AAHHE Outstanding Support of Hispanic Issues Award

The Outstanding Support of Hispanic Issues Award recognizes an individual who has a long-standing record of visible and recognized leadership and other significant contributions that illustrate their continued endeavors as supporters and advocates of Hispanic issues in higher education. This individual need not be an educator but one who has made significant contributions to Hispanic higher education as a community leader, civic leader, elected or appointed official, etc.

2026 Outstanding Support of Hispanic Issues Award Recipient

Jasmin Tobar, DSW
Adjunct Professor
California State University Northridge

Dr. Jasmin N. Tobar is an educator, social worker, and community leader committed to advancing educational equity and uplifting Latino and Central American students across Los Angeles and beyond. She holds a Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California, a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Mount Saint Mary’s University.

For the past seven years, Dr. Tobar has served as a lecturer in the Department of Central American & Transborder Studies at California State University, Northridge, where she integrates trauma-informed, equity-minded pedagogy into her teaching. Her work has contributed to elevating Central American Studies as a vital and growing academic discipline, helping students understand the histories, struggles, and resilience of Central American communities.

During her tenure as Program Director at the Salvadoran American Leadership and Education Fund (SALEF), Dr. Tobar led transformative mentorship and education initiatives supporting first-generation, immigrant, and undocumented Latino students. She helped award more than $400,000 in scholarships through the Fulfilling Our Dreams Fund, expanding college access and leadership opportunities for underserved youth.

Rooted in her identity as the daughter of Salvadoran war refugees, Dr. Tobar’s work centers on healing, collective empowerment, and creating pathways for Latino students to thrive in higher education and beyond.

List of past recipients of the AAHHE Outstanding Support of Hispanic Issues Award: