legal department for the Caribbean and Latin America. With more than 25 years at the company, she has overseen key integrations (such as AC by Marriott and Starwood) and manages legal operations including development, assets, compliance, and regulation in the corresponding regions.

GENERAL COUNSELS

Sonia Galindo

Executive Vice President & General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

KBR Inc

Galindo serves as Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary for KBR, Inc., a multinational delivering science, technology, and engineering solutions. She joined KBR from FLIR Systems, where she was Senior VP and General Counsel. Galindo has held senior roles at Rosetta Stone, the SEC, Blank Rome LLP, and others. She serves on advisory boards for the Millstein Center, Diversity Lab, and the Association of Corporate Counsel. She earned a J.D. from the University of Illinois and a B.A. from Hood College.

Horacio Gutierrez

Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Legal and Compliance Officer

The Walt Disney Company

Horacio Gutierrez has built a global legal footprint in technology and media, working in major companies and leading complex legal, regulatory and intellectual property matters. Before his current role, he helped shape global affairs, licensing, and public policy in streaming and software sectors. At Microsoft he handled product lifecycles, IP, litigation, and compliance. He earned law degrees in both the U.S. and Venezuela, including a Master of Laws. Outside practice, he serves on outside boards and nonprofit legal advisory bodies.

Elizabeth Lopez

Assistant General Counsel United Airlines

Rose Marie Glazer Executive Vice President, General Counsel AIG

Jose Ramon Gonzalez

Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary

Equitable Holdings

Elizabeth Lopez serves as Assistant General Counsel for Global Competition and Alliances at United Airlines, a role she has held since 2016. She has also served within United as Chief of Staff to the President, Senior Managing Counsel, Managing Counsel, and Litigation Counsel. Before joining United, she was an attorney at Drinker Biddle & Reath from 2007 to 2016. She holds both a B.A. and M.A. in History from Stanford University and earned her J.D. from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law

Glazer is the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of AIG, overseeing legal, compliance, regulatory, government affairs, Global Security, and the Sustainability Office. Since joining AIG in 2017, she has held several roles including Chief Human Resources Officer. Previously, she was General Counsel – Americas at Siemens AG and held legal roles at Telvista and American Airlines. She serves on the Corebridge Financial board and holds a law degree and dual BBA/BA from SMU.

Abdon Hernandez VP & Deputy General Counsel

Constellation Brands

Abdon Hernandez has specialized in corporate and transactional law with significant cross-border exposure, particularly in Mexico. His early career included partnership at law firms focusing on M&A and corporate law, as well as roles as international legal director, and senior associate in firms handling complex transactions. Within Constellation Brands, he has been responsible for legal development in the Mexican market, advising on regulatory, commercial, and strategic deals. He holds academic qualifications in international law and commercial law, combining legal rigor with industry knowledge.

Luis F. Machado

Vice President & General Counsel & Secretary TopBuild

Luis Francisco Machado brings over 30 years of corporate legal expertise gained from public companies in construction, automotive, manufacturing, retail, and distribution industries. He currently serves as Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary at TopBuild Corp., a leading installer of insulation and commercial roofing, and a specialty distributor of insulation and related building materials. Previously, he was General Counsel and Secretary at CTS Corporation, and led legal functions at L Brands, Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, and Diversey, Inc. Starting his career in private practice, Luis is recognized for integrating legal strategy with business operations.

José Ramón González is the Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at Equitable Holdings, leading the Law Department and overseeing legal, compliance, and regulatory affairs. He has held significant roles, including Executive VP & General Counsel at CNA Insurance and Chief Legal Officer at QBE North America. José is active in the community, serving on boards like LatinoJustice PRLDEF and the Latino Donor Collaborative. He holds a B.S. in Economics from Wharton and a J.D. from Columbia Law School.

Lisa Iglesias

Executive Vice President & General Counsel

Unum Group

Iglesias has been Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Unum Group since 2015. She leads the legal affairs of the company, including transactions, corporate governance, regulatory matters, and litigation. With 25 years of experience as general counsel for Fortune 500 companies, Lisa previously held roles at WellCare Health Plans, Nordstrom, and Spherion. She is also a CPA, received the Legend in Law award at The Burton Awards and serves on the board of Ambac Financial Group, Inc.

Joe Negron

Senior Vice President & General Counsel, Corporate Secretary GEO Group

Joe Negron has over three decades of experience in business law and complex litigation. Before his current role, he practiced at Florida law firms with a focus on corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters. He also served many years in public office, including in the Florida Legislature, influencing finance and appropriations sectors. His academic journey includes law studies at Emory and a master’s degree in public administration, bringing a blend of legal practice, policy, and governance. His legal contributions span both courtroom advocacy and shaping legislation.

Pilar Ramos

Executive Vice President, General Counsel &

Corporate

Secretary

TelevisaUnivision, Inc.

Pilar Ramos is Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of TelevisaUnivision. In this role, she advises the board and leads all corporate legal functions, including governance, compliance, and regulatory policy. Her key role contributes to the strategic consolidation and legal operations of the media conglomerate.

Emma Rodriguez Ayala General Counsel Ariel Investments

Emma Rodriguez-Ayala oversees legal, compliance, governance, investment operations, technology, risk management, marketing and communications at Ariel Investments and affiliated entities. She co-leads Ariel’s Project Level, a women’s sports investment strategy, serving on the Investment Committee. She was previously general counsel and chief compliance at LGIM America and general counsel of Mesirow Advanced Strategies. She is an independent director of First Bank Chicago and co-founded Angeles Investors. TIME Magazine recognized Emma as one of 12 Latino Leaders of 2025.

David Salazar

Vice President Legal Services Mission Foods

David Salazar has spent over fifteen years in the legal department of GRUMA / Mission Foods in various capacities, gaining extensive experience in cross-border trade, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. Raised in Monterrey, Mexico with ties to Texas, he has helped lead complex initiatives involving U.S.-Mexico business migration, free trade, and regional operations. His legal career involves managing risk in manufacturing, food production, and operational expansion across both the Americas and Europe. Salazar is known for bridging legal strategy with operational insight in multinational settings.

Stephanie Zapata Moore

Executive Vice President & General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer

Vistra Energy

Stephanie Zapata Moore has a broad career in energy, regulatory, litigation and environmental law. Earlier she represented power generation operations, dealing with commercial contracts, regulatory permitting, environmental advocacy, and major litigation. She spent time in private practice working on securities, M&A and corporate matters. Moore earned her law degree from William & Mary and her undergraduate from Duke. She is known for her leadership in integrating legal and compliance teams, navigating complex regulatory environments, and being active in legal and community organizations.

Francisco Velasco

Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer, Chief Risk & Compliance Officer, and Corporate Secretary PriceSmart

Francisco Velasco has a long legal career spanning private practice, in-house roles and cross-border regulatory work. He began in private law firms specializing in Latin America, then held legal positions at Abbott Laboratories, Hanes Brands and Sara Lee. Later he became Division Counsel Latin America at a global biopharmaceutical company. He holds a law degree from Mexico, a Master of Laws from Georgetown and an MBA from Duke. Velasco also contributes to non-profit and educational organizations in PriceSmart’s markets.

Jorge Zemborain

General Counsel - Latin America

Brink's

Jorge is a commercial attorney who oversees Brink’s legal team in Latin America and the Caribbean, where the company employs about 30,000 people. He also serves as counsel for intellectual property matters worldwide. Jorge previously worked as in-house legal counsel with News Corp./Fox and BP (British Petroleum).

Carlos L. Rodríguez- Ramos

SVP of Corporate Affairs & Chief Legal Officer Triple-S Management

Carlos Rodríguez-Ramos has combined public service, academic work, and corporate law in his career. He started in government advisory roles and clerked for the Chief Justice of the Puerto Rico Supreme Court before entering the insurance sector. At Triple-S, he rose through roles in counsel and corporate affairs, overseeing legal, compliance, audit, public policy, government relations, and board governance. He also teaches and conducts research in health, regulation and constitutional law.

Ignacio Walker

Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer

Avery Dennison

Ignacio Walker is the senior vice president and chief legal officer for Avery Dennison Corporation. He is responsible for the legal aspects of the company’s global strategy and operations, including corporate policies and strategic planning, shareholder protection, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, intellectual property, risk management, corporate governance and compliance.

Mariana D'Andrea

Associate General CounselInternational ROKU, Inc.

BUILDING TRUST, CULTURE, AND OPPORTUNITY

ROSE MARIE GLAZER EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL, AIG

Rose Marie Glazer has built a career at the intersection of law, human resources, and leadership, where trust and integrity form the foundation of every decision. Throughout her journey—from legal counsel to executive leader and board director—she has seen how values, when consistently practiced, can shape not just corporate policies but entire cultures.

Courtesy of AIG

“AT FIRST GLANCE, Legal and HR may seem like very different disciplines,” she says. “But for me they’re deeply connected by a shared foundation of trust, integrity and people.” In her view, Legal focuses on doing what is right from a compliance and governance perspective, while HR centers on doing what is right from an employee perspective. When both functions work together, she explains, they influence how a company’s values “come to life through daily decisions and behaviors.”

Glazer believes a strong corporate culture cannot exist without consistency. It must be modeled by leadership, communicated clearly, and lived daily across all levels of the organization. “Culture must be modeled, communicated and lived consistently at all levels of the organization,” she says. For her, this goes beyond slogans or values statements; it is about visible accountability. She points to transparency as one of the most powerful tools in building trust. When employees see that their feedback leads to change, it reinforces their sense of belonging and belief in the company’s purpose. “When employees feel heard and see how their feedback leads to real change, it strengthens their connection to the company’s purpose and to one another,” she notes.

