The National Council La Raza has a long history of dedicated, visionary. These courageous and wholly committed individuals, determined to make a difference, created an institution that has profound impact on the Latino community for more than 40 years. From the Board of Directors and Affiliate Council members, to the Executive Directors and Presidents/CEOs who have served the institution, NCLR’s leadership has demonstrated the highest standards of integrity, commitment, sacrifice, and passion for the advancement of our community.
Today, NCLR President and CEO Janet Murguía has emerged as a key figure among the next generation of leaders in the Latino community and is building upon NCLR’s history and major accomplishments to address the evolving needs of the growing and dynamic Hispanic population.
To address such needs effectively, NCLR works to a) enhance the ability of Latinos to improve their socioeconomic status by developing, supporting, and disseminating critical services and to b) ensure that Hispanics have the opportunity to improve their status by removing social and legal barriers to advancement. By working in tandem on these two levels, NCLR is uniquely positioned to help Latinos achieve the American Dream.
Central to this effort and among Murguía’s priorities has been to strengthen and enhance the value of NCLR’s relationship with its Affiliates and to refocus the institution to improve the socioeconomic status of Hispanics. In 2006, after a two-year planning process, the Affiliate Member Services Business Plan was implemented, resulting in a new approach to working with its Affiliate Network. With NCLR’s renewed commitment comes an avenue for affiliates to have a larger voice in shaping the direction of the institution, which will ultimately have a more profound and far-reaching impact for the community overall.
Building upon on the legacy of NCLR’s previous leaders, Murguía is committed to carrying out their vision so that the institution can continue to effectively serve the community and effect positive change in the life opportunities and status of Latinos in the U.S.
NCLR’s governing Board of Directors represents the constituency it serves and includes 26 elected members. Bylaws require that the Board include representatives of all geographic regions of the U.S. and all Hispanic subgroups, that half the Board represent Affiliates or have identifiable constituencies, and that the Board include equal representation of men and women. The Board’s leadership consists of a Chairperson and an Executive Committee – members who share responsibility for Board governance and organizational oversight.
The NCLR Board Chair is Monica Lozano, Senior Vice President of Impremedia LLC, the first national Spanish-language newspaper company in the United States. She is also the publisher and Chief Executive Officer of La Opinión, the nation's largest Spanish-language daily newspaper which is headquartered in Los Angeles.
NCLR’s Affiliate Council, formed in 1997, is the vehicle through which NCLR Affiliates influence the institution’s policy and operations. The Affiliate Council serves as a voice for, and represents the bond between, NCLR and its most important constituency. Linda Mazon-Gutierrez is the Affiliate Council Chair and President of Hispanic Women’s Corporation, an NCLR Affiliate in Arizona.
NCLR’s Corporate Board of Advisors (CBA), established in 1982, is made up of senior executives from 27 major corporations, as well as liaison staff from each company. CBA members contribute in a variety of ways, through increasing NCLR’s visibility, offering advice and resources, and sharing their expertise on specific projects and areas of institutional development, as well as their direct financial support of the organization. The partnership with our CBA members is built on mutual respect, trust, and value, providing the leadership from NCLR and the CBA the opportunity to discuss issues and respectfully understand each others positions and where they may vary. The CBA Chair is Russ Deyo, Chief Compliance Officer, Vice President, and General Counsel of Johnson & Johnson.
STAFF
Undoubtedly, the committed, passionate, and professional individuals who carry out the vision of NCLR’s dedicated leaders are critical to the strength and success of the organization. The staff are energetic and idealistic, and always maintain a high standard of integrity and credibility. They are committed to making a positive difference in the Latino community.
Throughout its history, NCLR has served as a training ground for young, enthusiastic professionals. Many of these individuals have gone on to become leaders in their own right in government, academia, the nonprofit world, and corporate America. Some are now even serving their communities and our country as elected officials. Many of NCLR’s alumni remain committed to NCLR’s mission, staying connected and continuing to lend their support to the deeply meaningful work of the institution.
