Believe That Everything Is Possible

About The Episode:

In this insightful episode, Sarita Brown, co-founder of Excelencia in Education, shares the inspiring journey behind the organization's mission to accelerate Latino student success in higher education. Through data analysis, policy advocacy, and strategic partnerships, Sarita explains how Excelencia has made a profound impact on the landscape of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and Latino student outcomes. She also discusses the importance of asset-based approaches to education and how leadership, grit, and commitment can turn challenges into opportunities for lasting change.

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Key Takeaways:

• Excelencia in Education's Mission is to accelerate Latino student success through data-driven strategies and partnerships with HSIs across the U.S.
• The importance of grounding educational initiatives in policy and facts to drive real, measurable change.
• Excelencia applies an equity lens in decision-making, ensuring that institutions are held accountable for supporting all students.
• Sarita’s belief in education as a means to create a better future, not just for Latino students but for all students.
• The Seal of Excelencia is a certification program recognizing colleges and universities committed to intentionally serving Latino students and improving outcomes.

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Episode Summary

The Story Behind Excelencia in Education

This episode kicks off with Sarita Brown recounting the founding of Excelencia in Education alongside co-founder Deborah Santiago. Sarita shares how their combined expertise in policy and data analysis laid the groundwork for a nonprofit focused on Latino student success in higher education. The organization emerged from their shared experiences in federal government roles, where they saw the need for a more actionable, data-driven approach to improving outcomes for Latino students. Sarita discusses how they launched Excelencia with a deep belief in the potential of Latino students and the power of higher education to open doors for underserved populations.

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Overcoming Crises to Drive Change

Sarita delves into a pivotal crisis early in the organization’s history: a major funder backed out of a million-dollar commitment, forcing Sarita and Deborah to reevaluate their next steps. Instead of giving up, they decided to push forward with a six-month plan to secure new funding and test the viability of their vision. This period of uncertainty tested their resilience, but ultimately reinforced their commitment to the cause. The crisis, Sarita explains, was transformative, giving them the freedom to go "full out" and take risks, knowing they were fighting for something they deeply believed in.

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The Power of the Seal of Excelencia

As Sarita explains, Excelencia’s mission revolves around the Seal of Excelencia, a certification program designed to help colleges and universities assess and improve their impact on Latino students. Institutions undergo a rigorous process that evaluates them on eight key data metrics, evidence-based practices, and leadership commitment. The Seal has become a recognized marker of an institution's dedication to Latino student success and has inspired similar efforts for other underrepresented groups. Sarita emphasizes the importance of leadership buy-in and collaboration across departments to make meaningful, sustained progress.

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Equity, Leadership, and Partnership

Sarita’s insights into equity-driven leadership are grounded in her organization’s co-leadership model, a structure that she believes strengthens decision-making. She explains that the success of Excelencia is rooted in mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared vision of equity that permeates every aspect of their work. Sarita also highlights the importance of taking risks and learning from failures as critical components of both leadership and achieving equity in higher education.

This episode provides an inside look at the powerful work being done by Excelencia in Education and offers invaluable lessons for leaders in nonprofit and higher education spaces. Sarita Brown’s journey is a testament to the resilience, dedication, and innovation needed to drive meaningful change in the pursuit of educational equity. Be sure to listen to the full episode for an inspiring discussion on how to turn challenges into opportunities and make a lasting impact.

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About The Show: After Further Consideration isn’t just another podcast — it’s your guide to pioneering DEI leadership in higher ed. Get cutting-edge strategies and expert insights that are directly applicable to the challenges you face daily. Lead with confidence, drive institutional change, and make a meaningful difference for your students and staff.

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Connect With Our Co Hosts:
Dr. J. Cody Nielsen

Dr. Tomika Ferguson

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About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
AI for U is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Mastering the Next.

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

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Element451 is hosting the AI Engage Summit on Oct 29 and 30. Register now for this free, virtual event.The future of higher ed is being redefined by the transformative power of AI. The AI Engage Summit brings together higher ed leaders,  innovators, and many of your favorite Enrollify creators to explore AI’s impact on student engagement, enrollment marketing, and institutional success.

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