Ernesto Nieto is the founder of the National Hispanic Institute and has served as President since the organization's inception in 1979. Born in Houston, Texas, Mr. Nieto attended Jefferson Davis High School and entered the University of Houston on an athletic scholarship. Nieto later transferred to Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1964 with a specialization in special education. After working on his graduate degree at the University of Houston, he served in various management positions in both the state and federal government.

In 1979, Mr. Nieto left government to pursue his vision of creating a leadership institute for Latino youth. Twenty five years later, under his leadership, the National Hispanic Institute has worked with over 100 institutions of higher learning and 50,000 high achieving, high ability youth from across the nation. In addition to his duties as chief executive officer of the National Hispanic Institute, Mr. Nieto serves on the Board of Trustees of DePaul University and on the Board of Visitors of Southwestern University. In 2001, he authored the book Third Reality: Crafting a 21st Century Latino Agenda.

Among his numerous recognitions, Ernesto Nieto has received the Eagle Leadership Award by the El Paso City Council; the Meritorious Service Award by Southwestern University; and honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Texas. Mr. Nieto also has been honored as a "Distinguished Alumnus" of both Southwestern University and Jefferson Davis High School. Other awards include the Southwestern University's Citation of Merit Award for Community Service and the Human Relations Award from the National Association for College Admissions Counseling.

Ernesto Nieto continues his involvement in the community by serving as a consultant to colleges and universities on Latino student outreach and recruitment. He is the chief curriculum writer for the National Hispanic Institute and creator of Third Reality Publications. Ernesto has appeared in publications and television broadcasts nationwide that include: The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Houston Chronicle, Austin-American Statesmen, ABC "World News Tonight," Austin Community College Spotlight, Univision, and Telemundo.