The Latino Leadership Academy: Preparing Future Executives for an Era of Opportunity

Today I am excited to share that we are launching the Latino Leadership Academy, an online training program, that will prepare Latinos to step up to executive positions as the nation faces an imminent and unprecedented talent gap.

By 2031, every baby boomer in the world will hit their full retirement age in the United States — 67 years.? Twenty million people are expected to retire over the next 10 years. That means we are already in the throes of a tectonic workforce change that will affect every sector — public, private and non-profit — and will create an enormous gap of talent.?

Latinos already fill many roles in the lower and middle ranks of companies and organizations.? But we have struggled with career growth; we hit a ceiling (glass or otherwise) and too often stagnate.? But youth is on our side, and it is time now for us to leverage our role models and create the playbooks needed to prepare Latinos for an exceptional time of opportunity.? Once again, we can be a positive driving force for the country.? But we need to be equipped for success.

That is why I am beyond excited to announce that we have developed an online training program — The Latino Leadership Academy .? It was created for the Leadership Skills Institute and will be powered by GenconnectU.com .? The six courses that have been created so far cover personal, professional and leadership development.? All of them are tailored for Latinos, to help us find the motivation, strength and our superpowers that are rooted in our Latinidad. We have also developed an allyship course to equip and transform decision-makers into allies.?

In creating the program, I have asked two accomplished Latinos to join me and share their singular expertise in talent development.? Dr. Robert Rodriguez, PhD is a leader in the area of ERGs and talent initiatives for Latinos.? Perla Tamez Casasnovas , Founder & CEO of Latina Empire, will guide participants through the process of self-realization.??

The Latino Leadership Academy begins with six modules.??

• Empowering Your Health, Wealth and Energy: There is a correlation between how we live our lives and what we achieve. Taking care of ourselves — eating well, engaging in physical activity, managing our finances, and finding ways to de-stress are all part of a positive perspective that positions us to feel healthy, confident, and grounded so that we can set our goals and act on them.? (Claudia Romo Edelman)
• Leadership Development for Hispanics: This course is aimed at helping you develop your personal brand, learn how to network and build relationships that give your support and access, as well as build communication and public speaking skills. Tailored insights and tools recognize and leverage the unique cultural nuances of Hispanic leadership. (Claudia Romo Edelman)
• Developing Leadership Presence as a Latino Leader: This module hones in on how to become a leader — how to find your style by unleashing your Latinidad.? We believe that embracing our authentic self unleashes a unique set of skills hugely aligned with the needs of the global marketplace. You will learn to own your cultural strengths and values and unlock and harness your innate superpowers.? (Claudia Romo Edelman)
• Embrace Diversity — Unite and Conquer in Allyship: In the era of globalization, understanding and respecting diverse cultures isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a fundamental requirement for personal growth and professional success.? Learning how to be an ally is a critical skill set that all future leaders must embrace.? (Claudia Romo Edelman)
• Culturing Clarity, Courage, and Confidence: To become a successful business leader, one must possess qualities such as confidence, clarity on their values, and fearlessness in the face of opposition; achieving these traits can be particularly challenging for minorities.? This course provides invaluable wisdom and actionable exercises tailored to elevate self-realization that will propel your career forward. (Perla Tamez Casasnovas)
• Achieving Employee Resource Group Excellence: As the business world evolves, the need for inclusive and effective Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) becomes more crucial than ever.? This course guides you through the origins and evolution of ERGs, providing a deep understanding of their significance in today’s diverse workplace.? (Dr. Robert Rodriguez)

These courses are available for individuals, but I strongly encourage companies to consider adding these to your training and development programs.? As companies face a talent gap in the near future, particularly at senior levels, now is the time to help Latinos develop the skills that will not only foster their career growth to higher executive roles.? In doing this, you will also prepare for challenges you will face in the future, including the need for a Hispanic strategy as the population grows to 30% by 2050.

This training program is a natural extension of all the platforms we have created.? They all aim to break down barriers and open up opportunities that will help drive progress and elevate Latinos for Hispanics. We believe that better is possible for Latinos, in no small part because Hispanic progress is American progress.?