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Voya Foundation's Support for Latinas in Leadership Institute

The landscape of leadership initiatives is set to transform more positively with the generous backing of the Voya Foundation, which recently granted $50,000 to the Latinas & Power Corp.. This funding specifically supports the Latinas in Leadership Institute (LiLi), a groundbreaking program headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut. This investment is instrumental in enhancing the visibility and impact of the program, allowing it to reach more individuals in the community and beyond.

Empowering Women Through Education

At the heart of this initiative is the ambition to uplift and inspire Latina women, nurturing them as they traverse their professional and personal journeys. According to Marilyn Alverio, CEO of Latinas & Power Corp., this support positions the institute for significant growth and outreach. The organization’s mission centers on empowering women, encouraging them to invest in themselves, and promoting the acquisition of critical skills necessary for career advancement.

The Latinas in Leadership Institute features a detailed six-month certificate program focused on cultivating essential leadership and advocacy skills. Participants engage in facilitator-led coursework, personalized skill assessments, and insights from various subject matter experts, which together help them understand and refine their unique leadership and communication styles. This comprehensive approach enhances each participant's leadership capabilities, making them more effective team members and leaders.

Comprehensive Course Features and Community Engagement

The curriculum promotes a growth mindset, authenticity in leadership, and civic engagement. A noteworthy highlight of the program is the capstone project where participants address vital subjects such as financial literacy and wealth management. By equipping participants with these essential tools, they are better prepared not just for their own empowerment, but also for uplifting their communities.

Braeden Mayrisch, the Vice President of Stakeholder Equity and Impact at Voya Financial, underlines the institute’s effectiveness in bridging the financial wellness gap while amplifying the Latino wealth narrative. According to Mayrisch, the values of civic engagement and community contribution fostered by the institute make it a vital partner for the greater Hartford community.

Upcoming Cohorts and Annual Symposium

Anticipation is building for the launch of the fourth cohort of the Latinas in Leadership Institute, set to start in March 2025. This new round promises to bring in a fresh wave of applicants eager to enhance their leadership skills. Interested parties can apply until January 25, 2025 by visiting their official application page.

Alongside the institute's development, Latinas & Power will host its 22nd annual symposium on May 29, 2025. This event, taking place at the Connecticut Convention Center, expects to gather around 700 Latina professionals and allies in a dynamic environment conducive to networking and collaboration. The symposium will feature a variety of inspiring speakers, breakout sessions, and an exhibitor showcase, presenting over thirty vendors to engage with.

With its origins tracing back to a symposium established in 2004, Latinas & Power has evolved into the largest event of its kind in New England, primarily due to the robust support from corporate sponsors and dedicated participation from attendees. Transitioning into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2018, its mission remains clear: to inspire, motivate, and empower Latinas to become influential leaders in their spheres.

Broader Initiatives and Future Programming

The organization continues to expand its programming. Initiatives such as La Mesa Latina, an online platform for Latinas across the country, seek to foster discussions on shared interests and facilitate networking. Furthermore, they are launching various community outreach programs to recruit sponsors and boost visibility in the business sector.

Through this $50,000 grant from Voya Foundation, the Latinas in Leadership Institute is well-poised for expansive growth, ensuring that the voices and leadership of Latinas are not just heard, but empowered to create lasting change.

For further details on applying to the program or to learn more about the Latinas in Leadership initiative, interested individuals are encouraged to visit www.latinasandpower.com.