Leadership Connections

LEADERSHIP CONNECTIONS

“...align your time, treasure and talent to the leadership role or board membership you desire..." - Clare Muñana, Ancora Associates, Inc.

There is an incredibly talented pool of Latinos who are outstanding board candidates and who can make significant contributions to boards of all kinds. There are wonderful organizations that are preparing Latino leaders. Despite the pool of talented and qualified Latinos, the question still remains:

Why is it that the Latino community is not proportionately represented within

decision-making entities that are making life changing policies impacting Latino communities?

The goal of Latino Leadership Connections is to bridge mutually beneficial relationships between Latinos and decision-making entities including boards of directors, associate boards, advisory committees, and councils. Latino Leadership Connections addresses the demand for diversified leadership in areas including education, business, government, policy, arts/culture, and advocacy.

Latino Leadership Connections links Latino leaders to organizations where they can effectively engage in decision making roles. It is important for Latinos to be a part of the decision making process that impacts the resources and services available to the community. This project collaborates with other leadership programs and organizations to develop strategies to increase Latino participation in all aspects of society. Latino Leadership Connections will offer opportunities for collegial networking among Latino professionals to support their organization’s work, foster professional growth, and promote community building. (Pictures)

Individuals who wish to be connected to opportunities through Latino Leadership Connections (LLCP) should meet the following qualifications:

A high level of expertise or understanding of the area in which the individual intends to participate in a position of leadership and influence
An understanding of the importance of having Latino representation in these entities and an understanding of the contributions that Latinos can make in creating a more diverse and inclusive society
An availability of time to meaningfully participate in meetings (and subcommittees as applicable) and fulfill expectations and requirements as outlined by each respective board and or position

Organizations who wish to participate understand the importance of the impact that diversity, particularly the participation of the Latino community, can have on an organization and on society. The organizations who wish to be connected should meet the following:

Embrace the benefits of diversity and recognize the contributions that diversity can bring to an organization as well as greater society
Demonstrate a commitment to bring the benefits of diversity to their organization at all levels
Offer a welcoming and enriching environment for individuals of all backgrounds
Assess the effectiveness of the recommendation/placement

ORGANIZATIONS SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS

The following organizations seek candidates who represent the Latino community and their professional fields for their advisory, associate and agency boards.

American Cancer Society

American Red Cross of Greater Chicago

CAN -TV

Central DuPage Hospital

Chicago Arts Partners in Education (CAPE)

Chicago Child Care Society at University of Chicago

Chicago Metro Association for the Education of the Young Child (CM-AEYC)

Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP)

Community Resource Network

Family Focus

Girls in the Game

Merit School of Music