INTRODUCING THE MARIAN UNIVERSITY LATINO INITIATIVE
In 2019, Manuela Salazar was recruited as Marian University’s inaugural Executive Director of Latino Leadership, and she has generated incredible results both from enrollment and fundraising. With Salazar’s leadership, the Office of Institutional Advancement raised $289,151 during the 2021-22 fiscal year. Salazar’s
Kubacki was introduced to Marian University President, Daniel J. Elsener, by longtime friend, Jerry Semler. “When I first really got to know Dan, I was impressed by his passion and deep commitment to making a real difference in the lives of all students, especially so many Latino students who had previously not had the opportunity to pursue higher education.” This relationship taught Kubacki more about the Franciscan values and mission of Marian University and eventually led to her service on the Board of Trustees and as chair of the Latino Leadership Initiative. Marian launched the Latino Leadership Initiative to provide scholarship resources for deserving Latino students, infuse Latino mentors into central Indiana K-12 schools, teach leadership skills to young Latino leaders, and raise the college-going rate of Latinos across all of central Indiana. “Our goals and efforts are ambitious but that’s what I love about being a part of Marian University and the Latino Leadership Initiative. We are not content making a small impact, we are committed to making large impactful change that moves the needle to change the culture and faces of the future professional workforce in the state of Indiana,” states Kubacki. As Kubacki reflects on her time as a public official, wife, and mother, she continues to remember her past: “I can’t help but to think about my mother who, although she only had a grade school education, taught us what was really important in life. She believed that it was our responsibility as human beings to help others, show respect, and, above all, be kind. I also often think about Sister Norma Rocklage OSF ’60 and her commitment to the underserved communities. I know both of these women would be proud of Marian at this time.” In addition to serving as a member of the Board of Trustees and chair of the Latino Leadership Initiative, Kubacki and her husband, Mike, were co-chairs and presenting sponsors of the 2022 Marian Gala which took place on October 28, 2022. Proceeds from the Gala support a variety of student scholarship needs across campus, including a new fund to support Marian’s growing Latino student population. From migrant camp to public servant to commencement speaker, Rebecca Kubacki continues to lead, serve, and live the American Dream.
Manuela Salazar Executive Director of Latino Leadership
goal has been to transform Marian University into the best option for Latino students to become transformational leaders through an inclusive, welcoming and safe environment, that is rooted in Catholic Franciscan tradition. She has also systematically formed strategic community partnerships, created inter-cultural engagement, recruited students, and has promoted Latino student success. “I’m honored that Marian University has selected me to fill this very important role in their organization,” Salazar said. “Bridging the educational opportunity gap is not only important to Latinos in central Indiana, it is critical if Indianapolis is going to thrive in the coming decade. I’m excited to tap into my experience and network to not only recruit Latino students to Marian, but to provide them with support they need to succeed in college.” Salazar is a native of Colombia, and earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and social communication from the University of Manizales. She also holds a master’s degree in leadership development from Saint Mary of the Woods College in Terre Haute, Indiana. Salazar joined Girl Scouts of Central Indiana in 2016 as Membership Extension Manager of their Hispanic Initiative. She previously served as Chief Communications Officer for Security and Coexistence for the Presidency of the Republic of Colombia. She has also been a reporter, producer and anchor for an international news network in Colombia, and served as digital editor for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Colombia.
Marian University President’s Report | July 1, 2021 — June 30, 2022 | 5
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