Ileana Infante serves as Deputy Director for Strategy & Operations at EdTrust-New York, where she leads cross-functional initiatives that strengthen organizational effectiveness and advance policies to ensure all students have access to an excellent and equitable education.
Prior to joining EdTrust-New York, Ileana served as Assistant Secretary for Education in the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul, where she helped shape statewide education policy across early childhood, P–12, higher education, and workforce development. During her tenure, she worked closely with state agencies, higher education institutions, school districts, and community partners to advance initiatives focused on literacy, teacher workforce development, student well-being, and educational opportunities.
Ileana brings more than two decades of experience as a nonprofit executive, educator, higher education leader, and philanthropic professional, with a career dedicated to expanding educational and professional opportunities for underserved communities. She began her career as an elementary school teacher, working in private, international, and New York City public schools. After a decade in the classroom, she transitioned to the nonprofit sector, where she designed and led programs that prepared underrepresented students for careers in the legal profession. She later managed education-focused grant portfolios at the Robin Hood Foundation and the Picower Foundation, investing in high-impact initiatives that promoted educational equity and improved student outcomes.
Before joining the Governor’s Office, Ileana served as Director of the Office of Clinical Experiences at Hunter College School of Education, where she also taught as an adjunct faculty member. In that role, she led program development and strategic partnerships to strengthen clinical preparation and improve outcomes for aspiring educators.
A first-generation, bilingual Dominican American born and raised in New York City, Ileana is deeply committed to ensuring that every student—regardless of background or ZIP code—has access to an excellent education. She believes that equitable opportunities, informed policy, and strategic investment in education are among the most powerful drivers of individual success and social mobility. Ileana earned her Masters of Science in Elementary Education at Hunter College School of Education, and her BA in Spanish Language & Literature at Fordham University–Rose Hill.
What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work? I love bringing people together through food and hospitality, whether I’m hosting an intimate dinner for close friends or a large gathering filled with family and community. I enjoy thoughtfully curating every detail—from the menu and table setting to the ambiance—because I believe beauty has the power to make everyday moments feel special and memorable. The arts are another constant source of inspiration and joy in my life. Visual art, music, dance, and theater each speak to me in different ways, offering opportunities for reflection, creativity, and connection.
What drew you to education? I was raised by my single mother in Washington Heights, New York City. As a latch-key kid, I helped care for my younger brother while my mother worked hard to support our family. Amid those responsibilities, my neighborhood Catholic school, St. Rose of Lima, became my sanctuary. There, I found caring teachers who made me feel seen, supported, and capable. Their encouragement helped me thrive both emotionally and academically, and their belief in my potential laid the foundation for the person and leader I am today.
Why are you passionate about working at Ed Trust? EdTrust-New York works to ensure education policies are designed and implemented in ways that positively impact underserved students, families, and communities.