As a global leader, Glazer has also seen how governance must adapt to local realities. She stresses the need for open communication between regions, business units, and headquarters. “We establish clear global standards but remain agile enough to adapt to local requirements and market conditions so that our policies are relevant,” she says. It is an approach rooted in balance: maintaining oversight while ensuring decisions work on the ground. Her governance philosophy combines structure with flexibility. Regular monitoring and follow-up ensure accountability, but the dialogue with regional teams keeps the framework dynamic. “For me, it starts with cultivating open dialogue among regional teams, business leaders and centrally managed functions to ensure ongoing alignment,” she explains.

ACROSS EVERY STAGE OF HER JOURNEY, GLAZER’S LEADERSHIP REFLECTS A DEEP COMMITMENT TO VALUES-DRIVEN ACTION.

As one of the few Latina leaders to have reached senior executive and board levels, Glazer sees herself as part of a growing movement. Yet she recognizes there is still work to be done. “Representation at the top truly matters—it shapes how young professionals see their own possibilities,” she says. For her, sponsorship and advocacy are not optional; they are moral obligations. “The more doors we open, the more pathways we create for the next generation of Latino leaders.” Her sense of purpose extends beyond her own advancement. She is intentional about visibility and authenticity, knowing that her presence can encourage others to aim higher. “I am conscious that others, particularly women and persons from underrepresented groups, may see me as a role model,” she says. “That motivates me to authentically exemplify the characteristics, work ethic and results that will inspire others to also raise their hands for new challenges.”

Glazer’s career at AIG has offered lessons in adaptability and growth. She credits curiosity and a willingness to learn as the driving forces behind her evolution as a leader. “Stepping into new roles isn’t always easy, but asking questions, seeking knowledge and embracing a growth mindset have helped me navigate each transition successfully,” she explains. Advocating for her own seat at the table was also a critical step. “Leadership isn’t just about climbing the ladder,” she says. “It’s about continuously demonstrating your impact through collaboration, strategic thinking and meaningful contributions.” Her emphasis on agility and resilience reflects the fast-changing world of business she helps steer. “The business landscape is constantly evolving, and being able to adapt, pivot, and thrive amid change has been key to my success.”

For lawyers aspiring to move into broader leadership roles, Glazer offers clear advice: understand the business beyond the law. “Develop a deep understanding of the business—its strategy, operations and how the company drives value for its myriad of stakeholders,” she recommends. She also encourages strengthening financial literacy to connect legal decisions with business outcomes. But more than technical knowledge, she stresses the

“MY GOAL ISN’T TO HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS, BUT TO ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS THAT UNCOVER RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES,” SHE SAYS.

importance of relationships. “Build relationships across all levels of the organization, well beyond the legal community,” she says. “The shift from legal advisor to business leader requires confidence in your ability to contribute beyond your technical expertise.” That shift, she explains, is as much about mindset as it is about skill. Seeing oneself as a strategic contributor rather than a specialist opens new opportunities. “That mindset change is what ultimately opens new doors,” she adds.

Now serving as a board director, Glazer brings the same disciplined curiosity that shaped her executive career. “My goal isn’t to have all the answers, but to ask the right questions that uncover risks and opportunities,” she says. She values diversity of thought and believes that robust dialogue leads to better governance. “Staying informed, curious and responsive to emerging issues are key to ensuring that as a board we remain both strategic and effective,” she notes.

Across every stage of her journey, Glazer’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to values-driven action. Whether guiding teams through change, mentoring future leaders, or shaping governance frameworks, she consistently returns to a simple truth: leadership begins with trust. Her career demonstrates that integrity and inclusion are not competing goals but complementary strengths. “Trust, integrity and people,” she says, “are what connect every role I’ve ever had.” In Rose Marie Glazer’s story, leadership is not about titles or milestones. It is about the steady practice of aligning values with action—and opening doors for others to do the same.

KEEP ON THE WATCH 2025

THESE are the names that undoubtedly will shine in the coming years. Keep an eye out for their future accomplishments. We are sure they will continue the standards of law practice and ethics. They will also continue to pave the way for future generations, allowing new names to continue rising!

NANCY FLORES

ABRAHAM, WATKINS, NICHOLS, AGOSTO, AZIZ & STOGNER

Personal Injury

Associate

Born in Mexico City and raised in Texas, Nancy represents victims of catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, and product liability. A graduate of South Texas College of Law, she is known for her compassion and determination in holding corporations accountable. Fluent in Spanish, she serves diverse clients across Texas and is licensed before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Nancy is a passionate advocate for justice and meaningful recovery for injured individuals.

JONATHAN AGOSTO

ABRAHAM, WATKINS, NICHOLS, AGOSTO, AZIZ & STOGNER

Personal Injury

Junior Associate

Houston native Jon earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University and his J.D. from South Texas College of Law Houston. He gained experience in litigation through roles at tax and personal injury firms and as a teaching assistant and bar coach. Now at Abraham Watkins, Jon represents clients with dedication and skill. He is licensed to practice in Texas and is committed to delivering strong legal advocacy.

VICTORIA HADDAD

ABRAHAM, WATKINS, NICHOLS, AGOSTO, AZIZ & STOGNER

Personal Injury

Associate

Victoria Haddad, an attorney at Abraham Watkins, helped secure a $28.5 million verdict for victims of the ExxonMobil Baytown Explosion—one of Texas’s top verdicts of 2023. A Houston native and South Texas College of Law graduate, she previously earned honors degrees in Political Science and Criminology from the University of St. Thomas. Known for her drive and compassion, Victoria continues to advocate for justice in complex injury and civil litigation cases across Texas.

JORDI VARGAS

ABRAHAM, WATKINS, NICHOLS, AGOSTO, AZIZ & STOGNER

Personal Injury

Junior Associate

Jordi Vargas is an attorney at Abraham Watkins specializing in personal injury, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death cases. A graduate of South Texas College of Law and the University of St. Thomas, he excelled in mock trial competitions, earning national recognition. Fluent in Spanish, Jordi combines trial expertise with empathy for his clients. His background in complex litigation and academic excellence make him a passionate advocate for victims of negligence and corporate misconduct.

ALEJANDRO ROSA

CLARK HILL

Labor & Employment; Public Strategies

Associate; Director, Clark Hill Public Strategies

Alejandro Rosa is an attorney who litigates complex labor and employment disputes and advises clients on how to navigate state and federal workplace regulations. He is a graduate of Southwestern Law School, where he served as the Managing Editor of The Southwestern Law Review. Prior to his practice of law, Alejandro worked in government and political affairs. His story, particularly as a first-generation immigrant, shaped his pursuit of a career in law and public affairs.

VICTORIA HAMSCHO

K&L GATES LLP

Public Policy and Law

Senior Associate

Victoria Hamscho is a member of the Public Policy and Law Practice of K&L Gates LLP, where she provides counsel on legislative and regulatory matters impacting clients. Victoria is President-elect of the Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia and serves on the Advisory Council of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. Victoria received her J.D. from New York University School of Law and holds an M.P.H. from Columbia University. Victoria grew up in Monterrey, Mexico.

ANDREA SENTENO

MEXICAN AMERICAN LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND (MALDEF)

Civil Rights/Non-Profit

Regional Counsel

Andrea Senteno serves as Regional Counsel at MALDEF’s Washington, D.C. office, overseeing federal litigation and policy advocacy. She leads efforts to protect immigrants’ rights, education access, and voting rights. Andrea was part of key legal victories, including challenges to the Census citizenship question and apportionment exclusions. A lifelong advocate for civil rights and racial justice, she previously worked on government transparency in New York. She earned her J.D. from American University and her B.A. from Pitzer College.

DAVID SILVA

SIDLEY AUSTIN LLP

White Collar Defense and Investigations

Partner

David Silva defends companies and executives in complex criminal and civil investigations, including FCPA, False Claims Act, and environmental enforcement matters. He has led 200+ multinational investigations across five continents and advises on compliance, ethics, and data privacy. He has been recognized by Legal 500 Latin America in 2024 and 2025 and named to the Latinvex 2025 “Latin America’s Rising Legal Stars”. David earned his J.D. from New York University School of Law.

MELISSA COLÓN-BOSOLET

SIDLEY AUSTIN LLP

Commercial Litigation and Disputes

Partner

Melissa Colón-Bosolet represents clients in high-risk business disputes in federal and state courts, arbitrations, and internal investigations. Her practice spans fraud and breach of contract, business torts, partnership disputes, purchase price adjustments, whistleblower-related litigation, and False Claims Act matters. She also represents companies and board committees in some of their most complex and sensitive enforcement and investigation-related issues.

LATINOS IN EDUCATION 2025

Andrew T. Guzman

Provost & Senior VP for Academic Affairs

University of Southern California

Andrew T. Guzman is a legal scholar and the provost at USC, where he oversees academic strategy, research, and professional schools. Formerly dean of the USC Gould School of Law, Guzman’s scholarship spans international law and economics. As provost he focuses on interdisciplinary initiatives, global partnerships, and supporting faculty and student excellence across USC’s complex academic enterprise.

Cyndia Morales Muñiz

Senior Director, Grant Initiatives and Partnerships

University of Central Florida

Dr. Cyndia Morales Muñiz leads grant initiatives across UCF that advance access and student success. She cultivates partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to support student programs, as well as capacity building opportunities for faculty and staff. Her leadership has contributed to UCF’s national recognition as a top Hispanic Serving Institution.

Latino leaders are shaping the future of education with vision, inclusion, and purpose. From presidents and chancellors to deans and diversity officers, these distinguished professionals are driving access, innovation, and equity for the next generation of learners.

Anthony E. Varona

Dean

Seattle University School of Law

Anthony E. Varona is dean and professor at Seattle University School of Law, a legal educator who previously led Miami Law and other academic programs. Varona has advanced diversity and innovation in legal education, launched new programs in technology and sports law, and focused on recruitment strategies that increased academic quality while improving student body diversity and professional preparation.

Elizabeth Trejos-Castillo

Provost

Texas Tech University

Dr. Trejos-Castillo is a senior academic leader at Texas Tech University. She serves as Provost, overseeing academic affairs. Her research work spans human development and family studies with rich collaborations nationally and internationally. She’s recognized for excellence in teaching, scholarship, and contribution to minority and vulnerable youth programs.

