Our mission is building bridges to uplift and empower Latina women in Iowa. By filling the gap in culturally appropriate leadership programming for Latinas and cultivating social responsibility and attention to the needs of the broader community in Iowa.
The Latina Leadership Initiative of Greater Des Moines (LLI) supports emerging Latina leaders by developing leadership skills, focusing on personal growth, professional advancement, and community networking and engagement. Empowered Latinas will serve on boards, commissions, and leadership roles throughout our communities.
The Latina Leadership Initiative of Greater Des Moines (LLI) was founded in 2013 by four Latina Leaders who recognized the lack of representation and support for Latinas to obtain leadership roles in Iowa. Since then, the Board of Directors and Executive Directors have pioneered a Latina-focused leadership program to uplift and empower Latina women in Iowa. In 2020 the effects of the pandemic necessitated the expansion of LLI programming to women across the State of Iowa. We continue to hold a strong representation of Latina leaders in Central Iowa each year.
We are the leadership training program of choice for the Latinas in our community. Latinas acquire expanded access to career and leadership opportunities and further educational achievements through participation in our program. We are a catalyst throughout our greater community for investing in the development and success of Latinas through partnerships with our program.