Transformation has always been at the heart of the National Council of La Raza. The institution has continually reinvented itself to adapt to constantly shifting demographic, economic, social, and political environments while working to close the gaps between Hispanics and other groups. While broad change is inevitable within the institution, NCLR’s core work has remained virtually unchanged: to increase Hispanics’ access to educational excellence, opportunities to work and save, quality health care, and the chance to live in decent neighborhoods.

The next phase in this continuous transformation is the recent announcement that Raul Yzaguirre, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Council of La Raza, will retire as head of NCLR at the end of this year. His retirement brings to a close a remarkable 30-year period in which he transformed a fledgling grassroots organization into the nation’s most influential Hispanic institution and turned his vision of pan-Hispanic unity into a reality.

“I am a very fortunate man. I have had the singular honor of fighting for our people for half a century. I have been blessed with a loving and supportive family. I have followed my passion as an advocate for my community. These things have given meaning to my life, and for that I am eternally grateful,” said Yzaguirre.

The following links provide a summarized chronology of NCLR at crucial stages: