Juan Hinestroza, the Rebecca Q. Morgan '60 Professor of Fiber Science and Apparel Design, is one of 11 State University of New York (SUNY) employees selected as a fellow for the 2024 SUNY Hispanic Leadership Institute (HLI).

Established in 2017, HLI is part of SUNY’s commitment to become the most inclusive university system in the U.S. It is a demanding six-month experience for SUNY leaders of Hispanic descent and their allies that positions them to further develop higher education leadership skills and proficiencies through rigorous executive training and networking opportunities.

“Prof. Hinestroza’s participation in the SUNY Hispanic Leadership Institute will be a great complement to his experience in diverse professional ecosystems,” said Rachel Dunifon, Rebecca Q. and James C. Morgan Dean, Cornell Human Ecology. “He has established himself as an outstanding scholar in the field of fiber science. He has mentored many graduate students who identify as Black or Hispanic, many of whom are now in top positions at national laboratories and Fortune 500 corporations.”

HLI fellows participate in training sessions and webinars, converse with national and statewide Hispanic leaders and master personal assessment tools. The program creates a pipeline for professional opportunities across SUNY and ensures alumni are networking and receiving continuous support and mentorship. 

“I am thrilled to be selected for the HLI,” said Hinestroza, a faculty member in the Department of Human Centered Design who has worked with organizations across the globe including UN Women and the U.S. Army. “I value opportunities to work with new organizations and to broaden my network. An opportunity like this allows me to grow and to better prepare my students for the workplace.”

SUNY is a public higher education system that serves 1.4 million students in New York state. Cornell Human Ecology is connected to the SUNY system as one of the four contract colleges operated by the university under contract with the State of New York.