Our Mission: Advancing Careers, Businesses, Networks & Economic Mobility for Latinos
Latino Potential Is Crucial for Our Nation’s Vitality
Economic Power
$3.7 trillion
Latinos contribute over $3.7 trillion to the U.S. economy, driving the fastest-growing economic segment since 2020
Workforce
78%
Latinos represent 78% of new workforce entrants
Small Business
86%
Since 2008, 86% of new small businesses have been started by Latinos
Population
1 in 3
By 2050, nearly 1 in 3 Americans will be Latino
The Imperative Investment of Our Time:
Closing Latino Opportunity Gaps
Leadership Gap
450%
Latinos are 20% of the workforce but hold only 10% of management and 4% of executive roles, resulting in a 450% leadership gap
Small Business Gap
3%
Latinos own just 11% of U.S. small businesses, a mere 5% of those with employees, and less than 3% generate over $1 million annually
Network Gap
5%
Only 5% of Latino professionals have sponsors, while only 60% have mentors. Latino founders face significant challenges connecting with peers and securing funding.
Economic Gap
$8.4 trillion
Leadership, business, and network gaps have cost the U.S. $8.4 trillion in GDP and deepened the wealth gap for Latinos
Advancing Latinos to Power and Influence
The Latino Leadership Institute unlocks the full economic and social potential of Latinos by preparing, connecting, and elevating Latino leaders and entrepreneurs.
Hear From Our Network
“Participating in the LLI has to be one of the best and most impactful decisions I’ve ever made. The LLI is for all Latino leaders who want to become more self-aware, visionary, and successful — for yourself, your family, your community, and your organization.”
Nicolas Jimenez
Sr. Director of Government Affairs, Comcast
“Ignite lit a fire in me. As a Latina journalist, I don’t always think of myself as a leader. However, talking through workplace experiences with others from similar backgrounds and learning about the science behind leadership techniques helped me embrace my abilities.”
Angelika Albaladejo
Multimedia Journalist, Denver7
“As a result of my time in LEAP, I successfully scaled my business, enriched my knowledge, and sharpened my skills, setting my company on a trajectory to new heights.”
Roberto Meza
CEO, East Denver Food Hub
What’s New
Forbes: How Latinas Are Combating The Wage Gap Via Entrepreneurship
“It makes sense then for Latinas to think ‘I need more money, and the only way I’m going to get more money is if I’m my own boss,'” Joelle Martinez, President & CEO of the Latino Leadership Institute, said in this recent Forbes article. Read more.
The Power of Heritage, Leadership, and Love
As we celebrate the power of Indigenous leadership during Native American Heritage Month, Robert L. Doore, LLI Board Member, takes pride in his lineage of strong Indigenous women and the profound lessons they have passed down through generations in his family. Read more.
LLI Grad Maria Molina Builds Pathways for Underrepresented Students in Healthcare
A dedicated advocate for diversity in education, Maria Molina, an LLI graduate, is building bridges for students to pursue careers in healthcare. Read more.
Our Partners
The LLI mission and impact would not be possible without the generous and continued support of our partners.