Latinos for Education Announces Dr. Daniel Velasco Will Serve as The Organization’s President Under New Role
Velasco, formerly COO, will oversee the organization’s expansion of programs into more regions to meet the needs of Latino educators, parents and students
Boston, MA – Latinos for Education announced today the promotion of Dr. Daniel Velasco from Chief Operating Officer to the organization’s first ever President. Velasco will continue to oversee the organization’s finance, operations, and programs, including its fellowships aimed at increasing the voice and leadership of Latino leaders, teachers and parents within local school districts as well as EdCentro, a virtual community that connects Latino leaders to employment opportunities and one another within the education sector. Velasco will also spearhead the organization in its expansion to new regions and growth of programs that elevate the role Latinos play in the sector.
“I’m excited to step into this new role at a time when there is a serious need to problem-solve and innovate across the education system. Latino families are still experiencing the devastating impacts of the global pandemic, which is having a tremendous impact on our children and their education. Latino educators are also under increasing pressure and uncertainty as they balance their own professional and personal needs. We have a responsibility to respond to this moment and continue advocating for the Latino community and growing the leadership of Latinos within education,” said Dr. Velasco.
Velasco joined Latinos for Education shortly after its founding in 2017, serving as Vice President of Programs and Strategy for the organization before assuming the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2019. During his tenure, Velasco helped the organization establish its Texas office, grow from a team of 3 to a team of 22 visionary Latino leaders, and helped shape and expand the organization’s fellowship programs, which have served over 380 Latino leaders across the country.
“Daniel has been integral to building Latinos for Education since its inception, helping us to grow our footprint and impact across the education sector for the past five years,” said Amanda Fernandez, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Latinos for Education. “He is a thoughtful and resourceful leader, who will continue to play a leadership role in our organization’s growth as we look to expand into new regions and innovate new ways to develop and advance Latino leaders in education.”
Prior to joining Latinos for Education, Dr. Velasco served as Northeast Regional Director at Johns Hopkins, overseeing regional implementation of the largest randomized control trial of secondary school reform in American history (Diplomas Now i3 Study). Dr. Velasco started his career within the education sector as a founding Kindergarten teacher at Voices Academies in 2007. He serves on the boards of the National Center for Teacher Residencies, Rocketship Public Schools, City Year Jacksonville, and the Jacksonville Area Sexual Minority Youth Network.
Latinos for Education is a Latino-led education organization focused on improving opportunities and outcomes for Latino students by increasing the voice and representation of Latinos within the education sector; advancing bold policy at the local, state and national level; and building a strong network of Latino educators nationwide.
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