Ernesto Castañeda

Director, Center for Latin American and Latino Studies

American University, Washington, DC

Ernesto Castañeda is the Director of the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies and the Immigration Lab and a Full Professor, College of Arts and Sciences and School of International Service, American University, Washington, DC. Beyond dozens of academic articles, he has published many books, most recently, "Immigration Realities: Challenging Common Misperceptions." Castañeda’s insights and commentary are frequently featured in various media outlets around the world. He often delivers public talks, making him a prominent voice in public debates on immigration and Latino issues.

Eva M. Fernández

Provost & VP for Academic Affairs

Mercy University

Dr. Eva M. Fernández is provost and chief academic officer at Mercy University, a major private Hispanic-Serving Institution. She brings experience in community college systems and urban higher education, emphasizing curriculum innovation, faculty development, and supports that increase retention and graduation among diverse learners. Fernández has led signature programs that deepen experiential learning and workforce alignment.

Irma Becerra-Fernandez

President

Marymount University

Dr. Becerra-Fernandez is a Cuban-American electrical engineer and higher education leader. Since July 2018, she has served as President of Marymount University. Before that, she was Provost & Chief Academic Officer at St. Thomas University (Florida). She holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering and is known for research, leadership, and driving institutional growth.

Estela Zárate

Dean, School of Education

Loyola Marymount University

Dr. Estela Zárate is a nationally recognized higher-education leader appointed dean of LMU’s School of Education. A scholar and practitioner with long experience promoting Hispanic student success, Zárate champions equity, anti-racism, and community engagement. Her leadership emphasizes teacher diversity, HSI partnerships, and programming that supports first-generation and underrepresented students to thrive in K-20 education pathways.

Fany DeJesús Hannon

Ed.D., Dean of Students

University of Connecticut

Fany DeJesús Hannon immigrated from Honduras, overcame language barriers, and became first in her family to earn college, master’s, and doctorate degrees. She became Interim Dean of Students in 2022 and took the permanent role in spring 2024. She focuses on sense of belonging, mentoring Latinx students, peer mentoring, and bridging cultural gaps on campus.

Jason Irizarry

Ed.D., Dean, Neag School of Education

University of Connecticut

Dr. Jason Irizarry is the first Latino Dean of UConn’s Neag School of Education. His academic work is in urban teacher recruitment, retention, culturally responsive pedagogy, and increasing teachers of color. Before being Dean, he served as associate dean for academic affairs; he aims to make teacher preparation more equitable for Latinx students.

LATINOS FOR EDUCATION

Juan Espinoza

Vice Provost for Enrollment Management

Virginia Tech

Juan Espinoza manages admissions, enrollment strategy, and supports degree completion efforts at Virginia Tech. He has served in various leadership roles in higher education, focused particularly on Latino student success and access. His work includes community engagement, bilingual education initiatives, and enhancing university outreach to underrepresented population

Laura Alamillo

Dean, School of Education

Sonoma State University

Dr. Laura Alamillo became a Dean at Sonoma State University in 2020. Her current role is the Dean of the College of Education, Counseling and Ethnic Studies. She is also the Dean of the University Library. Her career has been heavily involved in educator preparation, especially for underrepresented communities. She previously taught at Fresno State where she also served as Interim Dean for two years. She received her Ph.D. at the University of California at Berkeley with a specialization in Education in Language, Literacy and Culture.

Lisa García Bedolla

Dean of the Graduate Division &Vice Provost for Graduate Studies

University of California, Berkeley

Lisa García Bedolla is a political scientist specializing in Latino political participation and inequality. As UC Berkeley's Vice Provost for Graduate Studies & Dean of the Graduate Division, she oversees graduate education policies, diversity, admissions, and support programs for all Berkeley graduate students. She has served in multiple leadership positions at UC Berkeley, including directing the Institute of Governmental Studies, and has long published on Latino identity and policy in U.S. politics.

Julio Frenk

Chancellor

University of California, Los Angeles

Julio Frenk is a Mexican physician, global-health scholar, and university leader who became UCLA’s chancellor in January 2025. He previously served as president of the University of Miami and as dean of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Frenk is known for health-system reform work in Mexico, prolific research, and building interdisciplinary public-health programs that center equity and access.

Leticia P. López

Ph.D., Dean of Mathematics, Sciences, and Nursing Education

San Diego City College

Dr. López is of Cuban & Mexican-American descent. She is currently dean over Mathematics, Sciences, and Nursing Education at San Diego City College. Her prior roles include Spanish professor, international education coordinator, and leadership in HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) initiatives. She holds a Ph.D. in Hispanic Languages & Literature and a B.S. in Biology.

Marcelo Suárez-Orozco

Chancellor

University of Massachusetts Boston

Born in Argentina, Suárez-Orozco is an anthropologist specializing in immigration, globalization, and education. He became the 9th Chancellor of UMass Boston in August 2020. He had previously been Dean at UCLA's School of Education & Information Studies. His leadership is marked by focus on access for immigrant and underrepresented students and building research & community engagement programs.

Marla Franco

Assistant Vice Provost, HSI Initiatives

University

of Arizona

Dr. Marla Franco oversees Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) initiatives at the University of Arizona. She has led efforts in STEM, diversity, equity, institutional change, and works to strengthen educational practice and partnerships to improve student outcomes, especially for Latino learners. She is also a first-generation college graduate.

Raquel M. Arredondo

Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

University of Pennsylvania

Raquel Arredondo is a Cuban-American higher ed professional with over 25 years experience. As Assistant Dean at Penn’s Graduate School of Education, she leads programs in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She has worked also at Penn State, Rutgers, and Drexel. Her background includes HR, coaching, leadership development, and advocacy for underrepresented students.

Susana Rivera-Mills

President

Aurora University

Dr. Susana Rivera-Mills is the 14th president of Aurora University and the first Latina to hold this role. A Salvadoran-born, first-generation college graduate, she brings over 25 years of higher education experience and a collaborative leadership approach. Committed to student success, inclusivity, and community partnerships, she champions a future-focused mindset and cultivates innovative, courageous, and visionary leaders who help students prepare for purposeful careers and meaningful lives.

Mildred García

Chancellor

California State University

Mildred García is the CSU system chancellor and the first Latina to lead the largest four-year public university system in the U.S. A veteran university president and higher-education advocate, García has led multiple CSU campuses and national higher-education organizations. Her work centers on student success, increasing graduation rates, and policy advocacy for public colleges serving diverse, often first-generation student populations.

Stephen Perez

President

California State University, Chico

Dr. Steve Perez became the 13th President of Chico State in July 2023. Before that he served as interim provost & vice president for Academic Affairs at Chico State and in senior academic roles at Sacramento State. A long career in academic leadership, he emphasizes student success, equity, and institutional excellence.

Yvette Gullatt

Vice Provost & Chief Diversity Officer (UC System)

University of California

Yvette Gullatt holds a leadership role in the UC System overseeing equity, diversity, inclusion, and undergraduate/graduate affairs. With two decades of experience in student affairs, she helps advance the University’s goals of becoming a Hispanic-Serving System. She shapes policy and programs affecting UC’s many campuses and diverse student populations.

LATINOS FOR EDUCATION

EDUCATION TO LAST A LIFETIME

JULIO FRENK CHANCELLOR, UCLA

1.You’ve had an extraordinary career across government, global health, and academia — what experiences most shaped the leader you are today?

JF: The defining moment of my life happened before I was born. In the 1930s, my grandparents were forced to flee Germany with their two young children – my father, who was 6, and his sister, who was 4. Through a series of coincidences, they found refuge in Mexico – a country that at the time was materially poorer, but infinitely richer in what truly matters: kindness to strangers.

It’s easy to be kind to people we know. What’s harder, and more powerful, is showing kindness to people who are different from us. That kindness saved my family’s life and made my own life possible. I was raised with a deep sense of gratitude and duty to repay that kindness through public service. In my family, that’s taken many forms: some of us through science and medicine, others through music and education. For me, it’s been through public health and now higher education. I was drawn to public health because, in many ways, it is like medicine – except society is your patient. At its heart, leadership is an act of service, and for me, it’s about carrying forward the kindness that gave my family a second chance.

2.What inspired you to take on the role of Chancellor at UCLA at this moment in your life?

JF: UCLA represents the very best of what a public university can be – an institution that transforms lives and brings good to the world through knowledge, discovery, and service. At a time when higher education faces profound challenges, leading a university with such a deep public mission is both a privilege and a responsibility.

When the opportunity arose, I wasn’t looking to make a career move. I was in my ninth year as president of the University of Mi-

Chancellor Julio Frenk speaking at the UCLA Connects Bruin Talks symposium in June 2025. (Photographer: David Esquivel)

“PURSUING A COLLEGE EDUCATION IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT INVESTMENTS YOU CAN MAKE IN YOURSELF.”

ami, preparing to lead the institution into its centennial year, which I expected would be my last. My energy was fully devoted to that milestone. Like many academic leaders, I often received inquiries from search firms. I rarely gave them a second glance – until one message caught my eye with four unmistakable letters: U-C-L-A. In that instant, I knew, this is different. UCLA is one of the world’s truly exceptional institutions. It is far more than a renowned name; it is a community whose collective talent, diversity, and purpose give life to that reputation every day. At this stage in my career, I am guided by purpose – the opportunity to serve at a consequential moment for higher education. I have always been drawn to institutions that not only create knowledge, but also uphold the values that give it meaning. UCLA embodies those values: access, opportunity, inclusion, and public service – and that spirit is what ultimately called me here: to help advance the university’s mission and expand its impact on the world.

3.Looking back, how did your years as Mexico’s Minister of Health and later at Harvard and the University of Miami prepare you for this new chapter?

