2025 Leadership Program application is now open

Women who identify as Latinas and older than 18 years old. Applicants should have completed a high school (or equivalent) diploma, and/or are in the beginning stages of their careers are eligible to be selected to participate in Latina Leadership Initiative.

Each applicant undergoes a competitive selection process. Only those who are committed to fulfilling all the requirements of the program will be selected to participate. 

1. Completed a high school (or equivalent) diploma or higher
2. Complete LLI participant application
3. Submit resume
4. Submit a cover letter of interest, including the highest level of education attained
5. Two letters of recommendation (emailed to latinaleadershipinitiativegdm@gmail.com) from professors, mentors, employers, or work supervisors who know you well enough to describe your academic, personal, or professional achievements and how you might benefit from the LLI program.  
6. Registration fee nonrefundable: $25
7. Able to attend all sessions. Sessions are two or three Saturdays a month
8. If accepted into the LLI program, the tuition fee for the year is $300

For more information, please contact us. 

The total cost to participate in the Leadership Program is $1,200 per participant. Due to generous donors and grants, the tuition cost due to the participant for the year is $300 (includes tuition, training expenses, and food at sessions). Once admitted into the program, a non-refundable registration fee of $25 is due with the tuition. Financial aid is available to participants that demonstrate financial need. Tuition may be paid by a financial sponsor (the participant’s employer or sponsoring organization), scholarship, and/or by the participant.

Yes, scholarship opportunities are available. Do not let the cost stop you from applying. Latina Leadership Initiative is committed to working with applicants to ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation.

Contact us about scholarship opportunities or a payment plan. Many employers cover the cost. Refer to your employment Human Resources representative to see if tuition costs are covered as part of employee development.

Leadership Program Schedule:

Leadership Program sessions are held on two or three Saturdays each month from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. A few sessions may be shorter to provide participants with additional time to work on their service projects.

Upon acceptance into the program, participant will be invited to join our welcoming social in December. This event offers an excellent opportunity to meet and network with both current participants and alumni of LLI.

Attendance Policy:

Active participation is vital to creating a rewarding experience for all participants. To ensure everyone benefits from the program, adherence to the attendance policy is required. A schedule will be provided in advance so participants can plan ahead and make the most of each session.

Attendance at every LLI leadership program session is important, and participants are expected to be on time and fully engaged. While all sessions should be attended, it is understood that unexpected situations may arise. Participants are allowed up to two excused absences. In such cases, the Executive Director should be informed via email at least 24 hours before the session.

Unexcused absences should be avoided, as they may lead to a referral to the Board of Directors for further consideration, which could include removal from the program.

Yes, each participant is paired with a mentor for a full calendar year once the match is made.