¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana! Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, it’s the perfect time to recognize and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and equitable contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities.At LEE, we understand that embracing diversity is essential to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. This month serves as an important reminder of the many valuable contributions made by individuals and communities across the board in various fields and platforms, especially within the civic leadership space. We would like to highlight a few of our LEE members within the Hispanic and Latinx communities and amplify their voices and share their inspiring stories.
Joseph Rodriguez
Regional Director of Leadership ISD for Dallas County
Joey is dedicated to fostering community leaders into public education advocates and ensuring public education leaders have the resources to create excellent, equitable learning environments.
His passion for improving student outcomes was strengthened when he joined Leadership ISD's Civic Voices program as a Fellow in 2019 to gain a deeper understanding of the education system. During his Fellowship, he realized the importance of advocacy in bridging the equity gap in education. This realization fuels his current role as Leadership ISD’s regional director for Dallas County, where he leads initiatives such as the Civic Voices Fellowship, supports trustees, and builds community coalitions to improve student outcomes.
In addition to his work with Leadership ISD, Joey founded Firme DFW, a non-profit organization that supports first-generation Latine students by providing scholarships and mentorships essential for their college success. He also serves on the board of Union, a local Dallas nonprofit. Joey holds a Bachelor's degree from New Mexico State University and a Master’s in Education from Johns Hopkins University.
Q & A
What inspired you to be a leader in the field of equity?
My commitment to equity is driven by his own experiences in the education system as a former educator, where I witnessed firsthand how effective leadership and high-quality teaching could unlock the limitless potential of Dallas students. As a first-generation student myself, I know that when we provide students with the resources they need to break down barriers, they can achieve anything they set out to do.
How can allies best support Hispanic/Latinx-led initiatives for equity?
Use your platform to amplify the voices of Latine community leaders and advocate for Latine representation in decision making positions within your company or organization. Take a close look at who in your leadership team or board is reflecting the perspectives of the Latine community, and if you notice a gap, take action to fill it. Real change begins with intentional representation.
What advice would you give to young Hispanic/Latinx individuals who want to become advocates for change?
Many of us have incredible ideas, but too often, they stay locked in our minds. Believe in your idea and trust that you are the one meant to bring it to life. Lean on your network-your friends, your community-to help turn your vision into reality. People are generally eager to make a positive impact, so give them the opportunity to be part of something meaningful.
Judge Dolores Lozano
Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, Place 2
Judge Dolores Lozano made history as the first and youngest Latina elected as Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, Place 2 on November 8, 2022. Precinct 2 encompasses significant regions of the Greater Houston Metro area, including the City of Houston, City of South Houston, Galena Park, Jacinto City, Pasadena, Pearland, Friendswood, Webster, Clear Lake, and League City.
Born and raised in Southeast Houston, Judge Lozano shattered barriers as the first in her family to attend college, earning her bachelor’s degree from Baylor University. Judge Lozano presides over various cases, including evictions, small claims, public nuisances, traffic violations, and truancy matters.
Q & A
What inspired you to be a leader in the field of equity?
As the eldest of three girls, I grew up watching my parents work tirelessly to make ends meet, and they instilled in me the values of hard work and education. In the early '90s, Houston's public school system sent my parents on a search for better opportunities. I started at Cage Elementary in Segundo Barrio but later attended a magnet school in River Oaks, a 30-minute drive away. From there, I went to KIPP: 3D Academy in Fifth Ward and was awarded a full scholarship to Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart. This constant journey between different worlds made it clear that your zip code shouldn’t determine your future. That’s what inspired me to champion equity—especially in education—because everyone deserves the same opportunities, regardless of where they come from.
How can allies best support Hispanic/Latinx-led initiatives for equity?
Allies can best support by actively listening to the needs and perspectives of Hispanic/Latinx communities, amplifying our voices, and providing resources and platforms to further these initiatives. Genuine collaboration and a commitment to elevating underrepresented communities are key.
What advice would you give to young Hispanic/Latinx individuals who want to become advocates for change?
Educate yourself on the issues that impact your community, seek out mentors and allies, and use your unique experiences to shape positive change. Your voice and story are powerful tools for advocacy—never underestimate them.
