Navín Solórzano O’Brien

Navin Solórzano O’Brien was born and raised in Guatemala City, Guatemala, in a family of educators who instilled in him a deep belief in the transformative power of education. His father founded a public preschool in one of the city’s most underserved communities, expanding access to early childhood education for children who otherwise would not have had the opportunity. Witnessing his father’s commitment to breaking cycles of poverty through education shaped Navin’s understanding of equity and the responsibility to create opportunities for others. His mother later moved to Minneapolis, where she dedicated more than 25 years to teaching English learners in the public school system.

Growing up with a strong emphasis on empathy, service, and altruism, Navin developed a passion for improving the lives of others through advocacy and community leadership. He earned a degree in Clinical Psychology from Universidad Rafael Landívar in Guatemala City, receiving special recognition for his thesis examining discrimination against LGBTQ+ students in private schools. Throughout his academic and professional journey, he has remained a committed advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and educational equity.

Before joining Educators for Excellence–Minnesota, Navin worked as an English teacher, giving him firsthand insight into the opportunities and challenges educators face every day. Combined with his family’s lifelong dedication to public education, these experiences strengthened his commitment to ensuring every student has access to an excellent and equitable education.

Today, Navin works alongside educators, community partners, and policymakers to elevate teacher voices and advance policies that create more just and equitable schools. He believes meaningful change happens when those closest to students are empowered to lead, and he is committed to building systems where every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive.

“I believe everyone has something valuable to contribute, and some of the strongest movements are built through genuine relationships. Whether you’re an educator, a student, a parent, or a community member, your voice matters. Lasting change happens when we recognize that each of us has something unique to contribute.”