LULAC National Innovation &
Technology Committee (NITC)
Empowering Latinos
in the Digital Age
Empowering Latinos
in the Digital Age
Washington, D.C. — October 10, 2024
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the nation’s oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization, proudly announces the launch of the National Innovation and Technology Committee (NITC). This initiative marks a new era in LULAC’s commitment to advancing digital equity and empowering Latinos across the United States. With a vision for the next 100 years, the NITC will drive opportunities for Latinos to excel in a tech-driven global economy.
About the National Innovation & Technology Committee
Led by Caroline Sanchez Crozier, Founding Chair, a respected STEM entrepreneur. The NITC comprises technology experts and advocates dedicated to digital equity in the Community, Education, and Workforce. Together, this team aims to empower the Latino community by ensuring access to technology education, career opportunities, and leadership positions in the digital world.
Washington, D.C. — October 10, 2024
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the nation’s oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization, proudly announces the launch of the National Innovation and Technology Committee (NITC). This initiative marks a new era in LULAC’s commitment to advancing digital equity and empowering Latinos across the United States. With a vision for the next 100 years, the NITC will drive opportunities for Latinos to excel in a tech-driven global economy.
About the National Innovation & Technology Committee
Led by Caroline Sanchez Crozier, Founding Chair, a respected STEM entrepreneur. The NITC comprises technology experts and advocates dedicated to digital equity in the Community, Education, and Workforce. Together, this team aims to empower the Latino community by ensuring access to technology education, career opportunities, and leadership positions in the digital world.
Message from the Leaders
“I look forward to working with these distinguished experts on the LULAC National Innovation and Technology Committee,” said Caroline Sanchez Crozier. “Their expertise and experience will be invaluable as we work to advance Latinos in the technological age. Together, we will shape the future of technology and ensure that Latinos have a seat at the table in all sectors—community, education, government, and industry.”
Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board, added,
“Latinos contribute to America’s brain trust, driving innovation and economic growth. These experts will uplift Latino voices in technology, guiding new advancements that benefit the entire nation.”
Message from the Leaders
“I look forward to working with these distinguished experts on the LULAC National Innovation and Technology Committee,” said Caroline Sanchez Crozier. “Their expertise and experience will be invaluable as we work to advance Latinos in the technological age. Together, we will shape the future of technology and ensure that Latinos have a seat at the table in all sectors—community, education, government, and industry.”
Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board, added,
“Latinos contribute to America’s brain trust, driving innovation and economic growth. These experts will uplift Latino voices in technology, guiding new advancements that benefit the entire nation.”
Our Mission: Pioneering Digital Equity for the Next 100 Years
Since 1929, LULAC has championed economic, educational, and civil rights for Hispanics. With the NITC, LULAC embraces a future where digital inclusion and representation drive Latino success in the technology sector. The NITC’s mission is rooted in three strategic pillars:
Community: Strengthening local councils, empowering Latino families, and fostering a culture of innovation.
Education: Partnering with K-12 schools, colleges, and universities to provide culturally relevant technology education.
Workforce: Building bridges from education to industry, advocating for Latino representation across tech careers.
Our Strategic Approach: Promote, Provide, and Partner
The NITC’s work is grounded in three core principles:
Promote: Advocating for inclusive policies that prioritize Latino representation and digital equity.
Provide: Delivering resources and creating replicable programs to foster local and national impact.
Partner: Collaborating with organizations to secure funding, investment, and support to strengthen Latino communities.
Our Mission: Pioneering Digital Equity for the Next 100 Years
Since 1929, LULAC has championed economic, educational, and civil rights for Hispanics. With the NITC, LULAC embraces a future where digital inclusion and representation drive Latino success in the technology sector. The NITC’s mission is rooted in three strategic pillars:
Community: Strengthening local councils, empowering Latino families, and fostering a culture of innovation.
Education: Partnering with K-12 schools, colleges, and universities to provide culturally relevant technology education.
Workforce: Building bridges from education to industry, advocating for Latino representation across tech careers.
Our Strategic Approach: Promote, Provide, and Partner
The NITC’s work is grounded in three core principles:
Promote: Advocating for inclusive policies that prioritize Latino representation and digital equity.
Provide: Delivering resources and creating replicable programs to foster local and national impact.
Partner: Collaborating with organizations to secure funding, investment, and support to strengthen Latino communities.
Meet the NITC Leadership Team
Caroline Sanchez Crozier
Founding Chair – IllinoisFounder & CEO, Latinx Digital Leaders Now
STEM entrepreneur and digital equity advocate.
Carlo Anez Mazurco
Vice Chair of Development – VirginiaFounder & CEO, Samkana Business Marketing
Specialist in digital marketing, cybersecurity, and AI.
