Inez Gonzalez Perezchica, Ed.D.
Dr. Inez González Perezchica is a leadership coach, nonprofit consultant, keynote speaker, and author of What the Iceberg Hides: Thriving Beyond the Surface: Confidence, Career, and Community. She helps leaders and organizations navigate critical transitions and build the capacity to create lasting impact.
With more than 30 years of experience across the public and nonprofit sectors, Dr. González Perezchica has worked alongside boards, executives, and emerging leaders throughout Southern California, the DC area, and beyond. She was the founding director of the Latino Communications Institute at Cal State Fullerton, spent nearly a decade in policy and advocacy at the National Hispanic Media Coalition, and most recently served as Executive Director of MANA de San Diego.
Dr. González Perezchica holds degrees from the University of San Diego (B.A., Computer Science), Harvard Kennedy School (M.P.A.), and Cal State Fullerton (Ed.D., Educational Leadership). She is a Board Certified Coach (BCC) and has been recognized as one of San Diego's 500 Most Influential People. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria proclaimed a "Dr. Inez González Perezchica Day" in her honor.
In What the Iceberg Hides, leadership coach and social capital advocate Dr. Inez González Perezchica redefines success—not as a straight line, but as a journey shaped by access, relationships, and the courage to grow.
With decades of experience mentoring first-generation college students, professionals in transition, and rising community leaders, Dr. González Perezchica reveals what often holds talented people back: the barriers hidden beneath the surface. More importantly, she shows how simple, human connections can open doors and create opportunity.
Warm, practical, and inspiring, this book reminds us that opportunity isn’t only about what you know—it’s about who believes in you and who’s willing to open a door.