The University of Arizona College of Education is proud to celebrate three members of its community who were recently named to the Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 40 Under 40 list, honoring emerging leaders making meaningful contributions to their professions and communities.

From advancing university research initiatives to shaping the future of higher education and leading on the football field, these College of Education community members represent the many ways COE students and alumni are using their education, leadership skills and experiences to make an impact across Arizona and beyond.

Lauren Coronado: Leading Beyond the Classroom

For Lauren Coronado, a May 2022 graduate of the College of Education’s M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program, leadership has taken her on a path she never expected.

Coronado currently serves as Program Coordinator for Research Engagement in the University of Arizona’s Office of Research and Partnerships, where she develops events that highlight university research, builds relationships with industry partners, hosts international delegations, and supports the launch of new research centers and institutes.
When Coronado learned she had been selected as a 2026 40 Under 40 honoree, she was both surprised and grateful.

“I was genuinely surprised and incredibly grateful,” Coronado said. “Being named to the 40 Under 40 list was something I had quietly aspired to for a few years, so when I got the call from Rob Elias, I was honestly a little awestruck. It's such an honor to be recognized alongside so many accomplished leaders in our community.”

Coronado’s journey to her current role began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she started the Educational Leadership program while teaching second grade remotely. Although she enjoyed teaching, she recognized that her skills and experiences could open doors beyond the classroom.

“While I enjoyed teaching, I knew it probably wasn't my forever career,” Coronado said. “I wasn't certain that I wanted to become a school administrator, but I recognized that an Educational Leadership degree could open doors well beyond the classroom.”

After updating her resume and Handshake profile to explore career opportunities, Coronado was recruited by the University of Arizona Foundation, where she supported the Board of Trustees and Alumni Advisory Council as a coordinator. Later, while helping coordinate an event highlighting the newly opened Applied Research Building, she discovered a passion for connecting people with the research and innovation happening across campus.

“When an opportunity opened in the Office of Research & Partnerships, I applied,” Coronado said. “Every day is different, and I love getting to connect people and ideas that move the university's research mission forward.”

Coronado credits the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program with helping her develop skills that continue to shape her work today. While many people associate educational leadership with school administration, she said the program prepares graduates for leadership roles across industries.

“Educational Leadership prepares you for so much more than becoming a school administrator,” Coronado said. “In my current role, I regularly use concepts from courses like School Finance, School, Family and Community Relationships, and Curriculum and Data Literacy for School Improvement.”

Those experiences have helped her approach leadership in new ways, from managing event budgets and measuring program impact to building meaningful partnerships and navigating collaborations across organizations.

Her experiences have also transformed how she defines leadership.

“When I entered the program, I thought becoming a principal was the end goal and it's largely how I referenced leadership,” Coronado said. “Since then, my perspective has completely changed. Leadership exists in every organization and at every level.”

For current students and recent graduates, Coronado encourages them to embrace the many possibilities their education can provide.

“Don't be afraid to take your skills into unexpected industries,” Coronado said. “Education equips you with far more than how to be a principal. It teaches you how to lead people, manage change, build relationships and solve complex problems. Those skills are valuable everywhere. Your degree doesn't limit your opportunities; it expands them.”

COE Community Spotlight: Celebrating 40 Under 40 Honorees

Alongside Coronado, two current College of Education students were also named among the Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 40 Under 40 honorees, highlighting the breadth of leadership and achievement represented within the COE community.

Jhonatan Henao-Munoz: Preparing the Future of Higher Education
Jhonatan Henao-Munoz, a candidate in the College of Education’s Higher Education Ph.D. program, was recognized as a 2026 40 Under 40 honoree for his professional accomplishments and contributions to the field of higher education.

Through his doctoral studies, Henao-Munoz continues to engage in research and scholarship focused on the challenges and opportunities shaping colleges and universities. His work reflects the College’s commitment to preparing future higher education leaders, scholars and practitioners who contribute to the advancement of education.

Noah Fifita: Leading On and Off the Field
Noah Fifita, a student in the College of Education’s Sport and Recreation Leadership, M.A. program, was also named a 2026 40 Under 40 honoree, recognizing his accomplishments as a student-athlete and emerging leader.

In addition to pursuing his graduate degree, Fifita serves as the starting quarterback for the Arizona Wildcats football team, where he continues to demonstrate leadership, teamwork and dedication both on and off the field.

Through his studies in sport and recreation leadership, Fifita is developing skills that complement his athletic career and prepare him for continued success in the sports industry and beyond.

Together, Coronado, Henao-Munoz and Fifita showcase the many ways College of Education students and alumni are applying their knowledge, leadership skills and experiences to make meaningful contributions across Arizona and beyond.

Their recognition as 2026 40 Under 40 honorees is a testament to the impact of the College of Education community and the many paths COE graduates and students take to lead in their professions and communities.

See the full list of honorees by clicking the link:  https://www.tucsonlifestyle.com/business/southern-arizona-hispanic-chamber-announces-2026-40-under-40-honorees/article_4cce8d19-eb9d-4d13-b857-6a08ebc222a7.html