Carlos Sanchez named Latino Program Executive Director at Davenport University
Davenport University has named Carlos Sanchez its Latino Program Executive Director as part of its goal of making the Davenport campus more diverse. Sanchez has a long history of executive positions in Grand Rapids organizations working toward the betterment of Latino people.
Carlos Sanchez was made the executive director of Davenport University’s Latino Program. He was named to the position on October 20.
Sanchez has been hired by the university to lead the recruitment and retention of Latino students as the Latino population in West Michigan continues to grow. Sanchez’s hiring was part of the university’s Vision 2025 plan, which is a strategic effort to make Davenport’s campus a more diverse place.
Davenport University's President Richard Pappas was quoted on the hire in the Grand Rapids Business Journal: “Our Vision 2025 priorities strongly emphasize our commitment to better serve the Latino community. Carlos is the perfect candidate to help lead this work for us by building relationships across the state that will broaden opportunities and align support for the Latino community, one of the nation’s fastest-growing and most underrepresented populations in higher education.”
Previously, Sanchez was working at Ferris State University, where he developed the LEADeres program, the only program in West Michigan centered around professional development for Latino students. He also worked on the Emprende program, which is an entrepreneurship program focused on Latinos as well. Sanchez himself graduated from Davenport University.
Carlos Sanchez has also spent a decade as the director of Latino business and economic development at Ferris and was instrumental in the recruitment for those programs he was part of.
The Grand Rapids Business Journal quoted Sanchez as saying, “I’m proud to be able to play such a pivotal role in creating new and stronger opportunities for the Latino community. I am a proud alum of Davenport University, and I am thrilled to be able to be part of their mission to transform students’ lives by helping them earn a quality education and successful careers.”
Sanchez spent his time as a student at Davenport University, earning his Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in International Business before moving on to Kentall College of Arts and Design to earn a Master of Arts in Design.
Former Governor Rick Snyder appointed Sanchez to the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan back in 2015 where he chaired the Lideramos Board, the National Association of Latino Leadership Programs.
Sanchez also has a history with the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, where he served as Interim Executive Director. He also was the Executive Director of the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids where he launched the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation and started the Hispanic Chamber Gala.
Currently, Sanchez serves as a committee and board member for the Economic Club of Grand Rapids, and is a board member for the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids where he serves as the diversity, inclusion, and global committee chair.
For more information about Davenport University, visit the school’s website.