In our third week of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are proud to highlight Janet Murguía, President and CEO of UnidosUS, as an excellent example of Latino Empowerment. Murguía has led a decades-long career with a focus on strengthening opportunities and amplifying the voices of Latino communities across the country.
Janet Murguía’s story begins in the Argentine district of Kansas City, Kansas, where she was raised in a Mexican American family. She has remarked that her parents taught her the value of hard work, sacrifice, resilience, and giving back to the community—lessons that would become central to her professional life. Those early experiences helped shape her commitment to creating opportunities and breaking down barriers for Latinos.
Murguía’s academic and professional accomplishments reflect a remarkable path of leadership. She earned three degrees from the University of Kansas: a B.S. in Journalism, a B.A. in Spanish, and a J.D. from the School of Law. She began her career in Washington, D.C., as legislative counsel to former Kansas Congressman Jim Slattery, before joining the Clinton administration. There, she served as deputy assistant to President Bill Clinton and deputy director of legislative affairs, providing strategic and legislative advice.
In 2005, Murguía became President and CEO of UnidosUS, formerly known as the National Council of La Raza. Since then, she has helped lead the organization’s work on issues affecting Latino communities, including education, health care, immigration, employment, the economy, and civil rights. She has also testified before Congress and served as a national spokesperson, bringing Latino perspectives into important conversations across the country.
What makes Murguía an example of Latino Empowerment is the way she connects leadership with community. UnidosUS describes its mission as elevating the voices of Latinos while working to break down barriers, and pave the way to new opportunities. Murguía’s own upbringing continues to inform the work she leads today.
Her leadership has also been recognized throughout her career. In 2017, Valle del Sol honored Murguía with its Latina Leadership Award, recognizing her accomplishments and commitment to leadership and community service.
Janet Murguía’s journey, from Kansas City to the highest levels of public service and nonprofit leadership, offers an inspiring example of what Latino Empowerment can look like. Her career reflects the power of education, community values, perseverance, and a commitment to creating greater opportunities for others.
Congratulations to Janet Murguía on her many achievements and on her continued leadership in advancing opportunities for Latino communities across the country!
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
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