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.
It is anticipated that the year 2024 will bring disconcerting developments, particularly in Congress, focusing on the November presidential election, the influence of the monolithic Latino Vote, student loans, hate speech on campuses, and immigration decisions affecting Dreamers. The exclusion of Dreamers from immigration measures and the considerations for immigration reform in 2024 will likely play a significant role in the political landscape of the upcoming year.
Despite the notable growth of Latina/o/x/e students completing graduate and professional studies, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. In order to promote positive outcomes regarding Latina/o/x/e student success in graduate studies, Drs Rodríguez and Núñez emphasize the importance of "servingness" in Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and suggest principles to support a graduate college-going culture.
At H.O. we congratulate new education leaders that have embarked on the challenging but very rewarding journey of education leadership.
Dr. Lester Edgardo Sandres Rápalo, the first Latino and Honduran president of Rockland Community College, is pleased with a 6% increase in enrollment, However, he yearns for more and prioritizes boosting enrollment, addressing facility constraints, and pursuing national recognition like the Aspen Prize.
The Biden administration’s efforts with regard to student loan forgiveness face challenges due to issues like fraud management, leading to disapproval by the Supreme Court. Additionally, a significant rise in international students, especially from China and India, raises concerns about the impact on U.S. colleges and students, including financial reliance and potential issues related to diversity, intellectual property, and immigration.
As Latino students, driven by a desire to give back, seek opportunities for positive change in their communities, educational institutions should recognize and support this commitment by creating validating spaces, offering internship opportunities aligned with service, and providing financial support for conferences to foster connections and mentorship.
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.
There are significant disparities in college enrollment for Black and Latina/o/x/é students, particularly in graduate and professional studies. Addressing these disparities through equity-based practices is crucial.
Hispanic voters in the United States are a growing and diverse group, impacting politics with varying concerns. At the same time, conflicts surrounding free speech on college campuses are discussed, as well as how the Government shutdowns are taking place and being perceived.
José Fierro, the president of Cerritos Community College in California, has overcome personal and external obstacles in order to provide support and resources for students facing different kinds of challenges, from housing to academic performance.
In the Midwest, particularly in Illinois, there has been a growing Latino immigrant population, which has prompted the state to implement bilingual policies to support their educational needs. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s College of Education has created the Bilingual-Bicultural program to address these needs and promote an asset-based approach to teaching and learning within linguistically diverse communities.
