Hispanic/Latino Action Coalition Adds Participate Learning Leader to Steering Team

The Hispanic/Latino Action Coalition (HLAC), the leading statewide advocate for educational and workforce opportunities for Hispanic/Latino families in North Carolina, has elected Participate Learning’s Kevin Smith to its leadership team for 2023.

Smith, Director of Partnership Development at Participate Learning, joins the group’s Steering Team for 2023, where he will help HLAC develop its overall strategy. Fellow steering team members are from the following organizations: LatinxEd, North Carolina Society of Hispanic Professionals, Lenoir Community College, James Sprunt Community College, North Carolina Community College System REACH Collaborative, and Watauga County Schools.

“I am excited about the opportunity to work with a group whose mission is to invest in the leadership development, post-secondary access, and economic advancement of the Latinx community in North Carolina as I continue my lifelong work of uniting our world through education and greater cultural understanding,” Smith said.

A native of Costa Rica and professional educator, Smith has taught both in Costa Rica and the United States, including in Hoke County. He joined Participate Learning’s staff in 2014 upon returning to Costa Rica as an International Education Adviser.

HLAC is one of many groups Smith works closely with on behalf of Participate Learning as he works to build strong partnerships with groups that share Participate Learning’s mission of uniting the world through global learning.

The Hispanic/Latino Action Coalition is a statewide network of leaders who advocate for the educational, social, and economic mobility of the Hispanic/Latino community in North Carolina. The group’s shared values include education, equity, advocacy, diversity, civic engagement, leadership development, and Latinidad, which signifies embracing cultural heritage and using a shared network to build solidarity. Email nchlac2019@gmail.com to learn more about membership opportunities.