Gilberto Pérez Jr., Ed.D., MSW is a nationally recognized leader in higher education, community engagement, and behavioral health equity. He currently serves as Vice President for Student Life and Hispanic Serving Initiatives at Goshen College, where he is a member of the President’s Cabinet and leads institutional strategy to enhance student success, belonging, and leadership development. With more than two decades of experience spanning higher education, mental health, nonprofit leadership, and public service, Dr. Pérez has built a career focused on advancing opportunities for Latino communities and other historically underrepresented populations.
Dr. Pérez is the President and CEO of Bienvenido Community Solutions, LLC, where he developed the Bienvenido curriculum—a nationally recognized, community-defined evidence program that promotes mental health and resilience among Latino immigrants. His work has been implemented across multiple states and institutions, including partnerships with leading universities, healthcare systems, and national organizations such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), National Latino Behavioral Health Association, Annie E. Casey Foundation, and the National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health. He has trained hundreds of facilitators and consulted on health disparities research with institutions including Harvard Medical School, Columbia University School of Social Work, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Baylor School of Social Work, and the Massachusetts General Hospital Disparities Research Unit.
In addition to his academic and entrepreneurial leadership, Dr. Pérez has held significant public and nonprofit governance roles. He served as Chair of the Mennonite Central Committee U.S., overseeing an $80M+ international relief and development organization, and as an elected member of the Goshen City Council, where he championed community engagement, mental health funding, and inclusive economic development initiatives. His leadership has resulted in expanded educational partnerships, increased student engagement, and the development of innovative programs supporting first-generation and diverse student populations.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Pérez served as a bilingual therapist and program director, where he expanded culturally responsive mental health services and significantly increased access for Latino clients. and regional pastor for Indiana/Michigan Mennonite Conference. He also served as an Associate Professor of Social Work, contributing to the development of future practitioners through teaching, mentorship, and community-based learning.
A published scholar and sought-after speaker, Dr. Pérez has contributed to national conversations on equitable implementation, culturally responsive institutions, and Latino mental health. His work has appeared in the Stanford Social Innovation Review and other peer-reviewed outlets. He has spoken internationally in Benin, Africa and Asunción, Paraguay. He has received numerous awards from several community-based organizations for his commitment and dedication to serving his local community and state. He holds a Doctor of Education from the University of New England, a Master of Social Work from Universidad
Interamericana in Puerto Rico, and a graduate certificate in Conflict Transformation from Eastern Mennonite University.
Dr. Pérez’s leadership is grounded in a commitment to empowerment, cultural humility, leadership development, and community-driven solutions that create lasting systemic change.
