Meet Luis,

our Head of Practice and one of our Partners.

Luis Vergara (he/him/el) brings over three decades of experience helping nonprofits and foundations navigate strategy, partnerships, and organizational change. He has been consulting for more than 25 years and is the founding leader of Vías, La Piana’s Latine‑centered consulting practice, where he supports organizations in embedding equity and lifting marginalized voices through strategy and design.

Luis has deep expertise in Real-Time Strategic Planning, mergers and alliances, and equity-driven organizational development. Since joining La Piana in 2006, he has led engagements across sectors — including philanthropy, youth development, media, and advocacy — helping clients align strategy with culture and implement practical solutions that strengthen impact.

Before La Piana, Luis served as Strategic Director at Cheskin, a national research and strategy firm, where he worked with Fortune 500 companies on multicultural marketing, consumer insights, and innovation. He also held leadership roles as Executive Director of Youth Radio and Senior Policy Associate at Safe Passages, giving him a strong grounding in nonprofit management and youth-focused community initiatives.

Raised in an immigrant household by a single parent, Luis brings both professional and lived experience to his work. His consulting approach emphasizes inclusive processes, cultural competency, and actionable strategies that resonate with staff, boards, and communities. He is bicultural and bilingual in Spanish.

Learn more about Luis in this La Piana Consulting staff interview.

🎓 Education

✏️ Select Publications