Student Spotlight with Adriana De Urquidi

Adriana currently works at The Concilio, whose mission is to "build stronger communities by unlocking opportunities for Latino and other diverse families." She is the VP of DEI and Latino Capacity Building, where she develops and operates the Young Latino Professional Network, The State of Latinos Report, The Power of Latinos Summit, and the Hispanic Cultural Competency Trainings.

Why this Executive Program?

My journey so far has been of experiential and self-directed learning. I've actively engaged in reading and research, continuously seeking innovative methods to enhance the work I do. While I've benefited from various courses, I recognized the need for a formal academic foundation to elevate my efforts and effectively guide my team. I was eager to explore new strategies and diverse approaches to tackle the socioeconomic mobility challenges in North Texas. One of the key things I was looking to learn in this program was to explore options for a sustainable business model around the work we are doing. I love the business-minded & impact-oriented approach this program offers. I felt it was tailor-made for me.

Adriana speaks about her impact work at The Concilio.

I currently lead the Latino Strategy Institute Powered by The Concilio, where our goal is to build systemic capacity to advance Latino equity and upward socioeconomic mobility. I do this through a series of programs and events that bring together cross-sectorial decision-makers to discuss challenges and collaboration opportunities to serve the Latino community, as well as to provide research and data to inform their decision-making process. I am passionate about the work I do because I believe everyone should have amazing experiences and life opportunities regardless of their zip code, skin color, beliefs, and orientation. Dallas has a Hispanic population of 41.5%. However, our city is ill-prepared to support this community. Through my work, I get to address the root cause of the challenges Latinos face in our city and rally stakeholders to solve them collaboratively. I am a connector and innovator by nature, and through my work, I develop strategies and connect stakeholders to collaborate with them!

Advice for future applicants

I would recommend this program for those ready to take the next step into their impact journey, professionally and personally. This is a very experiential program that will make you dive deep, challenge yourself, and do some soul-searching. This program braids theory, practice, and intention to foster an environment of learning through experience. Be ready to explore impact within yourself, explore and learn tools that will provide a strong foundation for your impact work, and connect to an array of exceptional individuals who pour their heart into their work to make their community a better place.

Adriana talks about how the program has positively impacted her work.

This program is already impacting my career and my work. As I advance in the process of building the Latino Strategy Institute, each class, and homework I have worked on has provided me with the structure for the foundation of the Institute. I have been able to use and apply all the homework so far, either for the Institute or on a specific program within it. It has also provided me with a broader set of tools and ideas to engage my stakeholders. The design thinking process has directly impacted how I structure the think tanks I host. The asset mapping and partnership analysis have already started shaping this year’s Power of Latino Summit. Every class and homework has provided structure, helped me look deeper and challenged myself and the way I do my work.

Thank you, Adriana! Follow our page to hear from more brilliant changemakers. Sign up for our speaker series; the April workshop is next Monday the 29th: register at https://bit.ly/sprk24.

SIS graduates are eligible to apply to the Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL) in an accelerated, on-campus, or online format. The NPL program is a ten-credit master’s program; SIS Alumni must complete six credits to graduate.