The University of Notre Dame’s Multicultural Student Programs and Services in collaboration with the Institute for Latino Studies hosted the National Council of la Raza’s President and CEO, Janet Murguía for its 2017 Latino Recognition Ceremony, Friday, May 19 at 7 p.m., Washington Hall, University of Notre Dame.
Murguía has been recognized on numerous occasions for her work. She has been selected twice as one of Washingtonian magazine’s “100 Most Powerful Women in Washington” and as one of the NonProfit Times’ “Power and Influence Top 50” leaders. Prior to NCLR, she worked at the White House, ultimately serving as deputy assistant to President Clinton, and as executive vice chancellor for university relations at the University of Kansas (KU).
Since 2005, Murguía has sought to strengthen NCLR’s work and enhance its record of impact as a vital American institution. Murguía has also worked to amplify the Latino voice on issues affecting the Hispanic community such as education, health care, immigration, civil rights, and the economy. As someone who has experienced the promise of the American Dream firsthand, Janet Murguía has devoted her career in public service to opening the door to that dream to millions of American families. Now, as a key figure among this generation of leaders in the Latino community, she continues this mission as President and CEO of the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States.
Janet Murguía grew up in Kansas City, Kansas. She received three degrees from KU: a B.S. degree in journalism, a B.A. degree in Spanish, and a J.D. degree from the School of Law. She also received an honorary degree—Doctor of Humane Letters—from California State University, Dominguez Hills and an honorary Doctor of Laws from Wake Forest University.
Originally published by at latinostudies.nd.edu on May 15, 2017.