Eric Belardo
Vice Chair of Cybersecurity Workforce – PennsylvaniaFounder & CEO, RaicesCyber.org; Cyber Security Officer, DELL Technologies
Cybersecurity professional fostering Latino workforce inclusion.
Zuly Gomez
Vice Chair of AI & Entrepreneurship in Tech – Wisconsin & IllinoisFounder & Consultant
Advancing innovative AI solutions and entrepreneurial tech initiatives.
Ruben Abarca
Development Expert – IllinoisHead of Corporate Partnerships, Discovery Partners Institute
Business development expert in corporate ERGs.
Danny Magallanes
Cybersecurity Expert – ColoradoFounder, Dynamic Stratagem LLC
Leader in cybersecurity strategy and community security.
Judianne Medina Golden
Tech Talent and Relationship Management Expert – FloridaOracle Solutions, Accenture
Leader and advocate for Latino Community in Tech workforce and STEM education.
Gladys Rosa-Mendoza
Design Strategy Expert, Experience Researcher & Strategist – IllinoisConsultant
Human-centered design advocates for Latino communities.
Ashley Ufret
K-12 Education Expert – New YorkCS & Equity Integration Specialist, New York Public Schools
Computer science and social justice educator.
Juan Vasquez
Cybersecurity Expert – IllinoisManaging Director & Sr. Information Security Officer, State Street
Cybersecurity leader and entrepreneur in the Latino community.
LULAC: A New Century of Opportunity
As LULAC approaches its 100th anniversary, the NITC sets a new standard for digital inclusion and empowerment within Latino communities nationwide. The committee represents LULAC’s ongoing commitment to a future where every Latino can thrive in a technology-driven world.
“Congratulations to the committee’s leadership for having the vision and commitment to assemble an outstanding cadre of experts in the most critical areas impacting 62 million Latinos,” said Juan Proano, LULAC’s CEO. “Together, we are moving into the next historical era of LULAC, a new century of opportunity for our youth, families, and communities.”
Meet the NITC Leadership Team
Caroline Sanchez Crozier
Founding Chair – IllinoisFounder & CEO, Latinx Digital Leaders Now
STEM entrepreneur and digital equity advocate.
Carlo Anez Mazurco
Vice Chair of Development – VirginiaFounder & CEO, Samkana
Business Marketing
Specialist in digital marketing, cybersecurity, and AI.
Eric Belardo
Vice Chair of Cybersecurity Workforce – PennsylvaniaFounder & CEO, RaicesCyber.org;
Cyber Security Officer, DELL Technologies
Cybersecurity professional fostering Latino workforce inclusion.
Zuly Gomez
Vice Chair of AI & Entrepreneurship in Tech – Wisconsin & IllinoisFounder & Consultant
Advancing innovative AI solutions and entrepreneurial tech initiatives.
Ruben Abarca
Development Expert – IllinoisHead of Corporate Partnerships, Discovery Partners Institute
Business development expert in corporate ERGs.
Danny Magallanes
Cybersecurity Expert – ColoradoFounder, Dynamic Stratagem LLC
Leader in cybersecurity strategy and community security.
Judianne Medina Golden
Tech Talent and Relationship Management Expert – FloridaOracle Solutions, Accenture
Leader and advocate for Latino Community in Tech workforce and STEM education.
Gladys Rosa-Mendoza
Design Strategy Expert, Experience Researcher & Strategist – IllinoisConsultant
Human-centered design advocates for Latino communities.
Ashley Ufret
K-12 Education Expert – New YorkCS & Equity Integration Specialist, New York Public Schools
Computer science and social justice educator.
Juan Vasquez
Cybersecurity Expert – IllinoisManaging Director & Sr. Information Security Officer, State Street
Cybersecurity leader and entrepreneur in the Latino community.
LULAC: A New Century of Opportunity
As LULAC approaches its 100th anniversary, the NITC sets a new standard for digital inclusion and empowerment within Latino communities nationwide. The committee represents LULAC’s ongoing commitment to a future where every Latino can thrive in a technology-driven world.
“Congratulations to the committee’s leadership for having the vision and commitment to assemble an outstanding cadre of experts in the most critical areas impacting 62 million Latinos,” said Juan Proano, LULAC’s CEO. “Together, we are moving into the next historical era of LULAC, a new century of opportunity for our youth, families, and communities.”
About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), founded in 1929, is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. LULAC protects and empowers millions of Latinos through advocacy, community building, and educationHeadline. Learn more at www.lulac.org.
For More Information:
Visit our website: www.lulac.org
Follow us on social media for updates on the NITC and more LULAC initiatives.
About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), founded in 1929, is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. LULAC protects and empowers millions of Latinos through advocacy, community building, and educationHeadline. Learn more at www.lulac.org.
For More Information:
Visit our website: www.lulac.org
Follow us on social media for updates on the NITC and more LULAC initiatives.