Johnny Dominguez
Executive Director, Leaders in Training (LIT)
Biography
Johnny Dominquez is the executive director for leaders in training (LIT). As a former employee of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) and a first-generation college graduate, Johnny takes great pride in being from the Silver State and advocating for equity in college access and success. His experience and passion have allowed him to understand students' various challenges in post-secondary education. His mission is to increase enrollment, retention, and completion in post-secondary institutions for underrepresented populations in Southern Nevada.
He started his career as an admission counselor for 51ԹϺ, guiding underrepresented students from his hometown in east Las Vegas through one-on-one counseling sessions, financial aid workshops, and college tours. Previous experience also includes time as an Academic Advisor – Transition/Completion Specialist for Nevada State College, strengthening networks between the community colleges and universities within the state of Nevada, and dealing with academic standing and student support services.
Returning to work with students in high school, Johnny was hired as a college counselor for the Fulfillment Fund Las Vegas, a “to-and-through” College access/success program, where he ultimately was promoted as a College Counseling Manager to lead in the development of the College Access Program. Prior to LIT, He was hired as the first chief program officer for Q3 Student Partners, a social impact venture developing a community-based living-learning program, offering affordable student housing with wrap-around support to pave a path for first-generation students from college to career.
Dominguez currently serves as an advisory board member for Communities in Schools in Southern Nevada as well as for the Industry Leader Advisory Council (ILAC) for the 51ԹϺ College of Liberal Arts. Johnny participated in 51ԹϺ TRIO in high school as well as being a Student Support Services (SSS) participant in college. Dominguez received his BA in Political Science, M.Ed in Higher Education, and Certificate in Organizational Leadership from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In 2022, he was named as a Las Vegas Weekly “40 under 40” honoree, graduate of the Vegas Chamber of Commerce Leadership Las Vegas, class of 22 “Double Deuces” and fellow for the inaugural Surge Academy Las Vegas.
He is a proud husband to Celinda Dominguez, a social worker at CORE Academy, who both share a beautiful son and baby girl together.