Davenport University academic leaders among Most Influential Latinos in West Michigan

Vive Michiganmagazine has named Davenport University's Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Gilda Gely and Executive Director of Casa Latina Carlos Sanchez to its list of 25 Most Influential Latinos in West Michigan for 2024.

The magazine states on its website, "The list is a celebration of the incredible contributions that Latinos have made to our state, and it serves as a reminder of the many ways in which we are shaping the future of Michigan. The individuals included on this list are role models who have made a significant impact in their communities and beyond, and they serve as an inspiration to us all."

Gely is a proven leader in higher education. Prior to joining Davenport, she held leadership positions at Cambridge College in Massachusetts, Aquinas College and Grand Rapids Community College. Prior to that, she held academic roles at universities in her native Puerto Rico.

"I am honored to be part of this group of 25 esteemed leaders in the Latino community across Michigan," Gely said. "The attention is on us for a moment because the work we do as a group will last into our collective future. I am grateful that Vive Michigan is committed to helping our community provide access to education and opportunities, so more Latinos are able to assume leadership positions across our state."

Gely earned her Ph.D. in Spanish from the University of Illinois from Urbana-Champaign, her Master of Arts in Spanish from Middlebury College and her Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting and Spanish from Kansas State University.

She has been in her current role at Davenport for more than five years. She spearheaded the creation of Casa Latina at Davenport, a new online bilingual initiative that enrolled its first students this fall. Sanchez came on board to lead the unique degrees program.

"This has been such an exciting year launching Casa Latina and now this special honor," Sanchez said. "I admire my colleagues on the list and look forward to continuing our good work to improve the lives of Latinos in our community. Thank you to Vive Michiganfor this recognition."

Sanchez earned a Master of Arts in Design from Kendall College and a Bachelor of Science in International Business from Davenport University.

"I am proud that two of Davenport's leaders have been named among the most influential Latinos in our community," said Pres. Richard J. Pappas, Ed.D. "Gilda and Carlos are tremendous leaders at the university and in the larger community. Provost Gely brings her talent and energy to the university every day and has been instrumental in our strategic planning and the design and development of new degrees, including Casa Latina.

"Carlos, as the leader of this new innovative program, continues to work diligently as our first students in Casa Latina have just started classes. They both deserve this honor given by Vive Michigan for their work in education that will pay dividends for years to come."

Before joining Davenport, Sanchez led initiatives at Ferris State University and spent time as the executive director of the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He serves on numerous boards, including those of the Grand Rapids Economic Club and Trinity Health.

Gely has also served on numerous boards, including the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the World Affairs Council. She was honored in 2011 with the Distinguished Woman in Higher Education Leadership Award by the Michigan ACE Network.

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