Amanda Fernandez is the CEO and Founder of Latinos for Education, the first Latino-founded and led national organization dedicated to advancing Latino leadership and Policy in the education sector. Under her visionary leadership, the organization has expanded from a Boston-based nonprofit to a national leader in education policy, advocacy, and leadership development, with a presence across the United States and an operating budget exceeding $6 million. In 2023, Amanda was appointed to the Massachusetts Governor’s Latino Empowerment Council, advising on strategies to enhance economic opportunities for the state’s Latino community.

Prior to this, she co-chaired the education committee on Governor Maura Healey’s transition team. Her commitment to education is further demonstrated by her previous service as a Trustee of the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. She has served on numerous other Boards including Roxbury Community College, The Lynch Family Foundation and KIPP Massachusetts. Amanda’s dedication to educational equity and leadership has been recognized through several prestigious accolades. She is a 2020 recipient of the McNulty Prize Catalyst Fund, acknowledging her innovative approach to cultivating Latino leadership in education. In 2024, she was honored with the Innovator of Color Award by ASU GSV, celebrating her impactful contributions to the education sector. Additionally, Amanda is an alumna of the prestigious Aspen Pahara Institute.

Before founding Latinos for Education, Amanda amassed over 25 years of experience in the private and nonprofit sectors. She served as Vice President of Latino Community Partnerships at Teach for America, where she developed relationships with national Latino-serving organizations to advance the recruitment of Latino teachers and support Latino alumni. Her career also includes a directorship at The Bridgespan Group, where she consulted on organizational strategy for youth and education clients, and seven years at Deloitte, focusing on human capital consulting and diversity program management. Amanda also holds a Master of Science in Adult Education from Fordham University.

Amanda’s leadership is deeply influenced by her personal experiences and cultural heritage. As a Latina leader, she exemplifies the strengths of the Latino community in her approach and actions, while ensuring that the values of the community are integrated into the organization’s mission. Her vision and spirit of innovation have transformed Latinos for Education into a catalyst for change, empowering Latino voices and leadership in the education sector.