Consuelo Kickbusch, LTC (retired)

Born and raised in a small barrio in Laredo, Texas, Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch had to overcome poverty, discrimination and a legacy of illiteracy. Although she grew up without material wealth, Consuelo was taught by her immigrant parents that she was rich in culture, tradition, values and faith. After graduating from college, she entered the U.S. Army as an officer and served for two decades – breaking barriers to become the highest-ranking Hispanic woman in Combat Support. Lieutenant Colonel Castillo Kickbusch was selected out of 26,000 candidates to assume a command post, which would have put her on track for the rank of general. She respectfully declined and retired – to fulfill her mother’s dying wish that she return to her roots. In realizing that dream, she founded Educational Achievement Services with the mission of preparing tomorrow’s leaders. Consuelo has been interviewed in Soledad O’Brian’s Living Latino in America and featured in HBO’s The Latino List.