Alumni, NHI News, Volunteers
Nick Lopez named 2022 Person of the Year
The National Hispanic Institute is pleased to announce that Nick Lopez, who has a distinguished history with the National Hispanic Institute as well as multiple nonprofit organizations, has been selected as our 2022 Person of the Year.
Lopez is a highly recognized professional within the human services and nonprofit sectors, currently serving as the Vice President of Advancement and Marketing for Volunteers for America Colorado. Lopez will shortly become the President and CEO of the Latin American Educational Foundation (LAEF), the oldest Hispanic and Latino organization in Colorado.
When Lopez learned of the opportunity with LAEF, which is a scholarship-awarding nonprofit in Denver that supports Hispanic students across the state, he felt like it was a full-circle connection to his past work with NHI.
Lopez has also held impactful positions at the University of Denver, the University of Chicago, and the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation. He holds a Master’s of Science in Public Service Management from DePaul University which has a reputation for promoting diversity and academic excellence among their staff and students.
Over the years, Lopez has given back to the Hispanic community in numerous ways and he is an exceptional honoree. Lopez has a long tenure of assisting and supporting NHI, he was our Midwest Regional Director from 2003-2006. In this role, he was an intrinsic part of NHI’s services and our mission to promote higher education and leadership throughout the Hispanic community.
His involvement in educational leadership began far before that though. Lopez completed the YLC (Great Debate) and then the LDZ programs while in high school from 1994-1998. Then in the true paying it forward fashion, Lopez recruited other students from his hometown which included his now wife Lindsey. He volunteered with the local Great Debate team in Pueblo and as a Junior Counselor at the New Mexico LDZ.
NHI is pleased to announce that Lopez is receiving the well deserved distinction of becoming our 2022 Person of the Year. Lopez is a shining example of how leadership skills gained during the formative high school years, particularly those in an educational setting such as LDZ, pave the way for future success and positive influence. Past recipients include Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Filmmaker Merced Elizondo, and entrepreneur Humberto Saenz.
For more information contact info@nhimail.com.
I very Proud of my Son. What a great honor. His dad is looking down on him from heaven giving him a thumbs up congratulations my son. I love you ❤️
Hello NHI family. I would like to begin by sharing a huge congratulations to my friend and colleague Nick Lopez. He is about to take on a role previously filled by great Men and exceptional leadership. As alumnae of NHI, it is wonderful to see that progress continues and we continue to be seen in the greater community. We continue to create opportunities and give back. I want to provide some feedback regarding this article. It may need a correction. While there is some debate on which organization is the “oldest” in colorado. Many date back to the early 1800s. One leadership group for Hispanics that still exist today, was founded in 1900 by Celedonio Mondragon. It is La Sociedad Proteccion Mutua de Trabajadores Unidos. Their work continues for Colorado and Northern New Mexico and includes community engagement and education. (spmdtu.org) Thank you for your time and for allowing me to share this moment. Si Se Puede!