JF: When I arrived at UCLA, the Palisades and Eaton fires began just a few days into my tenure. It was an immediate reminder of how essential it is to respond swiftly, communicate clearly, and lead with both empathy and resolve. My prior experiences helped prepare me for that moment. At the University of Miami, for instance, we confronted the COVID-19 pandemic with a science-based, pragmatic approach – establishing clear protocols and decisive communication to safeguard our community.

But leadership is about more than managing crises – it’s about bringing people together to achieve lasting change. As Mexico’s Minister of Health, I had the privilege of leading the creation of Seguro Popular, the nation’s first universal health insurance program. That reform extended coverage to more than 55 million previously uninsured people, an achievement made possible through rigorous evidence, strategic financial planning, and political consensus-building. Later, during my time at Harvard, I worked with colleagues and partners to secure a historic naming gift for the School of Public Health, strengthening its ability to serve future generations.

Those lessons guided my work at the University of Miami, where a disciplined focus on priorities and execution helped move the institution into the Association of American Universities – a major acknowledgment of its growing excellence in research and scholarship.

At UCLA, I am applying those same principles as we navigate a complex landscape in higher education. Earlier this year, I conducted a listening exercise, where I met with every school and unit on campus, as well as with alumni – 38 sessions in total that engaged more than 6,300 Bruins. Through those conversations, we developed a collective vision for our university, now known as One UCLA, which synthesizes the voices, hopes, and aspirations of our community. That vision is guiding our strategic priorities and ensuring that UCLA continues to stand as a beacon of knowledge, opportunity, and public service – an institution that not only responds to change, but helps shape a better future for all.

Chancellor Julio Frenk at the January 2025 opening of the Disaster Recovery Center, operated by FEMA and local and state agencies in response to the January Palisades and Eaton Fires. UCLA donated space at UCLA Research Park to house the center which provided vital support and services for survivors (Photographer: David Esquivel).

LATINOS FOR EDUCATION

“WE WANT EVERY BRUIN TO CARRY UCLA IN THEIR HEARTS, WHEREVER THEY GO.”

4.How would you describe your leadership style when it comes to guiding such a large and diverse university?

JF: Two values that define my view of leadership are respect and integrity. Respect is the way we relate to one another – with empathy, fairness, and dignity, even when we must make difficult decisions. Integrity is the way we relate to ourselves – how we act when no one is watching, guided not by reward or punishment but by the quiet conviction to do what is right. These principles have guided me throughout my life and career.

Equally important is a mindset of service, which has always been at the heart of my work and is a cornerstone of UCLA’s mission. Leadership, to me, is the ultimate act of service – a commitment to contribute to something larger than oneself.

I also believe in the power of continuous improvement. True strength lies in the humility to reflect, the curiosity to ask how we can do better, and the courage to change when needed. At UCLA, that spirit drives us forward. We strive to evolve – to keep learning, growing, and transforming, because our ability to continuously improve ourselves is what enables us to better serve our community and the world.

5.What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for higher education today?

JF: Higher education and universities across the country are facing a consequential moment. Not everyone fully understands the life-changing and life-saving value of our scholarly and creative work. Research funding faces disruption, and we must work hard to ensure that discoveries that improve – and save – lives can continue.

At UCLA, we meet this challenge by advancing research and scholarship with measurable, real-world impact; by serving our communities in meaningful ways; and by pushing the frontiers of knowledge to address the most complex challenges of our time. We are also reimagining how discovery happens – exploring new models of collaboration, expanding partnerships with industry and philanthropic leaders, and advancing a new UCLA Research and Innovation Blueprint to ensure that both fundamental and applied research continue to thrive.

Finally, we recognize that public trust in higher education has been shaken. But we also recognize that behind every breakthrough, every story of impact, there are lives transformed. By sharing those stories, demonstrating our values, and showing the tangible benefits of our work, we commit to earning the public’s trust every day – and to affirming UCLA as an impactful and exemplary institution.

Chancellor Julio Frenk delivering his first commencement address to undergraduates in Pauley Pavilion in June 2025 (Photographer: David Esquivel)

6.UCLA has a strong tradition of public service and inclusion — how do you plan to build on that legacy?

JF: When I became chancellor last January – the same week the devastating wildfires broke out in Los Angeles – I got a crash course in the Bruin spirit. The UCLA community immediately stepped up, offering support, sharing expertise, and finding ways to help our city rebuild. During the fires, UCLA Research Park became a disaster recovery center, and our faculty, staff, and students mobilized to support those affected. Soon after, we partnered with elected officials to launch the Blue Ribbon Commission on Climate Action and Fire-Safe Recovery, bringing together more than 40 experts from UCLA and other institutions. Their nearly 60 policy recommendations are now helping shape a more resilient and sustainable rebuilding process for our region.

Building on that momentum, we launched UCLA Connects, an initiative designed to strengthen the connections between our research, scholarship, and creative work and the needs of society. It is a proactive effort to embed service into everything we do – from community-engaged partnerships to large-scale volunteer efforts. This fall, for example, UCLA students and I participated in Volunteer Day, where Bruins prepared 25,000 meals for unhoused Angelenos.

“UCLA EMBODIES THOSE VALUES: ACCESS, OPPORTUNITY, INCLUSION, AND PUBLIC SERVICE.”

These efforts reflect our commitment to service and inclusion, ensuring UCLA continues to be a force for positive change in the communities we serve.

7.What message would you share with young students and future leaders about the power of education to change lives?

JF: Pursuing a college education is one of the most important investments you can make in yourself. All the data shows that a college degree opens doors to opportunity and increases your chances of success in life. But a university education is much more than grades or credentials. It’s about discovering your purpose, building community, and forming lifelong connections that shape who you are and how you contribute to the world.

At UCLA, we call this UCLA for Life. It reflects two important ideas. The first is that the education our students receive here should last their entire lives – that they should always see UCLA as their educational home, a place to which they can return for learning and growth long after graduation. The second is about how we prepare our students to live meaningful lives – lives filled with purpose, fulfillment, and a commitment to making a difference in the world around them. We want every Bruin to carry UCLA in their hearts, wherever they go.

Chancellor Julio Frenk and Dr. Felicia Marie Knaul (Associate to the Chancellor, Distinguished Professor of Medicine) with students at the Westwood Village Block Party during True Bruin Welcome 2025 in September (Photographer: David Esquivel)

Courtesy of Ernesto Castañeda

WELCOMING ALL: THE SECRET TO A FAIR PLAYING FIELD

How has your research shaped your approach to educational leadership?

EC: Social science research indicates that access to higher education remains a key path to increasing the likelihood of upward social mobility. Thus, it is important for young immigrants, the children of immigrants, and U.S.-born Hispanics, as well as others, to attend an institution of higher education or receive vocational training. Educational leaders, therefore, have to be open and welcoming to students from all backgrounds, meet where they are in terms of previous knowledge and past experience, and give them the tools to succeed in higher education and in the professional

ERNESTO CASTAÑEDA, PHD

DIRECTOR, IMMIGRATION LAB & CENTER FOR LATIN AMERICAN AND LATINO STUDIES, PROFESSOR, AMERICAN UNIVERSITY, DC

world. In my particular case, I have found that having students working with me and others on social science and applied research team projects is a way to simultaneously gain practical skills, confidence, and efficacy, contribute to society, find a community and belonging in academia, and gain some early experience into policy making and public communication.

How do you define inclusive leadership in academia today?

EC: To be the best we can be as a society, we must include everyone in our country. Democratization means including the voices of everyone living in a polity. Meritocracy means that anyone should be given a chance to learn, grow, and succeed. Given the demographic diversity of the

United States, true excellence must be an inclusive excellence where people from all backgrounds contribute to our scientific progress, innovation, success, and wellbeing. This does not mean leaving men or White people behind. Quite the opposite, this means to further expose members of the majority to other ways of thinking so that collectively we can come up with better possible solutions to the many complex problems facing the United States and the world.

What advice would you give institutions striving to close equity gaps?

EC: Indeed, historical exclusions and current inequality show statistical differences across members of a group on average. These gaps can be reduced by providing opportunities for privileged and vulnerable groups alike. Giving opportunities to all is a good way to level the playing field. So is to create channels of community and trust building among students of different backgrounds, for people to get to know each other and to see how their backgrounds and skills can be different but also complementary, and thus, they all benefit when working in teams. We do this often at the Immigration Lab and the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies, which I direct. Students do very complex tasks; we publish many of the products of this collaborative work to inform public and policy discussions about immigration and Latinos. Along the way, students find a place where they can thrive and forge strong friendships.

How do you balance your public voice/ advocacy with your lessons in Academia?

EC: Social science research has the ability to further qualify, contextualize, and sometimes correct common understanding about public policy. Social science research

“TO BE THE BEST WE CAN BE AS A SOCIETY, WE MUST INCLUDE EVERYONE IN OUR COUNTRY.”

carried out in my lab and elsewhere shows that many of the statements made often about immigrants are factually incorrect and we can debunk myths for which there is ample evidence to the contrary. That is what Carina Cione and I do in our book, “Immigration Realities: Challenging Common Misperceptions.” I often talk to the media because our research can decrease the unintended consequences of politics and can improve discussions on the way to create better immigration policies.

How did your personal background influence your commitment to access and representation?

EC: I am Latino, I am bilingual. I am happy to work with U.S.-born Latino students and colleagues as well as those coming directly from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Iberian Peninsula. I have also conducted research in Europe and North Africa. By now, I have coauthored with people from multiple disciplines, different parts of the world, and with different backgrounds and sexual orientations and identities. I always learn from working and writing with people different from me, who often also have different writing styles, working preferences, and planning practices. It is always difficult. Compromises have to be made, patience is required, but the results speak for themselves. The publications are better than what we would have been able to research and write about alone, and they are contributions to academic research and often to public discussions on these subjects. I have been able to write about homelessness, disability, public health, and other topics thanks to working closely with collaborators who are experts on the subject.

How are you advocating for or advancing Latinos who want to create a career in academia?

