Champion Profile: Michael L. López Leads National Research on Latino Children and Families

Champion Profile features individuals who exemplify First 5 LA's tagline: "Champions for Our Children."

Michael L. López is a nationally-recognized early childhood research consultant, working with First 5 LA on the development and implementation of a long-term research and evaluation plan for the Universal Preschool Initiative.

He is executive director/co-founder of the Maryland-based National Center for Latino Child & Family Research, and is formerly with the Administration for Children and Families, where he directed large-scale national research on Head Start and school readiness.

Lopez holds a BA from UCLA and a PhD in child clinical psychology from Michigan State University.

What book has influenced your life the most?
Let the Trumpet Sound :The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Stephen B. Oates.

What kind of music/art moves you?
Just about any old tenor sax jazz compositions from the ‘30s-‘50s era and solo classical cello music.

What is the greatest society challenge today?
Overcoming poverty and discrimination, while never losing sight of the importance of family, friends, colleagues, and other everyday social relationships.

Which living person do you most admire and why?
My father, for maintaining his faith, love for his family and a thread of optimism during his battle with brain cancer.

Who was your favorite teacher and why?
Mr. Montgomery, my 6th grade teacher from Rialto, CA, who utilized some of the most unique and intellectually challenging methods to foster creativity and a real love for learning in his students.