Dr. Luis Pedraja’s path to the presidency began in Little Havana and wound through ministry, classrooms, and accrediting agencies before leading to Quinsigamond Community College. A first-generation college student and Cuban immigrant, he brings a lived understanding of higher education’s power to transform lives. In this episode, Dr. Pedraja reflects on the mentors who shaped him, the values that ground him, and the urgency of leadership centered on equity, humility, and student success. With insight from both national accreditation and local community impact, his story speaks to what it means to lead with conviction in times of rapid change. Read the full episode transcript. Interview recorded July 2025.