n this episode of Founders, Future, with host Jae Encarnacion, we sit down with Gerardo Gauthier-Zayas, Ed.D., founder and president of Avant Consulting and Training. With over two decades of experience in leadership and workforce development, Gerardo shares how a pivotal moment at a Hispanic Serving Institutions conference sparked his mission to address the lack of Latinx leadership in higher education. That moment led him to pursue a doctorate and build a consulting firm focused on strategic guidance, professional development, and systemic equity solutions.

Gerardo discusses how Avant Consulting helps organizations create sustainable, inclusive leadership pipelines through tailored coaching, equity-centered strategy, and impactful training programs. He also shares a preview of his upcoming initiative—the Training Entrepreneur Network—which aims to connect facilitators and trainers to amplify their social capital and reach. This episode is packed with insights for leaders, nonprofits, and changemakers striving to build more empowered and authentically inclusive workplaces.