City & State’s inaugural Latino Trailblazers list, published September 15, 2025, puts a spotlight on many of the exceptional Latino leaders in New York, including Joanne E. Fernandez ’95 and Michael Nieves ’78. Dominican American, Ms. Fernandez – who recently attended her 30th anniversary Homecoming celebration at Tech – is cited as a trailblazer in energy and policymaking. Director of U.S. government affairs since 2024 at Corning Inc., she is a veteran of corporate and regulatory strategy, previously helping shape the state’s offshore wind agenda as Ørsted’s New York head of government affairs. She served in senior roles with Entergy and in the Pataki administration, working on legislative affairs. City and State notes, “She navigates sectors where Latinas are still breaking glass ceilings in energy, STEM and public policy.”

Michael D. Nieves ’78 is president and CEO of the Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network, the largest nonprofit Spanish-language broadcaster in the U.S. Mr. Nieves is recognized for expanding HITN’s reach and cultural influence with a compelling strategic vision and strong storytelling. City and State reports the former policy and political staffer has increased viewership by over 10 million Latino households, secured a landmark Sprint partnership, and launched civic programming like “Tu Momento.” Under his leadership, HITN was awarded its first Emmy in 2024.