Investing in the Next Generation: Celebrating Jose Palmas’ Journey

At LatinoLEAD, we often discuss bridging the gap between ambition and experience. But what does that look like in practice? It looks like Jose Palmas.

This week, we are celebrating a bittersweet milestone as our incredible Leadership Programs intern, Jose Palmas, prepares for his next chapter. Jose is a living example of why coaching, mentorship, and youth development are the most vital investments we can make in our collective futuro.

A Legacy of Leadership: From Augsburg to the Twin Cities

A Minneapolis-born and proud Augsburg University alumnus (class of 26'), Jose has spent his time with us deeply embedded in the Avanzando Liderazgo Program (ALP) and Conecta y Celebra (CyC) leadership programs, in addition to assisting the inaugural Latino Youth Day on the Hill with the Minnesota Council of Latino Affairs. In assisting with these initiatives, he brought mentorship directly to students and professionals, translating his academic background in English, Film, and Spanish into a tangible impact on our community's leadership waterways.

Jose’s time at Augsburg set the stage for this excellence. As the President of Augsburg Latin American Students (ALAS) and a mentor for Sembrando Nuestro Futuro (SNF), he was recognized as "Mentor of the Year"—a title that perfectly reflects the heart he brings to workforce development.

The Art of Agency: Beyond the Office

In alignment with our belief in narrative sovereignty, Jose’s leadership extends far beyond the boardroom and into the arts. An award-winning director (2026 Eyrie Film Festival) and a manager for local artists like XACA, Miggz, and Aztecha, Jose understands that our culture is our greatest asset.

"Working at LatinoLEAD allowed me to see how professional development and cultural identity are inseparable. It’s about taking up space in every room—whether that’s a film festival or a classroom." — Jose Palmas

The Workforce of Tomorrow: Santa Clara, CA Bound

LatinoLEAD CEO Irma often reminds us that our mission is to ensure Latine leaders are the architects of our state. Jose is taking that mission to heart as he pursues Higher Education to become a professor. This fall, he will attend Santa Clara University to pursue a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership.

Jose’s transition from a LatinoLEAD intern to a future educational leader is exactly why we prioritize youth coaching. By providing a supportive environment where young talent can fail, learn, and lead, we aren't just filling a temporary position—we are strengthening the workforce infrastructure of our community.

A Note of Appreciation

Jose, your successes are our successes. Your ability to balance the rigors of the Bonner Foundation’s "Opportunity to Serve" with the creative pulse of the Twin Cities music and film scene has inspired our entire team. We are grateful for the Bonner Community Leaders Program at Augsburg University for funding and supporting this internship placement. 

As you head to California, know that you carry the "collective poder" of the LatinoLEAD network with you. ¡Felicidades, Palmas! We can’t wait to see the impact you make as a professor and leader.