Our Story

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20 Years of Serving our Mission: Timeline

Follow a visual graphic from the seed of an idea planted in 2004 to the national organization of today.

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Excelencia's Tree of Life

Read the story behind this one-of-a-kind art work, its symbolism and significance to Excelencia.

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15 Who Helped Us Reach 15

Meet the 15 vital supporters who helped us advance to our current leadership role.

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Quinceañera

See how Excelencia marked its 15th anniversary with a Quinceañera – a traditional celebration in the Latino community of an important milestone and symbol of maturity.

 

A transformative leader in higher education

Excelencia in Education accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, conducting analysis to inform educational policies, and advancing institutional practices while collaborating with those committed and ready to meet the mission. Launched in 2004 in the nation’s capital, Excelencia is building a network of results-oriented educators and policymakers to address the U.S. economy’s need for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leadership.

This Latina-led organization has steadily grown to become an authority in this field with a reputation as a national transformative leader and innovator in higher education by informing, organizing and compelling action. In 2019, Excelencia launched the Seal of Excelencia, an independent national certification for institutions intentionally serving Latino students while serving all.

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Excelencia Timeline

Excelencia grew from the seed of an idea planted by its founders to the transformative organization it is today through support, collaboration and hard work. See this graphic display that chronicles our growth and major contributions shaping Excelencia’s national impact.

Excelencia Tree of Life

Excelencia's Tree of Life

Excelencia in Education’s Tree of Life, created by nationally recognized artist Verónica Castillo, has become a symbol and an inspiration for Excelencia’s mission to accelerate Latino student success in higher education. Read about the artist, her artwork and the connection to Excelencia.

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15 Vital Supporters

Accelerating Latino student success and transforming higher education require people rallying together for common cause. Meet the 15 vital supporters who helped us advance to our current role as a transformative leader in higher education.

15 Year Celebration - Staff and Board

Quinceañera-Our 15th Anniversary

As a Latina-founded and led non-profit organization, Excelencia in Education marked its 15th anniversary in 2019 with a Quinceañera – a celebration in the Latino community of an important milestone and symbol of maturity.