Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley’s ELLA Program


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By Linda Castillo

The Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley has been empowering Latinas for over 20 years with a mission to develop and strengthen the power of Latinas to advance our collective success. I had a chance to learn a bit more about LCSV experience from Lisa Anna Dominguez, the 2019 President, and Patricia Leal-Gutierrez, a 2019 ELLA program graduate.

In 2017, Lisa was looking for an environment that understood her culture and the experience of being a professional Latina. Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley matched what she was looking for in an organization: a strong group of talented Latinas, networking opportunities, and sisterhood. She immediately became a member, and afterwards, she received the first LCSV newsletter that had information about the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley’s Latino Latino Board Leadership Academy.

“I joined Latino Board Leadership Academy, and CEO/President Ron Gonzales announced to the class that there is a position available at Hispanic Foundation. I applied and am now the Director of Education Program for HFSV,” recalled Lisa. “It sounds extraordinary, but the opportunities that Latina Coalition provided aligned perfectly. The timing couldn’t have been better. It was a way to meet new people, build a network of Latinas, and grow professionally.”

Lisa had the honor of serving as the LCSV president for its 20th Anniversary year, where she and the Board of Directors created special programs throughout the year to focus on the three pillars of LCSV: sisterhood, leadership, and civic engagement.

“One of the many memorable moments was having Dolores Huerta speak at our 20th Anniversary Sisterhood Brunch. She urged bravery and unity as we continue to fight for women’s rights in our Latinx communities,” recalled Lisa.

ELLA (Engaged Latina Leadership Activist) Program

The LCSV’s ELLA (Engaged Latina Leadership Activist) Program was developed to create and sustain a network of professional women that support each other in the advancement of civic engagement and leadership. The program aims to develop future leaders that can tackle some of the most pressing issues impacting Latinas and supports the broader movement to empower Latina women in Silicon Valley.

In this six-month leadership program, Latinas between the ages of 19-25 learn and gain leadership and civic engagement skills through a series of professional activities, resources, and mentoring. The program brings together young Latina leaders who are passionate about social justice and advocating for their community and providing the resources and tools for civic engagement and leadership.

As a part of the program, the ladies are placed into groups and strategically partner with local community organizations to research topic issues that affect Latinas. Patricia Leal-Gutierrez was part of the 10th Ella program graduating class and shared her experience at the Sisterhood Brunch.

“My most memorable experience was when my group partnered up with the Boys and Girls Club in Redwood City and got the opportunity to work closely with young Latinas, and explore topics such as the lack of Latina representation in government. This opportunity allowed us to work and mentor Latina high school students who are very much leaders in their community, working on affordable housing campaigns to the importance of diversity and representation in their schools,” Patricia Leal-Gutierrez was part of the 10th Ella program graduating class.

In addition to gaining leadership and civic engagement skills, the Latinas in this program also leave with a strong, supportive community-the LCSV sisterhood. Patricia recalled that the bond begins immediately from the three-day retreat until their graduation.

“The ELLA program really allowed us to build a community of support, co-empowerment, and a space to continue our friendship even after the program came to an end. Many of us are very passionate about social justice and advocating alongside our communities. We talk about future plans, about our professional careers, share feedback, tips, and support each other professionally by sharing opportunities we may come across. Our bond continues today, ranging from sending each other a simple text to jumping on a call for personal and professional support,” explained Patricia.

Patricia says that the ELLA program reinforced why being involved in politics and being at the decision-making table is so crucial. “Latinas coming from communities that are impacted from education to environmental justice issues need to be in those spaces. Who knows, maybe one day I too will run for office,” said Patricia.

Right now, the LCSV is accepting applications until Wednesday, January 29, 2020 for the 2020 ELLA Program. Visit http://latinacoalition.org/ella-program/ to apply.

You can also get involved by becoming a member, volunteering, and serving on a committee or a board member.

Linda Castillo is the Founder and Executive Editor of www.ModernLatina.com. She writes on topics that empower and inspire Latinas including art, motherhood, green living, culture, travel, and issues transforming the Latino community. Linda has earned a B.S. in Business and a M.S. in Mass Communications from San Jose State University.