Fresh Faces of Philanthropy 2026: Alvaro Manrique Barrenechea

Profession: Assistant clinical professor of law, Vanderbilt Law School

Nonprofit: Nashville Public Library Foundation

Lifelong learner and bibliophile Alvaro Manrique Barrenechea gravitated to the Nashville Public Library immediately upon moving to Nashville in 2015 to be with his wife, Meghan. In 2020, he joined the board of the Nashville Public Library Foundation, which supports the work of the library system.

“I have always been passionate about the magic of books,” says Alvaro, a lawyer and educator who grew up in Lima, Peru, then earned a master’s degree from Vanderbilt Law School to transfer his legal education to the United States. “Books have been essential in my life, whether I was learning a new language, learning more about the law throughout my legal career, or exploring other cultures and realities.”

As chair of the foundation’s program committee, Alvaro supports board member engagement with the library’s programs and lends corporate legal experience to reviewing bylaws and regulations. He also supports NPL and the foundation by attending Metro Council budget meetings to underscore the importance of library programming for the community.

“I hope that we continue doing a stellar job supporting the Nashville Public Library, making sure more members of our community are able to connect with the programs and resources that are available,” says Alvaro, who enjoys sharing the library with his 5-year-old son. “I hope we grow more programs and initiatives and continue to keep up with the city’s growth and needs, so that libraries are seen as places to find answers, community and opportunities.”

Alvaro, who speaks English, Spanish and German, has volunteered with nonprofits Conexión Américas, Siloam Health, Family Reconciliation Center and Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors, among others. Whether he is teaching English as a second language, translating documents or using his legal skills, Alvaro is always eager to help and support the community. At Vanderbilt Law School, he directs the student-staffed immigration clinic and teaches immigration law and policy.

“Immigration law allows me not only to meet amazing people from everywhere, but also to support them, often at very difficult moments in their lives,” he says. “I believe my passion for cultures, learning and helping others has led me to be a strong representative of the Nashville Public Library Foundation.”