Latinos For Education

Our stories are not deficits. Our accents are not weaknesses. Our roots are not something to hide.

Latinos for Education Alum Sofia Gonzalez took the TEDx stage to share a powerful message about identity, belonging, and the transformative power of education.

For every newcomer, first-generation student, and Latino young person navigating between cultures, her message is clear: you can be both. You can be all of it.

Watch the full talk: https://hubs.la/Q04jnZ4N0

Join us in congratulating the incredible Latinos for Education alumni recognized in the 2026 Latinos 40 Under 40™ by Negocios Now!

9 members of our familia were honored for their leadership and impact across education, policy, and community advocacy in the Bay Area. We’re proud to celebrate their achievements and the many ways they continue shaping the future for Latino communities.

Felicitaciones a:

1. Giselle Andrade
2. Crystal Arrizon
3. Talina Avila
4. Marlene Castro
5. Marysela Garza Granados
6. Sara-Maria Menendez
7. Benjamin Perez
8. Daira Ramirez Ontiveros
9. Christopher Castro

Read the full list: https://hubs.la/Q04j6q4k0

“I chose to represent my community through the Venezuelan immigrant experience because it is the one that has shaped my life the most.”

As a partner of Day of AI, we’re excited to celebrate Evangelina, a Grade 11 student from New Jersey and winner of the “Me, Myself, and AI” challenge at the upcoming America’s Youth AI Festival at MIT.

Through her artwork, Evangelina imagines both the realities Venezuelan immigrants face today and the hope of “an advanced and restored Venezuela” in the future. Learn more about how to bring the “Me, Myself, and AI” experience to your students. https://hubs.la/Q04hK_q70

At a moment when trust in institutions is eroding and our country is grappling with deep civic fragmentation, schools must play a bigger role in building trust, participation, and shared responsibility across communities.

Our CEO and Founder, Amanda Fernandez, reflects on why Latino families must be empowered to engage with education systems and help shape the future of their communities. Read the full piece:

The Future of Democracy Starts in Our Schools - Latinos for Education Amanda Fernandez explores why the future of democracy begins in schools and how Latino family leadership can strengthen civic participation

What happens when technology is built without the voices of the communities most impacted by it?

Our National Director of Online Learning & Technology, Dr. Elvira Salazar, joins the latest episode of Future Fluent to discuss what the AI community gets right and wrong in the race to build the next great thing.

It is an important conversation about AI, education, and why communities must be part of shaping what comes next. Listen to the full episode at https://hubs.la/Q04gZ_xZ0

Our CEO and Founder, Amanda Fernandez, will participate in the next Latino community forum hosted by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey’s Advisory Council on Latino Empowerment (LEAC) in Worcester.

The conversation will also feature Mary Jo Marion of Worcester State University and will be moderated by Mari Carmen Gonzalez, Executive Director of El Buen Samaritano. Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike, Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Noe Ortega, and Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Pedro Martinez are also expected to attend and hear directly from community members. We hope to see you there.

More moments from an unforgettable day!

Earlier this month, we celebrated the final sessions of our Aspiring Latino Leaders Fellowship across Houston, the Bay Area, and Massachusetts after 9 months of growth, collaboration, and leadership development.

We continue to be inspired by these leaders and the impact they are already creating in their communities. The future is brighter because of them.

The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted to approve a new alternative pathway to teacher licensure, marking an important step in implementing the Educator Diversity Act across Massachusetts.

This important step marks a new pathway that will help reduce barriers for aspiring educators and support a stronger, more representative educator workforce across the Commonwealth.

Read our full statement:

Massachusetts Takes Step to Strengthen and Diversify Educator Workforce Through New Licensure Pathway - Latinos for Education Latinos for Education applauds Massachusetts’ approval of new alternative teacher licensure pathways under the Educator Diversity Act

The future of AI is not only being built in labs. It is also being shaped in classrooms and communities across the country. Latinos for Education is proud to partner with Day of AI and MIT RAISE for the America’s AI Youth Festival, a national gathering celebrating the next generation of AI thinkers, artists, and leaders.

From July 17–19, 2026, students and educators from all 50 states will convene across MIT’s Cambridge and Boston campuses to explore how AI can support creativity, civic dialogue, and learning that helps build a better future.

Click the link to learn more and get involved: https://hubs.la/Q04g1Q0c0