Latino Leaders Making an Impact
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In this Q&A, Dr. Eduardo Ochoa Jr., Miguel López and Victoria DeFrancesco Soto share how board service has strengthened their leadership, why diverse voices matter, and what they hope the next generation of Latino professionals will bring to the table.
Miguel López
Market Strategy Executive, Southern Bancorp
Board member, Goodwill Industries of Arkansas
Why do you serve?
I’m passionate about helping people achieve financial stability, particularly in underserved communities. Goodwill’s focus on workforce development, job training and empowerment closely aligns with my personal values and professional commitment.
How has your perspective helped Goodwill?
As a Hispanic leader, I bring firsthand insight into the opportunities and barriers many Hispanic families face in education, workforce development and social services. Supporting The Excel Center has allowed me to connect more Hispanic families with educational opportunities, reinforcing the power of education to create economic mobility and generational change.
What accomplishments since joining Goodwill’s board are you most proud of?
Helping launch The Excel Center and seeing it expand with a second campus in Northwest Arkansas.
How has board service influenced your leadership?
It has taught me to think beyond immediate results and focus on long-term community impact.
Advice for future Latino leaders?
Meaningful impact starts with volunteering, joining community organizations, mentoring others and finding causes you genuinely care about. I would encourage people to be intentional about building relationships across different industries and communities.
Dr. Eduardo Ochoa Jr.
Professor and Vice Chair of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Board member, Southern Bancorp Bank
Why do you serve?
I have no background in banking but serving on the board has taught me a great deal. I was drawn to Southern because, as a Community Development Financial Institution, it expands homeownership, small businesses and wealth-building in underserved communities. I was also attracted by the diversity of the board and the bank's strategy.
How has your perspective helped Southern Bancorp Bank?
As a pediatrician, I see how income insecurity affects children and families. It's a small part of the research I do, and there's no doubt that even small amounts of real money, as when the COVID-era child tax credits happened, make a difference in child health and well-being. I know much more can be done with capital and a financial institution that cares about reaching them and catalyzing more success.
How has board service influenced your leadership?
I am learning that my preconceptions of who would be on a bank board were misguided, especially with this type of bank. My fellow board members have diverse experiences and views on financial issues but are themselves engaged in other work to move all communities forward.
Advice for future Latino leaders?
Get involved early! Some boards can help ease you into board service-quarterly meetings, smaller organizations, etc., so don't be scared off by thinking the time commitment is going to be overwhelming. Also not every board is all about fundraising, but it's good to know that right off.
Victoria DeFrancesco Soto
Dean and Professor, University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service
The Kaiser Family Foundation Board of Trustees
Why do you serve?
What drew me to KFF is its unique identity as an independent, nonpartisan organization dedicated to health policy research, polling and journalism. At the Clinton School, we value evidence-based research and public service, and KFF reflects those values by providing trusted, objective information and ensuring the public has an independent voice in national healthcare conversations.
How has board service influenced your leadership?
My service has reinforced the core public service tenet of "listening first." Watching a national organization successfully combine polling, deep policy analysis and journalism to address complex trust issues has made me a better leader. It reminds me daily that effective leadership requires looking at a problem from multiple institutional vantage points simultaneously.
Advice for future Latino leaders?
(1) Engage in "quiet work." Real impact often starts one conversation, one volunteer shift or one community relationship at a time. Do not wait for a board seat to start serving. (2) Build broad coalitions: Get involved with diverse civic groups, giving circles or regional chambers to learn how different sectors operate. (3) Value your unique voice: Seek organizations whose missions align with your core values, and never forget that your personal background and distinct lived experiences are assets that bring immense value to a boardroom.