Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight: Manny Gonzalez Brings a Coach’s Mindset to Coppin’s College of Business

Drawing on his Mexican American heritage, corporate experience, and passion for mentorship, Manny Gonzalez is helping Coppin State University students see themselves as future business leaders, innovators, and changemakers. 
 

BALTIMORE — As Coppin State University celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, the Office of Communications is highlighting faculty, staff, and students whose cultures, experiences, and contributions enrich Eagle Nation. For Manny Gonzalez, senior lecturer in marketing in Coppin’s College of Business, his journey reflects the values of mentorship, opportunity, and community that have shaped both his heritage and his approach to education. 
 
Born in Mexico and raised in Los Angeles, Gonzalez identifies as Mexican American and Latino. He views Hispanic and Latino identity as a rich and diverse cultural experience that spans countries, traditions, and perspectives. 
 
“Latinos come from many nationalities and races, so we represent a rich heritage,” Gonzalez said. 
 
That appreciation for culture and community has influenced how Gonzalez approaches his work in higher education. While his professional path included years in the corporate world, his commitment to helping others recognize their potential ultimately guided him toward the classroom. 
 
His connection to Historically Black Colleges and Universities began before he arrived at Coppin. During a previous corporate role, Gonzalez partnered with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and worked closely with HBCU students through mentorship opportunities. The experience gave him a deeper understanding of HBCUs and their vital role in expanding access to education and leadership opportunities. 
 
“I gained a deep appreciation for HBCUs, their rich histories and transformative academic work, and their mission to mold young minds into future leaders,” he said. 
 
That experience continues to shape the way he engages with students today. 
 
Before joining Coppin as a full-time faculty member, Gonzalez served as an adjunct professor at American University. Although his title has changed, his philosophy has remained the same: He sees himself as a coach first. 
 
“Family plays a powerful role in Latino and Hispanic culture, so traditions of nurturing and mentorship are common,” Gonzalez said. “Mentorship, and by extension coaching, lends itself well to academic and learning environments.” 
 
In the classroom, Gonzalez encourages students to think critically, remain curious, and recognize opportunities that may not yet be visible to them. Whether discussing marketing strategy, emerging technologies, or the rapidly changing global economy, he believes education should empower students to adapt and lead. 
 
“We live in challenging times, but we are also facing incredible opportunities, especially on the technology front,” he said. “My aim is to equip students with knowledge and curiosity so they will be prepared when economic growth opportunities arise in the world of commerce.” 
 
Gonzalez believes Coppin students possess the talent, creativity, and determination needed to make meaningful contributions in business and beyond. 
 
“Coppin has a rich and proud history, and its business students have so much talent to offer,” he said. 
 
For Gonzalez, Hispanic Heritage Month is more than a celebration. It is an opportunity to recognize generations of Hispanic and Latino individuals whose contributions have helped shape communities, industries, and the nation as a whole. He believes it is important to ensure those stories continue to be shared and understood. 
 
“Through our examples and achievements, we can show our fellow Americans the cultural richness of our nation,” he said. 
 
As he begins this new chapter at Coppin, Gonzalez hopes to inspire students to embrace both the opportunities before them and the responsibility that comes with leadership. 
 
“Coppin is at the intersection of enlightenment and opportunity,” he said. “Coppin students should see themselves as change agents for their communities and as future leaders across all sectors of American society.” 
 
Through his commitment to mentorship, education, and student success, Gonzalez is helping prepare the next generation of leaders while demonstrating the values of service, resilience, and community celebrated during Hispanic Heritage Month and throughout the year.