The Best Leadership – Does it Come from Nature or Nurture?
Dr. Jafeth Sanchez
CBESS Co-Director, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership; Director, Latino Research Center | University of Nevada, Reno
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Networking: 11:00 am – Noon
Speaker: Noon – 1:00 pm
Ticket info below
NCET is excited to remind you of Biz Bite’s new location: The Par by Parlay 6 Brewing Company. See venue and parking information below.
Join us for an engaging NCET Biz Bite luncheon on Wednesday, May 28, featuring Dr. Jafeth Sanchez, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Director of the Latino Research Center at the University of Nevada, Reno.
As a three-time alumna of UNR and a former Gates Millennium Scholar, Dr. Sanchez brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership, organizational change, and equity-focused research. In her role at the Latino Research Center—the only center of its kind in Nevada—she champions initiatives that bridge academic excellence with community empowerment, focusing on research, student achievement, faculty collaboration, and outreach that honors the intellectual and cultural capital of the Latino community .
During this luncheon, Dr. Sanchez will delve into the dynamics of leadership development, exploring whether effective leadership is a product of inherent traits or cultivated skills. She will share insights from her extensive research on educational leadership practices, organizational change efforts, and strategies to foster gender and ethnic equity in leadership roles. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to nurture leadership qualities within their organizations and communities, drawing from Dr. Sanchez's experience in developing high-quality school leaders and her commitment to enhancing access to higher education.
Here are 5 key takeaways attendees can expect from the NCET Biz Bite luncheon with Dr. Sanchez:
Explore the nature vs. nurture debate in leadership development – Gain insight into whether strong leaders are born or made, and how that affects your own leadership style.
Understand the intersection of leadership and equity – Learn how inclusive practices and cultural awareness can strengthen organizational leadership.
Discover practical strategies for nurturing leadership skills – Take away actionable tips for developing leadership potential within your team or organization.
Learn from research-driven insights – Benefit from Dr. Sanchez’s academic expertise in educational leadership, organizational change, and higher education access.
Gain awareness of Latino Research Center initiatives – Understand how the only center of its kind in Nevada supports leadership, scholarship, and community engagement.
Don't miss this opportunity to engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the nature of leadership and its impact on organizational success.
Wednesday, May 28th
11:00 am - Noon: Networking
Noon - 1:00 pm: Presentation
$39 — NCET members
$49 — General Admission
The Par by Parlay 6 Brewing Company is located in midtown. Free parking is accessible in the lot immediately south of Thai Chili on the east side of South Virginia Street. Street parking is also available. (See image)
Dr. Jafeth Sanchez is a three-time graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno (Education ’04, Educational Leadership, ’07, Higher Education Administration ’10). She is an associate professor who has dedicated her career to developing high-quality educational leaders across P-20 educational pathways. In January 2022, she also accepted the role of Director of the Latino Research Center under the University's Office of the Provost. Her research agenda encompasses educational leadership practices, organizational change efforts, gender and ethnic equity, and student outcomes related to access, retention, and completion. She has actively managed and attained grant funding as a principal investigator or coinvestigator for approximately $9 million over the last decade.
Dr. Sanchez previously taught mathematics and was awarded Northern Nevada Math Teacher of the Year in 2012 by the Northern Nevada Math Council. She was also a Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholar and served as a mentor for its previous scholars across the country. Her passion for educational improvement and access to higher education are embedded in all aspects of her work in teaching, research, and service.
