Hector Balderas, president of Northern New Mexico College, exemplifies resilience and transformative leadership. Overcoming rural poverty, he earned a law degree and dedicated his career to empowering marginalized communities. As New Mexico’s Attorney General, Balderas tackled systemic issues, including opioid litigation, missing Indigenous women, and student loan reform, focusing on family-centered solutions. Now leading a college where 72% of students are Hispanic, he implements accountability, infrastructure upgrades, and wraparound services to inspire and support upward mobility. Balderas envisions the institution as a model of cultural richness, using challenges as assets to transform lives through education.
Sylvia Alva, interim president of Cal State Fullerton, champions equity, inclusion, and student success, particularly for Hispanic and first-generation students. A developmental psychologist and daughter of Mexican immigrants, she introduced Fullerton Forward 2024-2029, a strategic plan enhancing student support, engagement, and faculty diversity. Alva emphasizes guidance for first-generation students to transition from college to careers, exemplified by the Animo: Latinx Counseling Emphasis program, which prepares bilingual mental health professionals. Her strong leadership ensures the university remains a pathway for upward mobility while advancing its mission of inclusivity and workforce readiness in a diverse student community.
Salvador Hector Ochoa, president of Texas A&M-San Antonio, has dedicated his 37-year career to addressing Hispanic students’ psychosocial and educational needs, particularly first-generation learners. Born in South Texas, Ochoa holds a Ph.D. in school psychology with a focus on serving Hispanic children. His research on bilingual assessment and curriculum alignment has informed his leadership, emphasizing early intervention and student support. At A&M-San Antonio, where 77% of students are Hispanic, Ochoa has expanded supplemental instruction and fostered a culture of self-efficacy. Amid rapid enrollment growth, he balances infrastructure development with creating pathways and empowering students and families to succeed.
Andrés Acebo, interim president of New Jersey City University (NJCU), has led the institution through a remarkable recovery from fiscal emergency since his appointment in January 2023. At 38, he is the youngest public university president in New Jersey and the second Hispanic to hold such a role. A first-generation college graduate and son of Cuban immigrants, Acebo champions underserved, first-generation students, aligning with NJCU’s mission as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Under his leadership, NJCU achieved financial stability, revitalized academic and enrollment strategies, and strengthened student support programs. Named New Jersey’s top higher education influencer in 2024, Acebo remains focused on innovation and community impact.
Manuel Martinez, president of Dominican University in New York, is the institution’s first layperson and Latino leader. Appointed in 2024, Martinez brings 18 years of academic and administrative experience, including roles at Ohio Dominican University. A Cuban-born first-generation college graduate, he combines his business and academic background to expand the university’s visibility and prepare students for a rapidly evolving workforce. Dominican University, with 1,378 diverse students, encourages service, financial aid, and job readiness. Martinez champions affordable education and innovative programs, such as digital badges and workforce partnerships, to ensure students adapt to technological advances and succeed in their careers.
Martha Garcia, president of Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC), is the institution’s first Latina president and second female leader. A transformational servant leader, Garcia prioritizes student belonging, accountability, and success, focusing on mental health, basic needs, and cultural support. A first-generation Latina and daughter of farmworkers, she overcame poverty to achieve advanced degrees and impactful leadership roles. At Mt. SAC, which serves a diverse student body of 75,000, she is implementing a comprehensive plan to address student challenges while fostering resilience and perseverance. Garcia aims to transform higher education and earn the prestigious Excelencia in Education seal.
