As someone who has experienced the promise of the American Dream firsthand, Ms. Murguía has devoted her career in public service to opening the door to that dream to millions of American families. Now, as a key figure among the next generation of leaders in the Latino community, she continues this mission as President and CEO of the UnidosUS (formerly National Council of La Raza), the largest national Latino civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States.

Since 2005, Ms. Murguía has sought to strengthen UnidosUS’s work and enhance its record of impact as a vital American institution. One of her first priorities was to harness the power of the nation’s 50 million Latinos and improve opportunities for Latino families by strengthening the partnership between UnidosUS and its network of nearly 300 community-based affiliates which serve millions of people in 41 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Ms. Murguía has also sought to strengthen the Latino voice on issues affecting the Latino community such as education, health care, immigration, civil rights, the economy, and the rise of hate rhetoric and hate crimes targeting the Latino community.

Prior to leading UnidosUS, Ms. Murguía was the Executive Vice Chancellor for University Relations at the University of Kansas and served as Deputy Assistant to President Clinton. Ms. Murguía earned a B.A. in Spanish language literature, a B.A. in journalism and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Kansas.