LEAD Latinos for Educational Advocacy and Diversity was founded in 2021 in Danbury through the initiative of José Lucas Pimentel with the goal of expanding educational opportunities for families. The initial idea emerged in a simple way written on a napkin where he sketched a logo and outlined the concept of an organization designed to support Latino families in accessing education and essential resources.

He identified a broader need within the community. Many families lacked clear information and the tools needed to advocate for their children and navigate available opportunities. That initial concept quickly evolved into an organization built around four core pillars educational options civic engagement financial literacy and the promotion of Latino history and culture.

Today what began as an idea drawn on a napkin has grown into a statewide network of community centers supporting families across Connecticut working to advance equity participation and access to opportunity.