Current events have signaled that the American people want a government that reflects the diversity of our nation and leadership at the national level that brings together different perspectives to address America’s emerging national security and foreign policy challenges.

The Latino community is abundant with leadership in defense, diplomacy, and international development, and an excellent resource in addressing such challenges. From the Revolution to today, Latinos have helped build this country. Latinos have served in uniform from the Navy’s first Admiral David Farragut to the Congressional Gold Medal Borinqueneers; to the former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson and current Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Bob Menendez; to Jose Garzon, professor and a 30-year veteran of the USAID Foreign Service and international activists like Chef Jose Andrés, who formed World Central Kitchen to feed families and individuals touched by disasters. Their contributions highlight that there has been no shortage of important contributions from this talent-rich and diverse community.

The Diversity in National Security Network and the New America Foundation take great pleasure in recognizing the caliber of talent available within the Latino community and elevating the next generation of voices in the national security conversation. We are pleased to honor the contributions of 30 Latino rising-star professionals in U.S. national security and foreign policy. The list features experts currently serving in government, think tanks, academia, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and the media. Selection is based on career excellence and leadership, current work in national security or foreign policy, contributions to their issues of expertise through thought leadership, and demonstrated service to their communities.

This list is part of a series highlighting the need for diverse voices in national security and foreign policy. We encourage you to read “Bringing More Diversity to the National Security Arena” and the previous lists in this series for Black American and Asian American and Pacific Islander National Security & Foreign Policy Next Generation Leaders and after you learn about this year’s Latino National Security & Foreign Policy Next Generation Leaders.