Listen to this articleDinorah Olmos is the founding president and CEO of the Latino Education Advancement Fund and recipient of the 2019 Open Society Institute Community Fellowship in Baltimore. She brings more than 35 years of professional experience across public, private and nonprofit sectors at international, national, state and local levels.
Olmos served 14 years as assistant director for national and international recruitment at Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth. She is married to Javier von Westphalen-Peña and has two children.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
I focus on small victories that drive real change. I’ve helped foster a collaborative Latino family learning environment that boosts academic success and student growth. We empower Latino parents to advocate for their children and ensure their voices are heard. This year, we hosted our first bilingual Latino education conference at Johns Hopkins University, gathering over 300 participants. Latino Families once marginalized now engage directly with national leaders and get their questions answered. Creating inclusive spaces supports students and strengthens entire communities.
What is the biggest challenge facing higher education institutions?
Student retention is now a major issue. College enrollment is set to drop from 2025-2029, cutting tuition revenue right when institutions need it most. Shifting federal policies are affecting student loans and funding. Students increasingly question if college is worth the cost, especially as high school certifications lead directly to jobs and immediate income.
AI is transforming every field, posing new challenges for education. It’s essential to give all students, including Latino and other underrepresented groups, equal access to AI training so they aren’t left behind.
What do you do to unwind?
I love to visit new places, eat different foods, and enjoy entertaining friends at home. Let’s not forget to accompany my food with a glass of wine, mezcal, or tequila. Life may be short, so I must have fun.
