New Leaders in Education May 2025
At H.O. we congratulate new education leaders that have embarked on the challenging but very rewarding journey of education leadership.
At H.O. we congratulate new education leaders that have embarked on the challenging but very rewarding journey of education leadership.
Photo by Jeison Higuita on Unsplash High in the Andes, where Peru and Bolivia share a sacred border more than 12,500 feet above sea level, lies Lake Titicaca—the highest navigable lake in the world. Revered in Andean cosmology and central to many pre-Columbian myths, the lake spans over 8,300 square kilometers and holds not only ecological richness but also remarkable cultural heritage. Near the Peruvian city of Puno, a unique community continues to float—literally—on its waters. These are the Uros, an Indigenous people whose homes is not on land but on human-made islands built entirely of reeds. According to the BBC, approximately 1,300 Uros people live on around 80 man-made floating islands in Lake Titicaca today.
Marvin Martinez, an immigrant from El Salvador, built a 36-year career in higher education leadership, expanding access, advocating for Latino students, and promoting community college partnerships, workforce development, and adult education to meet changing demographics and uplift underrepresented communities.
Sylvia Alva, interim president of Cal State Fullerton, prioritizes equity, inclusion, and social justice. With deep ties to the university and a commitment to student success, particularly for Hispanic and first-generation students, she implements strategic plans while emphasizing support and guidance for all undergraduates.
March 2024 marks Super Tuesday in the election cycle, with 16 states holding primaries. Candidates face significant challenges, including Biden's perceived frailties and Trump's legal issues. Deep divides exist on issues like housing costs, immigration, and college campus controversies, shaping the political landscape
Dr. Cortes-Kennedy delves into equity, diversity, and inclusion. highlighting the hurdles encountered by Latinas in both education and professional realms. She promotes storytelling to foster comprehension, tackles relational aggression, and recommends the CARE framework for nurturing supportive female bonds.
At H.O. we congratulate new education leaders that have embarked on the challenging but very rewarding journey of education leadership.
US colleges have seen an increase in international student enrollment after a decrease during the pandemic. Due to the global recognition of the US as an education destination, many choose it to pursue their higher education studies. These individuals, who face additional challenges such as financial concerns and limited work opportunities, bring diverse perspectives that benefit their institutions as well as the American students they study with.
NYU Buenos Aires, part of the university’s global network, is a site that offers students a lively and enriching academic experience and full cultural immersion. Students tend to live in Argentine households and learn Spanish rapidly; they also have the opportunity to explore themes such as social justice with professors who are some of the country’s most respected and influential figures.
Dr. Kenneth Jessell’s remarkable journey, from a first-generation college student to becoming President of Florida International University (FIU), highlights his commitment to student success. Under his leadership, FIU focuses on empowering first-generation and minority students, achieving notable academic accolades, and shaping a future vision for innovation and resilience.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles at top universities have been triggered by leaders' controversial responses to campus antisemitism. EI's impact on decision-making is questioned, prompting a reevaluation of its role amid accusations and resignations. Meanwhile, the American Dream is explored, with immigrants expressing stronger belief in upward mobility and success through hard work, despite challenges and disparities in opportunities.
At H.O. we congratulate new education leaders that have embarked on the challenging but very rewarding journey of education leadership.
Each year, a growing number of Hispanic/Latino students enroll in graduate programs across the country, completing Master’s and PhD degrees in order to gain access to higher-paying jobs and be eligible for leadership positions.
The Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU) aims to address the underrepresentation of Latino doctoral graduates by doubling their enrollment at R1 universities and increasing the Hispanic professoriate by 20% by 2030. The alliance focuses on collaboration, networking, and creating opportunities to enhance Hispanic student success in research and academia. The initiative involves partnerships with government agencies, foundations, and private sector grants to develop new models and projects. The HSRU also promotes best practices among its member institutions to share knowledge and open doors to opportunities for talented students from diverse backgrounds.
The Leadership Alliance (TLA) was established to support underrepresented students, particularly Hispanic/Latinx, in pursuing graduate degrees. Through programs like the Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP), TLA has significantly increased the number of Hispanic/Latinx students earning doctoral degrees, far surpassing the national average.
