Selection Criteria

CRITERIA
The NHLI will select up to 22 Latinas per year with the following characteristics:

• Substantive professional work experience and significant direct accomplishments
• Current and potential leadership as indicated by professional, volunteer and other activities, as well as, through recommendations•
• Strength of character, motivation and commitment to goals
• Intention to participate fully in all activities during the training and a commitment to continue to support NHLI
• At least 26 years old
• The optimal candidate will have achieved success in her field, yet would benefit from this program.
• This program is not appropriate for women who are full time students, seeking elected office or are going through professional or personal transition. It requires a considerable time commitment and the full attention of the participants during the training sessions.

SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants must submit a complete application packet in order to be considered. Regional committees composed of NHLI Alumnae schedule a personal or phone interview and submit their recommendation to the national review committee. Up to 22 women from diverse professions, geographic areas and ethnic subgroups within the Hispanic community are selected and notified via mail by December, 2008.

COMMITMENT
Participants must attend all training sessions, arrive on time, participate all day, and stay through the end of each session. Participants will also mentor two Hispanic women for at least two years and develop a leadership training program or conference for at least 25 Hispanic women or girls in their community. The participants will have the responsibility, as a group, to raise and contribute to the Institute at least $3,500 by the end of the 2008 program.

NHLI ALUMNAE
Program graduates join the Institute as Alumnae who support NHLI through a committee of the Board of Directors. Alumnae accomplishments and activities are featured in the Institute’s quarterly newsletter, NHLI News. The Institute maintains a current database and directory of NHLI Alumnae, which serves as an ongoing national network of support. It is a policy of the Board of Directors that 100% of its members contribute financially to the Institute (regardless of the size of the contribution). The board encourages NHLI Alumnae to do the same.

ALUMNAE LINKAGES & IMPACT
NHLI Alumnae become part of a powerful network of Hispana leaders from across the country. Many of its graduates have gone on to become elected officials, senior managers and decisionmakers in the corporate, private and public sectors. Alumnae are able to access a larger array of opportunities as they become a part of a national network of Hispana leaders. Through the Alumnae Committee, they form an ongoing link which maintains supportive relationships and involvement in NHLI programs and events.