By Christina Fernández-Morrow
When Iowa’s first professional leadership development program designed specifically for Latinas launched in 2013, the founders had no idea how wildly transformative it would become. Today, Latina Leadership Initiative (LLI) graduates serve on school boards, lead businesses, and guide community organizations across Iowa and beyond. As the program prepares to welcome its 2025 cohort, its ripple effect continues to reshape the state’s leadership landscape, with alumni stepping into roles that enrich everything from local government to education and every industry in between.
“I always share my thoughts on it because I’m an alumni, and it was a life changer for me. If I wasn’t the ED, I’d be a mentor to give back,” says Executive Director Kathy Guillen, who transitioned from participant in 2021 to leading the organization.
The newest cohort welcomes:
- Maria Luz Alcala
- Kelly Campbell
- Jessica Carvalho
- Daysi Campos Gaytan
- Rosario Corte Torres
- Silvia Duke
- Mayte Figueroa-Garcia
- Brenda Guzman Martinez
- Mayra Hernandez-Franke
- Liliana Knowlton
- Janet Madrigal Manzo
- Jessica Mendoza
- Neida Pinon
- Giovanna Rodriguez
- Lisette Villalba Torres
- Rebeca Zuniga
LLI’s success comes from its unique curriculum where each session ties in culture and is delivered through twelve intensive Saturday sessions from January through May. “The ones people take away from the most are the career planning because we do a DISC personality assessment, and public speaking,” Guillen explains. The program covers crucial topics including imposter syndrome, salary negotiation, entrepreneurship, and financial planning, all facilitated by Guillen alongside guest speakers.
Mentorship plays a vital role in the program’s effectiveness. Each participant is paired with a mentor who commits to monthly meetings, helping expand their mentee’s networks, and providing guidance as the participants complete their community service projects and decide what to pursue after graduation. Graduates have gone on to be elected to school boards, start businesses, enroll in graduate school, gain citizenship, and achieve a number of goals because of the skills gained during the program and the support of their mentors. Mentors are volunteers and come from diverse backgrounds and industries. Many return year after year.
The mentors for the 2025 cohort are:
- Marlú Abarca
- Ashton Bierman
- Lorena Dorado-Robles
- Gabriela Fuentes
- Eva Hernandez
- Tanya Juarez
- Ana Maceda
- Mia Mata
- Esdras Murillo
- Paulina Ocegueda
- Evelin Reyes Orellana
- Maddie Rocha Smith
- Nate Stirgus
- Jill Lippincott
- Nelly Zelaya
-
- Latina Leadership Initiative 2025 cohort participants and their mentors.
- Photo by Tar Macias / Hola Iowa
What sets LLI apart is how it has created a self-sustaining community of leadership. Many graduates, inspired by their transformative experiences, return as mentors, board members, and even executive directors, like Guillen. This cycle of empowerment and giving back has become the program’s trademark, establishing a growing network of Latina leaders throughout Iowa.
Applications for future cohorts open in August and close October 31st, requiring two letters of recommendation, a cover letter, resume, and a $25 application fee. The $300 program fee can be paid in installments or by employers, and scholarships ensure that cost doesn’t prevent qualified candidates from participating. The 2025 cohort begins their journey on January 11 and will graduate in early June.
For more information, follow Latina Leadership Initiative on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn or visit www.latinaleadershipinitiative.org.
Facebook Comments