EC: Latinos today are around 20 percent of the population. How Latinos fare in the future is going to be an important part of how bright or dark the future of the United States will be. Most Latinos are U.S.-born, the great majority are citizens, the vast majority are bilingual and bicultural, and basically all are fluent in contemporary American culture. The Latino cultural contributions and innovations which will

“GIVING OPPORTUNITIES TO ALL IS A GOOD WAY TO LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD.”

be created along with all other Americans, will shape the American culture of the near future, which will probably continue to be attractive and influential around the world.

In the same way, the scientific, artistic, and academic future of the U.S. depends on bringing in all demographic groups to participate and contribute to academia. Being a professional researcher is not something that most people think about as a possible career in part because they may know few or no people in their social circles who do that for a living. But it is an important way to shape knowledge and research for answers to the things we do not know we are ignorant about.

What leadership lesson has been most valuable throughout your career?

EC: Very few leaders have been trained on how to lead. Leaders are partly born and partly created. Meaning part of leadership is self-selecting into leadership opportunities, self-educating, and then sharing experiences and asking for

advice from proven leaders. But before that, many individuals find themselves in leadership positions by a combination of happenstance, timing, merit, and outworking others. Once in leadership roles, the early months or even years are about learning on the job, learning by doing, by listening to those below and above in the organizational pyramid. Preparation ahead of time is helpful, but good moral leaders often do not seek power for its own sake; therefore, they may be partly unprepared to lead when their time comes. This does not mean that they cannot become good, wise, and inclusive leaders.

LISA GARCIA BEDOLLA

Courtesy of Lisa Garcia Bedolla

EQUITY AND ACCESS: CRUCIAL FOR ALL INSTITUTIONS

What first motivated your work on political participation and equity?

LGB: I believe that, to reach its full potential and truly reflect “the people,” our U.S. democracy needs to include all voices, regardless of socioeconomic status, age, ethnorace, gender identity, disability, nationality, geography, et cetera. Growing up in southern California in the 1970s and 1980s, I saw many instances where the on-the-ground reality in my community did not align with the characterization of the United States as a democracy with equality for all. This led me to wonder what makes some people engage politically and others sit on the sidelines. My work has been focused on trying to make my vision of U.S. democracy reality by studying why people don’t engage in politics and identifying and lifting up the strategies that have been effective in making diverse groups of Americans see the political system as a place to solve the problems they find most pressing in their day-to-day lives.

How has your research shaped your approach to educational leadership?

LGB: I study community organizing, which is the process through which normal people decide to work together to solve common problems. Marshall Ganz, a professor at Harvard’s Kennedy School and expert on political or-

ganizing, describes effective organizing conversations as: (1) the story of you (actively listening to determine what the person cares about and why); (2) the story of me (what I care about and why I’m here talking to you); and (3) the story of us (what can we agree to do together to move the needle on the things we both care about). That strategy – active listening, authentic, respectful engagement, and working to find common ground rather than taking a “winner takes all” approach – is how I approach my leadership role. My campus is full of smart and committed students, staff, and faculty. I have found that the best way to move policies and practices forward is to start by building relationships and trust. That work allows me to leverage community expertise and dedication in order to co-construct solutions to the problems we face. It means defining a “win” as forward movement, rather than one person or faction getting everything they want. Leaders can only move at the speed of trust. At the university, this means seeing engagements as iterative and ongoing, where process and transparency are as important as the final outcome.

What changes have you seen in graduate education during your tenure at UC Berkeley?

LGB: The graduate education landscape has shifted significantly over the past two decades, particularly at research universities. It used to be that, at places like Berkeley, “graduate student” equaled doctoral student. Today, doctoral students make up only 40% of graduate students on our campus. We have many more professional master’s programs now, which are designed to help early or mid-career professionals take the next step in their careers to move into new fields. These programs advance our public mission and commitment to supporting lifelong learning. But, our student support structures were largely created to serve doctoral students. We have been working diligently to build better structures and programming for professional students, but we have more work to do.

Similarly, the landscape around doctoral education has shifted. Students face increasing costs of living and fewer opportunities for jobs within the academy. To address the former, I led Berkeley’s effort to establish a five-year funding guarantee for every entering doctoral student. That means students come to Berkeley knowing they can rely on full funding – defined as tuition, health care, and a minimum stipend of $36,000 – for at least five years. Many of our programs fund students at higher levels; this simply established a funding floor for all doctoral students. It is

LISA GARCÍA BEDOLLA

VICE PROVOST FOR GRADUATE STUDIES & HITCHCOCK DEAN OF THE GRADUATE DIVISION, CHANCELLOR'S PROFESSOR OF EDUCATION, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY

the accomplishment I am most proud of, given it gives our students a financial foundation they can depend on. The changes in the federal funding landscape have made this type of strong financial support even more difficult for institutions like Berkeley to maintain. It is likely, because of that, that the doctoral landscape will continue to evolve in the coming years.

How do you define inclusive leadership in academia today?

LGB: An inclusive leader is someone who works to level the playing field, making information available to all, being transparent about rules and policies, and who proactively works to educate and inform their constituencies about what they do and why they do it. Inclusive leaders are thoughtful about policy development and implementation, taking particular care to ensure that policies don’t result in disparate impacts or have unintended consequences. They also focus heavily on the relational aspects of leadership, keeping lines of communication open with all members of the community and actively eliciting (and responding to) community feedback.

What advice would you give institutions striving to close equity gaps?

LGB: The first thing an institution needs to do is commit themselves to providing equity of access and experience for all, regardless of background. If we believe that capacity is not inequitably distributed by socioeconomic status, ethnorace, gender, age, disability, or other factors, then we have to believe that any existing gaps reflect inequitable access to opportunity. Then the institution needs to decide how they can go about addressing the gaps that exist. In higher education, equity gaps, across multiple dimensions, have remained persistent for decades. That suggests that these gaps will not fix themselves, but require intentional attention. It is important for institutions to find out where those gaps exist and think deeply about what their causes might be. Once an institution has identified the gaps and possibly reasons for them, then it is important for them to work intentionally to remove the barriers that have caused those gaps. What that looks like will look different for each institution. But the key is to look at these patterns systematically and develop multi-faceted solutions that make it possible for anyone, regardless of background, to access and receive the best educational experience that institution has to offer.

How did your personal background influence your commitment to access and representation?

LGB: My parents were Cuban political refugees. They left Cuba in 1961, before the Cuban American Adjustment Act. So the guarantees around Cuban migration were not in place. My parents had to travel through a third country, Jamaica, and wait for their U.S. visas. My father had been a union member in Cuba, which at that time was considered a communist organization. Because of that, his initial visa application was rejected. For three months, he was in legal limbo in Jamaica, with no money, no way to earn money, and no country to call home, given it was not possible for him to return to Cuba. I am grateful that the United States

offered my family a home. But, growing up Latina in southern California, it was made clear to me that some Americans do not think my family belongs here. I have worked my entire career to honor the opportunity I was given to grow up and be educated in the United States while also working to make the United States live up to its full promise of equality for all. I understand that there are many people who did not have the opportunities I had and, who, regardless of their personal capacities, are not present on our college campuses or in the academy. For that reason, I see it as my obligation to claim that space, honor that opportunity, and work diligently to ensure that I leave the institution more accessible, supportive, and just for everyone who comes after me.

What role do data and research play in advancing institutional change?

LGB: I am a social scientist by training, so I see evidence as key to effective leadership. But I define data broadly – it includes quantitative and qualitative information. Quantitative data can tell us the what and we need qualitative data to tell us the why; both are necessary in order to understand and address the problems our institutions face. In higher education, I have found that we collect a great deal of data but have not invested enough in analyzing it in order to use it to improve how we do our work. Because of that, we do not take full advantage of data as a means of advancing change or ensuring institutional accountability. In addition, most programs and units do not have the capacity to collect or analyze their own data. That is why it is important for central offices, like mine, to provide units with their data in formats that are easy to understand and actionable. Data can serve as a mirror for units to see where things are going well and where additional work and/or investments are needed. Only by systematically looking at data and monitoring change over time can we know if we are moving the needle on our goals and achieving the change we want to see.

What leadership lesson has been most valuable throughout your career?

LGB: Humility. I try to enter every interaction I have with a deep sense of humility, curiosity, and care. I don’t assume I know all the answers and work to remain open to people’s ideas, feedback, and criticisms. Humility makes you a better listener, makes you more open to new ideas, to new ways of being, and new ways of looking at a particular problem. I believe it allows you to truly leverage the brilliance within your community to arrive at better solutions and to do so in a way that centers and honors the value that each member of the community brings to our campus every day.

LEADING WITH CARE, LOVE, AND GRIT

The Journey of Dr. Leticia P. López

When Dr. Leticia P. López was a child, she would gather her dolls in neat rows and teach them spelling lessons. Later, she helped her younger sister with arithmetic, unknowingly preparing for a lifetime in education. “Teaching was always something that I loved doing,” she recalls. “In my childhood, I started teaching spelling to my dolls and then taught arithmetic to my younger sister.”

HER EARLIEST MEMORIES of learning are intertwined with her father’s example. He was a community college instructor who taught Spanish, German, and Russian by day and English as a Second Language (ESL) at adult centers by night. López would often accompany him to his classes, quietly observing from the back of the room. “I loved seeing his students interact with him and with one another,” she says. “Often, I would propose different teaching techniques when I saw his students struggle with the material.”

That instinct to improve the learning process stayed with her. Long before “embedded tutors” became common practice in higher education, López was already acting as one. “Teaching and education have the capacity of transforming lives for the better,” she says. “That is why I leaned into my calling to become a professor and instructional dean.”

Photos Courtesy of Leticia Lopez

San Diego Mesa College AVANZA Student Engagement Center with students and college leadership.

“ULTIMATELY, MY ‘WHY’ HAS ALWAYS BEEN ROOTED IN FAMILIA.”

