Iris E. Sanchez

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT IRIS E. SANCHEZ

I am a strategic higher education leader, bilingual communicator, and equity-driven advocate dedicated to creating transformative opportunities for Latino and first-generation college students. As the Founding Director of Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Initiatives at Purdue University Northwest—Indiana’s largest HSI—I lead efforts that bridge cultural understanding, academic achievement, and institutional transformation.My work focuses on building inclusive systems that improve student success, foster belonging, and elevate the voices of underrepresented communities. I have helped develop bilingual outreach strategies, launched the PNW en Español recruitment platform, and supported university-wide initiatives that increase access, retention, and graduation for Latino students. I also coordinated our successful journey to become the first Hispanic-Serving Institution in the Purdue University System.With a strong commitment to community and culture, I collaborate across departments and regional networks to create spaces where all students can thrive. I believe that leadership rooted in representation and intentionality has the power to change institutions—and lives.