2008 Year in Review
During the last two decades, NHLI has been a solid source of leadership training for Latinas and has developed one of the most powerful professional women’s networks in the country, helping to impact more than 56,000 Hispanics nationwide through mentoring, leadership projects and networking.
This past year, NHLI continued to fulfill its mission to develop Latinas as ethical world leaders by providing the highest caliber of programming for Latinas, and connecting thousands of Latinas across the country.
In February, 22 talented Latinas from more than a dozen states, working in the public, non-profit and private sectors, embarked on professional, personal and transformational journey through NHLI’s Executive Leadership Training Program (ELTP). Held in conjunction with the JFK School of Government at Harvard University and the Center for Creative Leadership, ELTP provides mid-level professional Latinas four one-week seminars that span nine months in four cities focused on public policy, leadership, strategic management, team building and race, class and gender issues.
Following a profound week in California and weeks at Harvard University and the Center for Creative Leadership prestigious leadership training programs, the fellows ended their leadership experience in Washington, DC. While in the nation’s capital the fellows participated in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Public Policy Training, and a Latina Summit organized by the Senate leadership caucus; met with their congressional representatives to discuss pressing issues in their community; heard from Latina Members of Congress at the NHLI Latina Congressional Breakfast, and connected with other leaders from across the nation. By the end of the program, the fellows committed to launching innovative leadership projects in their communities ranging from financial literacy workshops for low-income Latino families to political leadership training for youth and to inspiring the next generation of Latina leaders by mentoring at least two other Latinas.
The month of March kicked off NHLI’s Latina Empowerment Conference (LEC) season, with the first regional training held in Tampa, Florida. In its ninth year, LEC — regional trainings that focus on building skills, knowledge and networking — have inspired thousands of Latinas to take the next step in their careers. This year, over 600 Latinas participated in regional trainings held in Tampa, Florida; El Paso, Texas; Detroit, Michigan; Jersey City, New Jersey and Seattle, Washington.
In July, 22 Latina student leaders joined NHLI’s Latinas Learning to Lead Summer Youth Institute in Washington, DC. After a one-week intensive leadership development program focused on cross cultural communications, conflict resolution, career planning and public policy, trips to the White House and briefings with key Bush Administration officials and with Congresswomen Hilda Solis (D-CA) and Loretta Sánchez (D-CA), the young leaders returned to their communities politically engaged and motivated to promote change.
As 2008 took its course, NHLI welcomed new staff members including a new President, Cristina López, who came from national social justice non-profit, Center for Community Change (CCC) where she served as Deputy Executive Director; and Cheryl Aguilar, NHLI’s Communications and Online Marketing Manager. Additionally, three new members joined the NHLI Board of Directors: Peter Villegas, First Vice President, National Manager of Community & External Affairs Division at WaMu; Carmen Bauza, Division Merchandise Manager, Vice President from Wal-Mart and Barbara DesMarteau, Director from the Adams County Community & Economic Opportunity Department.
NHLI culminated 2008 with a successful Executive Leadership and Mujer Awards Conference held in Orlando, Florida; a newly launched campaign to ensure Latinas are represented in the new presidential administration and a renewed commitment to continue investing in the country’s Latina leaders to close the opportunity gap and shatter the glass ceiling.
In 2009, stay tuned for the unveiling of new initiatives to provide leadership opportunities to emerging Latina professionals, online leadership trainings and increased communications via quarterly newsletters and e-alerts.
With the constant support of NHLI’s network, 2009 promises to be a flourishing year! |