A Purpose Forged by Family and Education

Dr. López’s story is deeply tied to her family’s journey. “I’m the daughter of a Cuban immigrant mother and a Mexican American father,” she explains. “My first language at home was Spanish, and I learned English in elementary school. I learned grit, or ganas, from my parents.”

Her parents’ paths were shaped by hardship and perseverance. Her mother fled Cuba after the revolution, reinventing herself in the United States by learning English and becoming an architect. Her father grew up in Los Angeles during the Great Depression, raised as a foster child by a German stepfather. “A community college education was a ticket out of poverty for my father and a way for my mother to reinvent herself,” López shares. “The community college system was the pathway toward economic mobility for my family.”

That legacy continues to guide her as Dean of Mathematics, Sciences, and Nursing Education at San Diego City College. “I’m beyond grateful for starting my higher education journey at Los Angeles Pierce College,” she says. “It is there where I confirmed my belief that I can be both a biologist and a Spanish professor someday.”

She went on to earn dual bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Spanish from Mount St. Mary’s College, then completed her master’s and doctorate at UC Santa Barbara. Her dissertation explored the intersection of science, literature, and artificial intelligence through Spanish theater. “Throughout my undergraduate studies, I was often the sole Latina in my STEM classes,” she recalls. “That’s when I realized that representation in science education and research matters.”

The experience inspired her to become the kind of leader who could make diversity and inclusion tangible. “I learned that I wanted to be in the driver’s seat and become a leader where I could hire more diverse faculty to teach STEM disciplines,” she says. “Ultimately, my ‘why’ has always been rooted in familia.”

“I LISTEN, LEARN, CREATE, ADVISE, MENTOR, PROTECT, CHEER ON, AND REPRESENT THE COMMUNITY WE SERVE.”

Over the next two decades, López built a professional path defined by dedication and innovation. “I seek ways to apply the information I glean from my professional experiences into my daily practice of teaching and leadership,” she explains. She has participated in fellowships and institutes at the USDA, Harvard Graduate School of Education, UCLA, and the Association of California Community College Administrators, all of which shaped her approach to higher education.

At San Diego Mesa College, she served as Professor of Spanish and Program Manager for two Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) initiatives. There, she designed faculty development programs, managed multimillion-dollar federal grants, and helped create the Professional Development Center known as the LOFT (Learning Opportunities for Transformation). She also led the AVANZA Student Engagement Center and the STEM Center, which became essential spaces for inclusive learning.

“As a Program Manager of HSI grants, I had fiscal oversight over $7.5 million and oversaw the work of coordinators, classified professionals, and tutors,” she says. “I take pride in working well and closely with faculty, classified professionals, and administrators to ensure successful collaborations in our programs.”

UCSD Scripps Institution of Oceanography Community College Advisory Team

Harvard Graduate School of Education

LATINOS IN EDUCATION

P. LÓPEZ

Her transition to San Diego City College marked a new phase in her leadership journey. As Dean, she now oversees the second largest instructional division of the college, managing 20 budgets totaling $6.8 million and additional grant-funded projects worth over $1 million. “I am most proud of the ten full-time employees I’ve hired in four years as a dean,” she notes. “Checking in and communicating regularly with all my program stakeholders is key to fostering trust, respect, and collegiality.”

The results of her leadership are visible across campus. Faculty have secured $1.5 million in bond funds to improve the Science Building’s HVAC system, obtained subawards for innovation in AI and biology education, and launched a new planetarium for astronomy students. “We collaborated creatively with college partners to fund a $500,000 state-of-theart COSM Planetarium for our growing Astronomy Program,” she says proudly.

Transforming Leadership and Expanding Representation

If there is one phrase that defines Dr. López’s leadership philosophy, it is “Transformational Leadership.” For her, it means leading with humanity, clarity, and vision. “I listen, learn, create, advise, mentor, protect, cheer on, and represent the community we serve,” she says.

Her leadership values are both personal and aspirational. “I am passionate about creating a culture that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and access,” she explains. “I also advocate for excellence in teaching and learning, promote a culture of encouragement and respect, and lead with a positive and growth mindset.”

She describes herself as a consensus builder and a visionary. “I use collaborative approaches to address gaps and challenges,” she says. “Being approachable and accessible is key.”

HER MESSAGE TO STUDENTS IS CLEAR: INCLUSION BEGINS WITH VISIBILITY, BUT IT THRIVES THROUGH SHARED RESPONSIBILITY.

At both San Diego Mesa and City Colleges, she has helped build programs that reflect those values. “At San Diego Mesa College, with my HSI Title V Proyecto Éxito Team, we built the Professional Development Center and AVANZA Student Engagement Center,” she recalls. “With the HSI Title III STEM Conexiones Team, we built the Innovation Research Lab and STEM Center.” These spaces, she explains, are not just buildings but communities that support growth and belonging.

As an advocate and educator, Dr. López has seen meaningful progress in advancing Latino representation. “Although colleges have made some progress in hiring more Latine faculty, staff, and administrators, there is still an equity gap between our student demographic and their respective campus leadership,” she explains.

She points to the growth of ethnic studies programs and early recruitment initiatives as signs of progress.

“Offering Latine and Chicano studies has helped foster cultural awareness on campuses,” she says. “And colleges have implemented recruitment strategies aimed at high schools with high Latine populations.”

Dr. López also cites California’s “Vision 2030” Plan as an example of reimagined access. “It reaffirms our responsibility to meet learners where they are,” she notes. “That means forming partnerships with community-based organizations, labor, and industry.”

San Diego City College Commencement

Conference presenter with HSI Scholar-Activist Dr. Gina Garcia and ESCALA CEO Dr. Melissa Salazar

Halloween with husband Dr. Michael Collins

High school graduation with son Mikel

She highlights the work of advocacy groups such as HACU, Excelencia in Education, and AHSIE, where she served as Co-President. “Policy and advocacy efforts for Latine student success have a compounded effect in strengthening our workforce and economy,” she says.

For López, achieving true inclusion requires persistence and compassion. “Accessibility, systemic inequality, and cultural barriers remain major challenges,” she acknowledges. “Socio-economic disparities limit opportunities for underrepresented groups, and a lack of diversity in leadership means that policies may not fully address student needs.”

She also emphasizes the importance of robust support systems. “Insufficient resources such as tutoring, mental health services, and mentorship make it hard for diverse students to thrive,” she says. That belief drives her advocacy work.

“My approach always starts with listening,” she explains. “Advocacy follows once I have a clear understanding of why students feel left out or undervalued.” Her empathy comes from experience. “My journey as a biology major in college was without mentors, tutors, or role models to lean on,” she recalls. “That shaped why I am so passionate about providing these resources to students now.”

Today, as the first Latina Dean of Mathematics, Sciences, and Nursing Education at San Diego City College, Dr. López carries her story into every conversation and decision. “Working at San Diego City College has deepened my commitment to fostering a climate of diversity, equity, and access,” she says. “When I interact with students at campus events, they see someone who is passionate about science and math education and who has the academic, cultural, and social capital to represent them.”

Her message to students is clear: inclusion begins with visibility, but it thrives through shared responsibility. “It is important for colleges to serve the varied

IT IS THE BELIEF THAT EDUCATION, WHEN GUIDED BY CARE, LOVE, AND GRIT, CAN TRANSFORM NOT ONLY STUDENTS’ LIVES BUT ENTIRE COMMUNITIES.

needs of students and employees,” she says. “Both personally and professionally, I am fully committed to serving our diverse college communities.”

At the heart of her leadership is a simple but powerful constellation of values. “As a community-minded and transformational leader, I am guided by three core values: cariño, amor, and ganas,” she says. “This is my Orion’s Belt. They are the stars that help me navigate the landscape ahead.”

For Dr. López, those words are more than metaphors — they are a code for living and leading. “Care, love, and grit guide my decision-making when I advocate for change on behalf of my faculty, employees, and students,” she says.

Whether she is overseeing multimillion-dollar grants, building inclusive learning environments, or mentoring the next generation of educators, Dr. Leticia P. López does it with the same purpose that began in her childhood classroom of dolls and chalk. It is the belief that education, when guided by care, love, and grit, can transform not only students’ lives but entire communities.

STEM Center with Peer Mentors and Faculty

San Diego City College with VPI Tillie Chavez and Dean Manuel Velez

SCHOLAR SHIPS & FUNDS 2025

Education opens doors, and these scholarships & funds ensure more Latinos can access them. Each program listed here represents a commitment to equity, talent, and opportunity—helping students transform potential into purpose and dreams into degrees.

LATINOS FOR EDUCATION

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FUNDS

ACS Scholars Program

American Chemical Society

For underrepresented minority students (including Hispanics/Latinos) majoring in chemistry or related fields (chemical engineering, biochemistry, etc.).

Amounts up to $5,000 per academic year; ~350 students receive awards yearly; many have already benefitted.

Actuarial Diversity Scholarship The Actuarial Foundation

For students from underrepresented groups (including Hispanic/Latino) pursuing a career in the actuarial profession.

Awards from about $1,000 to $4,000; minimum GPA 3.0; at least one birth parent from the qualifying minority background.

Barreir Opportunity Scholarship

Felipe Barreiros

Support for Hispanic heritage high school seniors or undergrads from single-parent, low-income households, who show academic potential and community service.

Must be Hispanic heritage; from single-parent, low income home; display academic potential & commitment to service.

“THESE FUNDS INVEST IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF THINKERS, INNOVATORS, AND LEADERS WHO WILL REDEFINE SUCCESS THROUGH INCLUSION.”

El Café Del Futuro Scholarship Café Bustelo

Supporting Latino students (undergraduate or graduate) attending a HACU (Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities) member institution in the U.S., DC, or Puerto Rico.

$5,000; minimum GPA 2.0; applicants must be Hispanic or Latino; aged 18+; full-time students. Since 2014, over half a million USD awarded.

FRED Scholarship for Emerging Scholars

American Psychological Foundation

For undergraduates in psychology from underrepresented communities who want to go on to graduate school especially in clinical or research psychology.

