LEN Announces the 2026 Top 10 Latino Voices, Celebrating Latino Leadership Across the DMV
Washington, D.C. — September 1, 2026 — Across the Washington region, Latino leaders are shaping government, business, technology, culture, advocacy and community life. The Latino Executive Network (LEN) is recognizing 10 of them through its 2026 Top 10 Latino Voices.
This year’s honorees include public servants, entrepreneurs, executives, advocates, innovators and community leaders whose work reaches across the DMV and beyond. Together, they represent the breadth of Latino leadership — and the growing influence of Latinos in shaping the region and the country.
Meet the 2026 Top 10 Latino Voices
Marvin B. Figueroa — Secretary of Health and Human Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia
Maria Teresa Kumar — President & CEO, Voto Latino
Cinthia López — Global HR Executive & People Operations Leader, Google
Jennifer Pichardo — Head of Advancement, Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino
Sindy Benavides — Founding Executive Director, Aquí: The Accountability Movement
Victor Burrola — Executive Director, Senior Lead Community Impact & Sustainability Specialist, Wells Fargo
Beatriz Otero — President, Otero Strategy Group
Guillermo Christensen — National Security Lawyer & Partner, K&L Gates
Pamela Nieto — Co-founder & Chief Brand Officer, Captiva Branding
Gabriela Febres — Co-Owner, Arepa Zone
How the 2026 Voices Were Selected
The process began with an open call for nominations. LEN invited its members and the broader community to nominate Latino leaders whose work and leadership are making an impact across the DMV. LEN membership was not required.
After nominations closed, eight individuals selected by LEN reviewed the nominees and participated in the final vote. The 10 leaders receiving the highest number of votes were selected for the 2026 list.
The result is a group that spans sectors and generations, from established leaders with national platforms to entrepreneurs and community builders creating change closer to home.
The Growing Influence of Latino Leadership
Top 10 Latino Voices is more than a list of individual accomplishments. It is an opportunity to make a larger story visible.
Latinos are building businesses, creating jobs, leading organizations, serving in government, driving innovation, shaping culture and strengthening communities throughout the region. Yet the full scope of that leadership is not always reflected in the broader conversation about who is shaping the DMV and the country.
“We are an important part of the story of America,” said Mario Ramos, Founder and CEO of the Latino Executive Network. “Top 10 Latino Voices is an opportunity to make that contribution more visible by highlighting the people who are leading, building, creating opportunities and making a difference in our communities.”
The 10 honorees are trailblazers in their respective fields, but their recognition also points to something larger: Latino leadership is not a single story. It is being expressed across industries, communities and generations, with an influence that continues to grow.
Recognition can do more than celebrate what leaders have already accomplished. It can broaden the public understanding of who is leading today — and give the next generation more examples of what Latino leadership can look like.
The Inspiring Stories Behind the Titles
Beginning September 15, LEN will publish an individual profile of each honoree across its digital platforms through October 15, coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month.
The profiles will look beyond titles and accomplishments to explore the experiences, paths, and perspectives that shaped each leader’s journey.
These are stories of ambition, perseverance, leadership, and impact. Together, they offer an inspiring portrait of Latino leadership in the DMV — and of the people helping shape its present and future.
Follow LEN throughout Hispanic Heritage Month to meet the 2026 Top 10 Latino Voices and hear their stories.
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