Meet Manny
J. Manny Santiago
Founder and Principal
I am an experienced executive leader and strategist with over 20 years of experience dedicated to driving equity-centered change across the nonprofit, government, and public-private sectors. As the founder and principal of Santiago Cultural Consulting, I work with organizations to build culturally competent, high-performing teams that thrive in environments increasingly marked by diversity and complexity.
My roots trace back to a coffee farm in the mountains of Castañer, Puerto Rico. Growing up there, weekends during harvest were spent on the farm with my parents and sister, while weekdays were filled with a rural public school and a treasured encyclopedia that my parents worked hard to provide. Attending public schools on the Island and having mentors along the way helped shape who I am today. As an introvert, I learned early on how to lead—whether through developing my public speaking skills in the Future Farmers of America or by example through my parents’ community work, collaborating with others to achieve goals that benefited our community. Proudly, I identify as a jíbaro, deeply connected to the mountain peasantry culture. This rich background, from the mountains of Puerto Rico to a seat at the cabinet of a former Governor of Washington, gives me a unique perspective, as I have always been navigating between worlds without ever losing sight of who I am.
This diverse journey fuels my passion: supporting others to excel by embracing and harnessing the power of diversity. I’ve learned firsthand how to navigate different cultural landscapes while staying true to my roots. I want to share this experience with you and help your teams grow and learn to thrive in diverse settings.
My work involves leading large-scale, statewide initiatives to expand access to essential services, promote equity, and build trust within communities. I operate at the crossroads of policy, strategy, and community engagement, designing and implementing initiatives that make a real difference for underserved populations. This blend of systems thinking, policy knowledge, and grassroots insight allows me to bring a comprehensive approach to every project.
Specializing in guiding organizations through meaningful transformation, I focus on embedding equity and cultural competence into strategy, operations, and leadership. I believe the key lies in strengthening partnerships with community organizations, aligning internal systems with core values, and developing practical strategies that turn intentions into tangible results.
I’m known for a collaborative, relationship-centered leadership style. I excel at navigating complex stakeholder environments and fostering alignment across sectors—government, community groups, and advocacy organizations. My goal is to help leaders make informed decisions that lead to sustainable, impactful change.
Being bilingual in English and Spanish, and having a working knowledge of Portuguese, allows me to bring a culturally responsive, globally aware perspective to my work. I partner with organizations ready to lead with purpose—helping them turn their vision into action and become more inclusive, innovative, and impactful in the communities they serve. Education BA in Sociology - University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez MDiv - Andover Newton Theological School, Newton Centre, MA PhD in Global Leadership and Change (currently enrolled), Tiffin University, OH
My roots trace back to a coffee farm in the mountains of Castañer, Puerto Rico. Growing up there, weekends during harvest were spent on the farm with my parents and sister, while weekdays were filled with a rural public school and a treasured encyclopedia that my parents worked hard to provide. Attending public schools on the Island and having mentors along the way helped shape who I am today. As an introvert, I learned early on how to lead—whether through developing my public speaking skills in the Future Farmers of America or by example through my parents’ community work, collaborating with others to achieve goals that benefited our community. Proudly, I identify as a jíbaro, deeply connected to the mountain peasantry culture. This rich background, from the mountains of Puerto Rico to a seat at the cabinet of a former Governor of Washington, gives me a unique perspective, as I have always been navigating between worlds without ever losing sight of who I am.
This diverse journey fuels my passion: supporting others to excel by embracing and harnessing the power of diversity. I’ve learned firsthand how to navigate different cultural landscapes while staying true to my roots. I want to share this experience with you and help your teams grow and learn to thrive in diverse settings.
My work involves leading large-scale, statewide initiatives to expand access to essential services, promote equity, and build trust within communities. I operate at the crossroads of policy, strategy, and community engagement, designing and implementing initiatives that make a real difference for underserved populations. This blend of systems thinking, policy knowledge, and grassroots insight allows me to bring a comprehensive approach to every project.
Specializing in guiding organizations through meaningful transformation, I focus on embedding equity and cultural competence into strategy, operations, and leadership. I believe the key lies in strengthening partnerships with community organizations, aligning internal systems with core values, and developing practical strategies that turn intentions into tangible results.
I’m known for a collaborative, relationship-centered leadership style. I excel at navigating complex stakeholder environments and fostering alignment across sectors—government, community groups, and advocacy organizations. My goal is to help leaders make informed decisions that lead to sustainable, impactful change.
Being bilingual in English and Spanish, and having a working knowledge of Portuguese, allows me to bring a culturally responsive, globally aware perspective to my work. I partner with organizations ready to lead with purpose—helping them turn their vision into action and become more inclusive, innovative, and impactful in the communities they serve. Education BA in Sociology - University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez MDiv - Andover Newton Theological School, Newton Centre, MA PhD in Global Leadership and Change (currently enrolled), Tiffin University, OH