2024 Leadership Program application is now open
About the Leadership Program
The leadership program is a five-month program designed to build the skills, knowledge and confidence to support Latina leaders in their personal and professional advancement. Participants will collaborate with local non-profit organizations to work on a community service project, resulting in local or/and national impact.
The Latina Leadership Initiative curriculum promotes heightened awareness of social responsibility and attention to the needs of the local Latino/a/x community, and is based on the principle that the development of young Latina leaders enhances our entire community. The curriculum addresses various topics in regards to women’s empowerment and leadership development. This, along with the help of the program mentors, creates an all-encompassing experience that allows participants to see exactly how each topic affects them, and how their talents can, in turn, affect change in those areas.
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.
- Completed a high school (or equivalent) diploma or higher
- Complete LLI participant application
- Submit resume
- Submit a cover letter of interest, including the highest level of education attained
- 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.
- Registration fee nonrefundable: $25
- Able to attend all sessions. Sessions are two or three Saturdays a month
- If accepted into the LLI program, the tuition fee for the year is $300
For more information, please contact us.
Tuition for the Leadership Program is $300 this includes all education and training expenses as well as food at all sessions. Participants must pay for their own tuition, transportation, parking fees, among other related expenses. Tuition is due in full prior to class orientation. 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.
Class Schedule for 2024 participants. We meet between 9 am – 3 pm, a few sessions may be short to allow time to work on your service project.
December 10, 2023 – this is a welcoming social that once you are accepted into the program you will be invited to join to meet past and present members of LLI.
January 13, 2024
January 20, 2024
January 27, 2024
February 10, 2024
February 24, 2024
March 2, 2024
March 9, 2024
March 30, 2024
April 13, 2024
April 27, 2024
May 11, 2024
May 25, 2024
June 1, 2024 – Graduation
Attendance Expectations:
To ensure the success of your learning, your active participation is crucial. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory; however, we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise. In such cases, you are allowed up to two excused absences. If you cannot attend a session, please notify the Executive Director in advance and submit a written letter of excuse at least a week prior. This will enable us to arrange alternative methods for your participation. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to director@latinaleadershipinitaitive.org.
Yes, each participant is matched with a mentor during the program of attendance.
The deadline to submit your application is November 20, 2023.
An Overview of the Curriculum
The Latina Leadership Initiative curriculum promotes heightened awareness of social responsibility and attention to the needs of the local community. Our program utilizes these six unique areas of focus in preparing participants to be leaders:
Leadership
Personal Growth
- Salary Negotiation
- Identifying Leadership Styles
- Collaboration with Local Non-Profits
- Financial Literacy
- Women's Health
- Mental Health and Self-Care
Networking
Community Engagement
- Public Speaking
- Curating Public Image
- Social Engagement Events/Opportunities
- Social Justice
- Engaging in the Political Sphere
- Gender Disparities & Glass Ceiling
Career Development
Nuestra Cultura Latina
- How to Join a Board
- Women's Entrepreneurship
- Professional Attire and Etiquette
- History of Latinos in Iowa
- Domestic and Sexual Violence
- Latinx Experience in Central Iowa
Testimonials
