Welcome back to NHCOA’s Latino Empowerment series! As we continue to celebrate the leaders making a lasting difference in Latino communities, we’re shining a light on María Teresa Kumar, a trailblazing advocate who has dedicated her career to expanding civic engagement, strengthening representation, and empowering the next generation of Latino leaders.
María Teresa Kumar is a political and voting rights activist, an Emmy-nominated journalist, and the founding President and CEO of Voto Latino, a national nonprofit organization she co-founded with actress Rosario Dawson in 2004. Through her innovative approach to advocacy, Kumar has worked to ensure that Latino communities have the resources, opportunities, and representation needed to participate fully in American democracy.
Born in Bogotá, Colombia, in 1974, Kumar moved to the United States as a young child and grew up in Sonoma County, California. Her interest in politics began early, including a formative trip to Washington, D.C., when she was 12 years old. Inspired by her passion for advocacy, she earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of California, Davis, before beginning her career as a legislative aide in the U.S. House of Representatives. She later earned a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Kumar’s education and professional experience helped lay the foundation for Voto Latino. Recognizing the potential of technology and digital media for its ability to connect with younger generations, she helped establish an organization dedicated to educating and empowering Latino voters. Through digital campaigns, culturally relevant programming, and innovative outreach, Voto Latino encourages young people to register to vote, become civically engaged, and recognize the power of their voices. Under Kumar’s leadership, the organization has registered hundreds of thousands of voters and helped advance a more inclusive democracy.
Beyond voter registration, Kumar has championed broader participation in public life. Kumar also hosted Beyond Borderlines, an MSNBC town hall examining the role of Latinos in American society and politics, earning an Emmy nomination for Outstanding News Discussion and Analysis. Her continued work as a media commentator and advocate has helped bring important conversations about equity, healthcare, education, and representation to national audiences.
Throughout her career, Kumar has received recognition for her leadership and influence, including honors from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and recognition by Elle magazine as one of the most influential women in Washington, D.C. She has also served on the boards of organizations including EMILY’s List, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and the Latino Leaders Network.
Through her leadership, María Teresa Kumar demonstrates that Latino empowerment means more than having a seat at the table; it means helping ensure that more people get a seat and add their voice to the shaping of their future. By combining technology, advocacy, and civic participation, she continues to create opportunities for Latino communities to influence the decisions that affect their lives. Her work stands as a powerful example of how dedicated leadership can transform individual voices into collective impact.
Congratulations on your achievements and Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, María Teresa Kumar!
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