Must be from underrepresented community; undergraduate majoring in psychology; desire to pursue graduate study.

Future Women In STEM Scholarship

Keisha

Durham

Helps female students from historically underrepresented groups who will pursue STEM majors.

High school senior or undergrad; female; must be from underrepresented group; pursuing STEM.

Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship

Goldman Sachs

For MBA students (first-year) from underrepresented backgrounds. Includes a summer associate position, etc.

$35,000 + Summer Associate salary; women, Black, Hispanic/Latino, or Native American; must be first-year MBA students; pursuing a Summer Associate position at Goldman Sachs.

“BEHIND EVERY AWARD IS THE BELIEF THAT LATINO STUDENTS DESERVE NOT JUST ACCESS TO EDUCATION, BUT A REAL CHANCE TO LEAD.”

HACU IES Abroad Scholarship

HACU (Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities) in partnership with IES Abroad

For U.S. citizens or permanent residents attending a HACU member institution who want to study abroad (semester, summer, academic year).

Amount varies; must demonstrate financial need; priority to first-generation college students / Pell-Grant recipients.

Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards

Hispanic Heritage Foundation

Recognizes Latino high school seniors who have strong academics plus community involvement, in several categories (Business, Community Service, Healthcare & Science, etc.).

~$3,500; minimum GPA 3.0; must plan to enroll at accredited institution; open to U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, or DACA recipients.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) Scholar Program Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Merit-based scholarships for Hispanic heritage students for undergrad or graduate school.

Awards range from $500 to $5,000; high school students need min GPA 3.0; undergrad/grad 2.5; U.S. citizen, legal resident, DACA or eligible non-citizen; must enroll full-time in non-profit four-year college or graduate school. Emphasis also on STEM majors.

IME Becas Program

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) and the Mexican Consulate in Laredo, plus other partners

Scholarship support for students from U.S.Mexico border region; binational cooperation.

In fall 2025, about US$27,000 in total will be awarded to 14 students. Applicants must come from certain counties/states on either side of the border (Texas counties or Mexican states Nuevo León / Tamaulipas) and meet a minimum academic standard (2.5 GPA)

Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

Jackie Robinson Foundation

Four-year scholarship for students of color (including Hispanics/Latinos) to attend a four-year U.S. college; includes leadership, commitment, etc.

$35,000; graduating high school senior; must attend a 4-year college in U.S. or affiliated; demonstration of leadership and commitment to community service is important.

Latinos in Technology Scholarship Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley

For Latino students accepted or enrolled in STEM programs.

Up to $30,000; minimum GPA 3.0; accepted/enrolled in STEM; Latino or Hispanic; up to ~100 awards (or close to that) in some years; may also offer internship opportunities.

“EACH SCHOLARSHIP IS MORE THAN FINANCIAL AID — IT’S A BRIDGE THAT CONNECTS TALENT WITH OPPORTUNITY.”

LULAC National Scholarship Fund League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) with LNESC partner

To assist youth in underserved communities (undergrad/grads, vocational schools etc.) for Latino/Hispanic students.

Up to $2,000; must be U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or DACA; fulltime undergrad or grad or vocational school; in certain states; cannot be related to scholarship committee members; local-Council matching by corporate partners helps increase the awards.

Macy’s Emergency Scholarship Fund

LULAC National Educational Service Centers (LNESC) & Macy’s

Helps Latino students are facing sudden economic hardship (e.g. income change, natural disaster, etc.).

Up to $500; must have minimum GPA 3.0; full-time enrollment; non-renewable; cannot be receiving other LNESC scholarships at time of application.

McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship

McDonald’s Corporation

For high school seniors (or equivalent) with Latino or Hispanic heritage, including DACA recipients, to help with college.

Up to $100,000; minimum GPA 2.8; graduating high school senior under 21; full-time enrollment; legal U.S. resident, U.S. citizen or DACA/ DREAMER. Selection involves academics, need, community involvement, essays, interview.

Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)

For minority students planning careers in government finance, public administration, nonprofit or public sector financial roles.

$10,000; U.S. or Canadian citizen/ permanent resident; undergrad or graduate; major in public administration, accounting, finance, political science, economics, or business admin, with focus on government or nonprofit; not a past winner of a GFOA scholarship.

LATINOS FOR EDUCATION

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FUNDS

NBCUniversal LNESC Scholarship LNESC (League of United Latin American Citizens) in partnership with NBCUniversal

For Latino undergraduates interested in careers in media & entertainment.

$5,000; minimum GPA 3.0; Hispanic/Latino; U.S. citizen or permanent resident; college sophomores or juniors (age 18+); pursuing full-time study; disbursed in two parts (fall & spring) of $2,500 each.

Scholars Program

Hispanic Scholarship Consortium

Offers scholarship, mentorship, leadership empowerment for motivated Hispanic student leaders expanding beyond just financial help.

Open to graduating high school seniors, and current students in certificate, associate, or bachelor degree programs.

SigaLa Education Scholarship

Karina Sigala

For underrepresented minority students in STEM fields (undergrad).

Up to $1,000; current undergrad; must identify as underrepresented minority; pursuing STEM.

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Scholarships (SHPE Scholarships)

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

Supports Hispanic/Latino students pursuing STEM degrees.

Must have at least a 2.75 GPA; fulltime in U.S. or Puerto Rico; be an active SHPE member. SHPE gives out over 200 scholarships, totaling more than $1,000,000 per year.

Spectrum Scholarship Program

American Library Association (ALA)

For minority students (including Hispanics/ Latinos) pursuing graduate studies in library and information studies.

$5,000 award; U.S. or Canadian citizens; must attend an ALA accredited program; provides also leadership development opportunities.

The Gates Scholarship

For high-achieving, low-income, minority high-school seniors, including Hispanic/Latino students. Full cost of attendance is covered (tuition, room/board, books, transportation, etc.)

Must have minimum GPA 3.3 (on 4.0), plan to enroll full-time in a fouryear degree program; be a graduating high school senior; Pell Grant eligible. Awarded to ~300 student leaders.

The Hispanic Health Professional Student Scholarship

National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF)

For graduate students in health-related fields who are committed to serving Hispanic communities.

Up to $15,000; minimum GPA 3.0; must be U.S. citizen; enrolled full-time in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Public Health/Policy, PA; interest in leadership or service in Hispanic health.

William K. Schubert Minority Nursing Scholarship

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

To increase diversity in nursing by helping minority students pursue nursing degrees.

Up to $11,000; minimum GPA 2.75; must be full-time in a pre-licensure bachelor or master ABSN nursing program; U.S. accredited; can be fullor part-time depending on the program.

THE LEROY NEIMAN COLLECTOR’S EDITION: WHERE ART MEETS TOBACCO

LEROY NEIMAN 2023 COLLECTORS EDITION 6" X 52 TORO

Francisco Arias

Certified Cigar Sommelier

The LeRoy Neiman Collector’s Edition is a cigar that bridges fine art and fine tobacco. Created by J.C. Newman Cigar Company in partnership with the LeRoy Neiman & Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation, this limited release honors Neiman’s bold style while delivering a smoking experience that stands on its own.

I’VE HAD this cigar resting in my hu midor since its release, nearly two years now, and the aging has made it nothing short of extraordinary. From the first moment, it captivates. The cold draw greets the palate with notes of raspberry, while the wrapper releases rich aromas of cacao and chocolate. Once lit, the blend proves to be perfectly balanced: Habano-seed Rosado wrapper, Florida Sun Grown binder, and aged fillers from Latin America and the U.S., rolled at J.C. Newman’s historic El Reloj factory in Tampa.

What truly sets this cigar apart is the retrohale. For those who practice it, retrohale acts like a thermometer, it reveals whether the tobacco has been properly cured and aged. Not every cigar allows you to do it often; usually, you can only retrohale every three or four puffs before the intensity overwhelms. But this cigar is different. The LeRoy Neiman Collector’s Edition delivers such refined balance that you can retrohale on every single puff. Instead of fatigue, each breath through the nose feels smooth, flavorful, and revealing. It is, without question, the best retrohale I’ve ever experienced, and one that elevates the cigar far above its peers.

The presentation amplifies the experience. Neiman’s artwork adorns the boxes and cigar sleeves, giving each release the feel of a collectible piece. Yet while the packaging is striking, the cigar inside is what makes it unforgettable.

Each year, the series arrives in a different vitola, Toro for 2023, Churchill for 2024, and Torpedo for 2025, with production limited to just a few thousand boxes. Collectors prize them for their scarcity, but this is not a cigar meant to be locked away. It is one to be smoked, savored, and remembered.

From its cacao-scented wrapper to the raspberry notes of the cold draw, from its flawless burn to its unmatched retrohale, the LeRoy Neiman Collector’s Edition delivers an experience unlike any other. A fantastic cigar, a flawless blend, and truly a work of art in its own right.

Binder Florida Sun Grown

Filler Aged tobaccos from Latin America & USA

Retrohale Smooth, balanced; can be done on every puff without overwhelming

WRAPPER HABANO-SEED ROSADO

Cold Draw Raspberry notes

Aromas Cacao / Chocolate

KEY INSIGHTS

RECENT M&A DISCUSSION WITH BMO AND KEY STAKEHOLDERS OF THE LATINO LEADERS INDEX500

LUIS ZALDIVAR

CO-FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER, AVANCE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

CAROL BARNHART

CO-CHAIR OF MIAMI CORPORATE PRACTICE & SHAREHOLDER, GREENBERG TRAURIG

LEAH TURNBULL

MD & NATIONAL ESOP PRACTICE LEAD, BMO CORPORATE ADVISORY

CHAD ARMSTRONG

MD & HEAD OF EAST REGION FOR INVESTMENT BANKING, BMO CAPITAL MARKETS

Chad Armstrong moderated the Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) discussion at the recent Latino Leaders Index500 event in Miami. Below is an excerpt of their key topics.

