MassLive recently asked readers to identify people they consider Hispanic and Latino leaders in Massachusetts, working to make a difference across the state.
Profiles of these leaders will be published over the course of Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. These are people readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Elisa Castillo (Tom Kates photo)Salem State Campaign Case
Elisa Castillo
Age: 52
Community: Salem/Northshore
Her story: Elisa Castillo is a higher education administrator with over 20 years of experience, who provides services to a diverse college student population. Currently, she serves as the assistant vice president for Hispanic and Minority Serving Institution Initiatives at Salem State University.
Castillo is a bilingual and bicultural Latina, who grew up in Puerto Rico and graduated from the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez. She then earned a doctorate in counseling psychology from the University of Wisconsin -Madison.
Throughout her career, she has spent time in roles working as a psychologist helping students with their mental health and wellness, working in administrative roles, improving resources and changing campus culture for students and working as co-lead for the pandemic response.
As someone who has always found passion in helping the youth, Castillo currently helps the Salem State University provide the Hispanic and Latino student population an educational environment where all students can thrive.
She believes it is important for colleges “to be intentional about welcoming Latino students and providing opportunities where all students can thrive.”
Ways to support this goal are to make college more affordable, have materials in Spanish so families can have needed information and make sure that students have opportunities that will prepare them to make a difference in their community, she said.
In her words: “Our youth and students are a very diverse group and they need teachers, mentors, service providers and leaders they can relate to. I want to encourage our students and our community to continue to pursue their dreams and to know that they can complete a college degree or even achieve a terminal degree in their field.”
We’re always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
