“As a Mexican-born individual who is living a life that was not envisioned as a child, the impact of Latino Changemakers in the US is profoundly inspiring to me. Witnessing fellow Latinos making positive changes in various fields and contributing to the diverse tapestry of American society fills me with pride and hope. Whether in politics, arts, activism, or other arenas, these Changemakers break barriers and challenge stereotypes, showing that our community is a powerful force for positive transformation.

Their achievements pave the way for future generations of Latinos and demonstrate the richness and depth of our contributions to the broader cultural landscape. In particular, as a gay man, seeing LGBTQ+ Latino Changemakers advocate for equality and inclusion adds an extra layer of inspiration. It reinforces the importance of embracing one’s identity and working towards a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their background or sexual orientation, can thrive and contribute.

Overall, the impact of Latino Changemakers in the US motivates me to be an active participant in shaping a more inclusive and equitable world, where diversity is celebrated, and everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

Ed Herrera serves as the chief financial & operating officer at Braven, Inc., a national organization that empowers promising, underrepresented young people—first-generation college students, students from low-income backgrounds, and students of color—with the skills, confidence, experiences, and networks necessary to transition from college to strong first jobs, which lead to meaningful careers and lives of impact. Previously, he was the chief financial officer at the LGBT Center in New York City, the second largest community center in the nation, and financial controller at BMW of Manhattan—the only entity in North America still owned by BMW Global.

Originally from California and now a NYC resident, Herrera advocates for diversity and inclusion in the nonprofit sector and is involved with organizations that promote equal opportunities for underrepresented groups. He currently serves as Treasurer at the National Center for Teacher Residencies (NCTR), an organization focused on fueling teaching careers through a residency program and currently focused on the representation of BIPOC individuals as a lever to address the enduring and systemic inequities in school systems. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, San Diego, and an MBA from Baruch College in New York City.