Iris E. Sanchez is the Senior Manager of Institutional Engagement at Excelencia in Education, where she advances efforts to accelerate Latino student success while increasing all student success nationwide. She also serves as President of Adelante NWI, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the Latino community in Northwest Indiana.
Here is how Iris is leading beautifully in this season:
A defining moment in her career came when she stepped into the role of Founding Director of Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Initiatives at Purdue University Northwest, Indiana’s largest HSI. There, she built the office from the ground up—designing programs, policies, and partnerships that expanded access, strengthened retention, and enhanced the overall student experience and sense of belonging for Latino, first-generation, and historically underserved students.
Through collaboration with an exceptional Student Affairs team and a deeply committed HSI initiatives committee, she helped build momentum around a shared vision for student success and institutional transformation.
After more than 25 years in higher education, transitioning from that role during a period of shifting policy was deeply difficult, as she mourned the loss of daily work with students and colleagues who shaped her journey. That experience ultimately reinforced her commitment to advancing this work at a broader scale.
Today, at Excelencia in Education, she partners with institutions across the country to help institutions transform how they serve students and prove their impact.
Beyond her professional role, Iris serves as President of Adelante NWI, where she works alongside community members to expand opportunity, support families, and mentor the next generation of Latino leaders.
Connect with Iris! Her journey reflects a meaningful evolution—from institutional leadership to national impact—while remaining deeply rooted in community.
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Iris E. Sanchez