Photo credit: Courtesy of BMO

Chad: The M&A market has been very active in 2025 and plenty of large deals have taken place. My first question is for Leah and how companies look at business transitions. Others can chime in as well.

Leah: Every privately held business at one point or another will have to transition ownership. Either there's a retirement, the business owner wants to pursue other interests, or there's a death. It happens in every company, and especially in today's market where a large percentage of business assets and privately held businesses are held by individuals age 50 and above. A full transition of ownership falls into two main categories: (1) Selling to a third party, which could in include selling to a financial buyer, such as private equity or selling to a strategic buyer such as a competitor or someone else in the vertical that you're in; (2) an internal sale, where you could sell to your employees, such as an ESOP, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. On the ESOP front, the two words that resonate with business owners that sell to an ESOP are liquidity, which you can obviously get by selling to a third party, but also legacy.

Chad: How do people think about that right path and what are the steps they take? When do they start thinking about it?

Leah: Be honest with yourself and write down what are your priorities for yourself personally, and what is that timeline? What are your priorities for your company? And what is that timeline? And then how do your employees fit into that calculus? I've talked to a lot of businesses and valuation's always a big factor. Some of these companies or business owners think there's a lot of more upside for their company and they can take this $10 million EBITDA business to an $18 million EBITDA business for instance. If that's true, you need to ask and work with your board to discuss potential acquisition targets. Do you have the expertise in house to manage these acquisitions? Can you integrate them? And if the answer is yes, you could sell later. If the answer is no, you don't know if it's going to happen. The earlier you have those conversations, the more flexibility you have. I've had many conversations with 80 plus year old people. In short, you either make the decision, or your state will make the decision because we're all mortal. It’s better to be in control of the path.

Luis: I think what Leah's is referring to is the concept of the second bite of the apple. If you do feel like there's more upside to your business and you bring in a partner and capture that second bite by selling a portion of your business. A private equity firm can pro-

vide some of the resources that can help you achieve that next level, and then you can grab that second bite by a strategic buyer for example. There is a generational wealth transfer occurring and a generation baby boomers is transitioning their businesses. We’re also seeing a lot of younger entrepreneurs tapping capital markets who want to de-risk the business and get some liquidity while getting additional experience and scaling their operations. All reasonable reasons to bring on a partner. Now, you do need trusted advisors because selling your business is not something that typically entrepreneurs do often, and it's complicated. You need to have financials in order including audited statements. You need to have your legal advisors and be ready to enter a process of diligence.

Carol: People usually value a private equity partner coming in because it's not only the capital, but also the synergies and cost improvements that they bring. Owners know what they know, but a new partner may come in and say: Have you considered doing your business this way? Sometimes a lot of value is unlocked, and the M&A process is usually beneficial for that.

Chad: There's a lot of options to pursue and we didn't touch on going public or selling to family offices.

Leah: Family offices typically have a much longer investment hold period and could hold an investment 20 years to 30 years, or even indefinitely.

Luis: Valuations generally are based on three factors. One is the general market conditions, that's interest rates, inflation, tariffs, lots of things that are coming at all of us that impact the general market. Now that market impacts, then the availability of and the cost of capital. Secondly, you have industry specific, and that's basically investors interest in investing in that particular industry. Thirdly, it is company specific. How's the company positioned in its industry? It’s about the strength of the management team, the company's growth trajectory, its margins, and all of those other factors.You kind of put all that stuff in a blender and you come out with a valuation. There are valuation ranges, and then you're either on the low end of that range or the high end of that range. Maybe you're an outlier for one reason or another.

If you want to hear more about their conversation or learn more for your own business, please download the upcoming podcast at BMO Markets Plus which will have more questions and answers.

LATINO LEADERS CELLAR

PERFECT PAIRINGS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Jorge Ferráez @ JFerraez_Latino @ferraez.wine

La Rioja, Alta Gran Reserva 904, 2001.

• What a wine, from the start!! I was certain I was opening a classic, a wine legend and my last from this vintage. The wine is absolutely fantastic with an orange-red color and guava paste, nutty and licorice notes on the first nose. Soft tannins, balanced and medium bodied, this wine is a delicious treat! On the palate, it displays dates, extra ripe plum and cherry-chocolate ice cream notes. This wine is complex and has evolved in its bottle for more than 24 years to become the ultimate ripe-stillyoung Rioja! I would drink this with some aged Manchego and Habugo ham.

DuMOL CHLOE

Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, 2022.

• Lemon and citrus aromas at the first nose lead to a big expressive wine with medium to full body, vanilla, orange peel, ginger and pineapple pie notes on the palate. Round, impressive and savory with further notes of candied apple and hints of caramel. Fabulous! I will pair this with a simple grilled salmon steak, chicken with white wine sauce or a pasta with clams and lots of Parmesan cheese.

Domaine Zind Humbrecht

Brand, Riesling,Turkheim, 2022.

• Pale yellow with mineral, salty and stiff fruit aromas. The palate is absolutely gorgeous with a silky and full-bodied texture. It has salty, mineral notes with jasmine, white flowers, chamomile tea and a small honeycomb insinuation. The wine is complex, elegant and perfumed. A delicious, ever evolving wine. I would drink it with a cheese fondue or some spicy ramen noodles.

Luis E. González

Jose Zuccardi Malbec Valle de Uco, Mendoza, 2014.

• Dense and concentrated aspect with lively fruity aromas showing cherry, raspberry and plum. The palate shows balance, full red fruit, strong tannins and character. Although it is a 2014, it is a juicy, fruity and lively wine. An 11 year old with medium body, fresh character and spiced notes at the end which will make a treat for any “asado” or BBQ with sausages, beef and chicken cuts.

Mauro Vannucci Poggio de’Colli, Cabernet Franc Toscana, 2020.

• Great concentration and fruitness on the nose with blueberry, toasted coffee, dried cherries and licorice. The palate is full bodied with ripe red fruit and notes of dried coconut, raspberry jam and toasted coffee grains. The wine is complex, layered and sophisticated with everlasting aromas of dried red fruits. A delicious Super Toscan wine!

A medium rare ribeye steak, or a hearty bolognese pasta will make it taste even better!

Schrader CCS, Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, 2014.

• Dark red and bloody colors, with an elegant opening with aromas of currants and black pepper. On the palate it is balanced and round with refined, round tannins showing more currants, blackberries and blueberries. Large, deep and concentrated body with scented accents. A constant in quality and sophistication of Casa Torres in Catalonia. This wine is ideal to drink with a leg of lamb, roasted suckling pig, carnitas in tacos or any cut of grilled meat.

Talento. Colaboración. Resultados.

Sidley is proud to celebrate Latino Leaders magazine’s recognition of our outstanding lawyers.

2025 Sidley Honorees

Yvette Ostolaza

Beatriz Azcuy

Yolanda Garcia

Melissa Colón-Bosolet

Silva Enrique A. Conde

David

Gabriel Valdes

Irwin Raij

Latino Leaders September- October 2025

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

The Trust Multiplier: Why Integrity and Credibility Matter More Than Ever

Boardroom Agendas

AI: The Character Test of Our Time

Integrity Turns Disruption into Progress

Credibility Sustains Transformation

Trust as a Strategic Advantage

Final Thought

HOSTILE ARRANGEMENT

ON THE MARGINS UNDERMINING OUR OWN NARRATIVE.

LATINOS IN MUSIC

WHERE TWO WORLDS BECOME ONE VOICE

LEADERSHIP ISN’T ABOUT CONTROL, IT IS ABOUT CONSISTENCY

RAY LOPEZ, COLLIERS

BUILDING QUALITY

AND LOCATION REMAIN

CRITICAL, AND STRONG ASSETS ARE EXCEEDING MARKET PERFORMANCE.

TOP LATINO LAWYERS

BEN AGOSTO III

LENA LAURENZO

BENNY AGOSTO

GLORIA ALLRED

CLAUDIA FARFÁN BADILLO

PEDRO BERNAL

DINO BARAJAS

CHRISTINA ALVAREZ

CARMEN ROSAS

RAFAEL NENDEL-FLORES

FERNANDO CHÁVEZ

CLAUDIA COBREIRO

ALEX & ORLANDO DE CASTROVERDE

SYLVIA TORRES-GUILLÉN

ARLENE QUINONES PEREZ

JASON VILLALBA

GABRIELA SMITH

NANETTE AGUIRRE

RAED GONZALEZ

ARNULFO HERNANDEZ

CHRISTINE HERNANDEZ

JAVIER MARCOS

OSCAR GARCIA-ISITA

ELIZABETH ESPINOSA KRUPA

KARINA A. RAMIREZ

MANUEL DIAZ

PATRICIO GUTIERREZ

YINE RODRIGUEZ PEREZ

ANGEL L. REYES III

JOSEPH RAMOS

MARIANA D'ANDREA

PAULITA PIKE

BEATRIZ AZCUY

ENRIQUE A, CONDE

GABRIEL VALDES

YOLANDA GARCIA

IRWIN RAIJ

YVETTE OSTOLAZA

MARBET LEWIS

JOSÉ “JOE” BÁEZ

EVELYN SUERO

TANIA EDITH BUITRON

JUAN J. DOMINGUEZ

DAVID SHEVES

FRANK HERRERA, JR.

SERGIO C. GARCÍA

REGINA VASQUEZ

AMARILLIS VELEZ DIAZ

A LOVE LETTER TO WALL STREET

NANETTE AGUIRRE’S JOURNEY OF COURAGE AND RESILIENCE

FINDING PURPOSE IN THE DETAILS

RAFAEL NENDEL-FLORES, CLARK HILL

RESILIENCE, DIVERSITY, AND PURPOSE

Benny Agosto Jr. on 75 Years of Abraham Watkins

TOP LATINO LAWYERS

INFLUENCE EXTENDS

GENERAL COUNSELS 2025

GENERAL COUNSELS

BUILDING TRUST, CULTURE, AND OPPORTUNITY

KEEP ON THE WATCH 2025

NANCY FLORES