Mike Cortés

Dr. Mike Cortés is President and CEO of the Colorado Latino Leadership, Advocacy & Research Organization (CLLARO), a nonpartisan nonprofit strengthening Colorado since 1964.

With over 50 years of experience in public policy, social work, philanthropy and academia, Dr. Cortés has shaped strategies for advancing Latino communities through research and advocacy. He holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy from UC Berkeley and an M.S.W. from the University of Michigan.

Dr.  Cortés has taught graduate programs at the University of Colorado Denver, University of Denver, UCLA, and in Mexico City at CIDE. His leadership at CLLARO focuses on building civic participation, fostering leadership development and advancing equitable policy solutions to improve the lives of Latino Coloradans.

Recognized for his dedication to social justice, Dr.  Cortés continues to drive impactful change by building pathways for underrepresented communities and expanding opportunities for the next generation of Latino leaders.

Past Media Experience:  

• Colorado Public Radio: Will Colorado’s New Legislative Maps Reflect State’s Diversity? Some Latino Leaders Worry They Won’t, Aug. 11, 2021 

• 9News: Colorado’s redistricting committee questioned about changes to draft congressional map, Sept. 5, 2021