Jacqueline Monterroso
Massachusetts Director of Policy and Advocacy, Latinos for Education
Jacqueline is the first Latina ever elected in Revere, Massachusetts and she currently serves as the School Committee Vice Chair. In her full-time job, Jacqueline is the Massachusetts Director of Policy and Advocacy at Latinos for Education. Previously, Jacqueline worked for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
She is a former kindergarten teacher, with a bachelor’s in international relations and political science and a minor in French from the University of Florida and a master’s in education policy from the University of Miami. Jacqueline is an alumna of LEE’s 2019 Organizing Fellowship and 2020 Public Policy Fellowship. In 2018, she also served as a Bob Graham Fellow in the Florida State House. She is an alumna of the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and has been running her own scholarship for Latino, first-generation college students in Central Florida’s farm-worker communities since 2014. Jacqueline is a fierce advocate for educational equity, understanding the need to agitate when necessary and the need to always work “con ganas” to ensure all students have access to high-quality education and to educators and leaders who look like them.
Q & A
What inspired you to be a leader in the field of equity?
I’d say my inspiration started with my own journey in education. I grew up in a small farmer worker community in Central Florida and never had a teacher who looked like me. When I became valedictorian of my high school, I delivered the first bilingual speech our school ever had. After the ceremony, I had families coming up to me to share that despite having their child go through the entire K-12 education system, my speech was the first time they felt a part of their child’s education–because they understood, because they resonated, because they had someone who looked like them on stage. In that moment, I realized I had the potential to create a different experience in the classroom than the one I and many other students had. So, I became a kindergarten teacher and loved my time in the classroom very much.
However, despite the joys teaching brought me, I soon realized I had to do more for my students. I had to create systemic change for them and others. In 2020, I made the difficult decision to exit the classroom and focus on education policy. Then, when I moved to Revere, MA and realized that although our district had over 70% of color, over 60% Hispanic/Latinx students, but a person of color had never served on our School Committee, I knew something had to change. So, I did the scary and bold thing and ran for office.
I have a first-hand understanding of the many issues facing our Latino students, families, and educators because I was once that Latina student being denied opportunities, my parents were the families we now serve, and I was once that Latina educator who walked our schools’ halls. As a former teacher, and now elected official and policy director, I bring a personal understanding of the complex issues facing our communities and unique knowledge of the education policy needed to address these issues. To whom much is given, much is required, and I am here to work for all our students, families and educators.
How can allies best support Hispanic/Latinx-led initiatives for equity?
What advice would you give to young Hispanic/Latinx individuals who want to become advocates for change?
If you think it is hard and scary, it is. I’m a young Latina in her 20’s that is often mistaken as a legislative aide and not the Director of Policy when in meetings. I’m the young Latina who often stands out like a sore thumb at political events and who constantly has to remind people to pronounce her name correctly (when I know they actively choose to mispronounce it). This is hard work, but you know what… You deserve to be at the table mija. You are your ancestors' wildest dreams mijo. And we are the American Dream our families have sacrificed so much more.
As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, my parents taught me that being Latina means being a resilient trailblazer that works hard and never gives up. Ground yourself in your values and your “why.” Surround yourself with a village of people who can hold you up when you need that extra strength. Find at least one strong mentor who can help develop you professionally and give you the resources to advocate for your comunidad. And know that advocacy and change doesn’t have to be a big, Instagrammable statement. Advocacy can and should start small. It starts within your community about issues you care about.
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we invite you to join us in recognizing the beauty and significance of Hispanic culture. We encourage everyone to participate in the events and resources below.
You’re Invited: National Latinx Learning Series
For this month, let’s come together to honor Hispanic and Latinx heritage and work towards a future where every culture is celebrated and valued. Whether you are an ally or member of the Hispanic and Latinx communities, we encourage you to join us for the next installment of our National Latinx Learning Series on Wednesday, October 2 at 5 PM ET/4 PM CT.
During this round, we’ll be discussing the various policy and advocacy careers that aid in boosting equity and Hispanic and Latinx representation. Be sure to follow along with and join the upcoming series on Wednesday, November 13 at 5 PM ET/4 PM CT.
Tune In to The Leaders’ Table Latest Podcast
On the latest episode of The Leaders’ Table, our hosts sit down with journalist, activist, AVP at Moms Clean Air Force, and Director of EcoMadres Isabel Gonzalez Whitaker to discuss her inspiring background as a first-generation Cuban-American and how her mother’s immigrant story propelled her to advocate for marginalized communities.
Take the Next Steps to Advance Equity
Become a leader and a voice in your community and begin to dismantle the inequity that still surfaces today. As an elected official, senior leader, or community organizer, we recommend contacting our coaches for Senior Leader Advising to expand your impact.
If you are eager to begin your civic leadership journey and are curious about your opportunities in policy and advocacy, take our Career Fit Tool for your customized report.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Let’s celebrate the diversity that makes us stronger and more united.
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