BOSTON – Many of the boards that lead school systems and universities could benefit from greater diversity, and one organization is working toward that goal.

30-year-old Carlos Quintanilla’s dream is to inspire others to reach their potential. He learned this from a program called Latinos For Education four years ago.

“Latinos for Education has helped me learn who I am as someone who gives back to my community,” said 30-year-old Carlos Quintanilla.

“They do a lot of the work from within you and understand who you really are as a person,” said Quintanilla. hopes to open a business in

Latinos For Education is a national non-profit organization that started five years ago. Its mission is to position, develop and connect essential Latino leadership to the education sector.

“Latino educators, and in fact all students of color, have the same racial educators as they do not only academically, but socially-emotionally create the culture of their affiliation. We’re also benefiting from a perspective,” said Manny Cruz, Latino Education Advocacy Director.

They accomplish this by offering fellowships that help accelerate a variety of leadership pipelines, including education and board-level positions.

“This addresses a representation gap that exists on educational nonprofit steering committees, higher education boards, and school boards,” Cruz said. In fact, he is the vice-president of the Salem School Board.

“We want fairness every time we sit at the table. That’s why it’s so important that Latinos are represented not only at the board and non-profit level, but also on school committees and elsewhere.” It is,” he said.

Over the past five years, Latinos for Education has impacted over 450 participants, placing them in leadership positions as well as providing them with the procedures and tools they need to succeed.