Luis Gonzalez-Quizhpe

About Luis Gonzalez-Quizhpe

I am a Kichwa Saraguro scholar and researcher with over 12 years of academic and professional experience at the intersections of health, education, and equity. My work advances belonging and wellbeing for Indigenous, Latine, and migrant communities through qualitative and user-centered research.In education, I examine Indigenous Latine, Kichwa, and Latine student experiences, with a focus on ethnic–racial identity formation and schooling systems in diasporic contexts. In health, I study patient–provider relationships and decision-making in Alzheimer’s and dementia care, aiming to improve alignment between care systems and the lived experiences of marginalized populations.I am fluent in Spanish and English, with intermediate/advanced comprehension of Kichwa (Ecuadorian). My expertise spans qualitative research methods and international, cross-sector projects in education and public health. I hold a B.A. in Sociology and an M.A. in Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, as well as an Ed.M. in Human Development and Education from Harvard University.My goal is to reduce disparities and design systems—whether in schools or healthcare—that honor cultural identity and foster dignity, equity, and wellbeing.

Experience

1. Co-founder

   Sapiyay Collective

   Sep 2024 — Present · Westchester County, NY, US

   Based in Westchester, NY, Sapiyay Collective is an Indigenous-led educational and research collective empowering Indigenous Latinx youth in the US diaspora through access to higher education, mentorship, cultural connection, advocacy, grass-roots organizing, and community-led research. Our mission is to envision and build just, Indigenous Futures through the cultural, political, and spiritual development of the next generation of young change-makers, artists, educators, and storytellers.

Education

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Sociology; Chicano and Latino Studies

  2013 — 2020

• Harvard University

  Ed.M., Human Development and Education

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

  Master of Arts - MA, Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies