The Latino Executive Leadership Gap

The Latino executive leadership gap was smaller in 1990 than today. Without intervention, the Latino executive leadership gap is on track to increase to 600% by 2050.

 

Amy Sweeting, LEAP Entrepreneur, on Building a Multi-Million-Dollar Company

Amy Sweeting, LEAP entrepreneur and founder of V.A.M.P. Stucco, is a trailblazer in Colorado’s construction industry. As one of the less than 3% of Latino-owned businesses surpassing $1 million in annual revenue, she shares powerful insights and lessons for entrepreneurs in a candid interview with LLI Chief Strategy Officer, Harry Hollines.

Proof Not Promise: 3 Keys to Powerful Leadership from Oscar Munoz

Oscar Munoz, former CEO of United Airlines, recently shared his “Proof, not promise” leadership approach during a conversation with Joelle Martinez, LLI President & CEO. Munoz’s career journey exemplifies the impact of Latino leaders at the highest levels.

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.

Latino Leadership Development

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Latino & BIPOC Entrepreneur Acceleration

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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

The Power of Heritage, Leadership, and Love

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.

Our Partners

The LLI mission and impact would not be possible without the generous and continued support of our partners.

“In 2024, Latino Leadership Institute and Huntington Bank forged a powerful new relationship, opening doors to meaningful engagement and collaboration. This engagement has quickly delivered results for both organizations, from Huntington providing LLI with financial support and Huntington colleagues thriving in LLI’s Ignite leadership program to the inspiring keynote speech of LLI’s CEO at Huntington Colorado’s inaugural Hispanic Heritage event. Through a mutual commitment to community empowerment and a set of shared values, this alliance allows both organizations to drive positive change for our Latino communities in Colorado.”

Joe Nimmons
Colorado Region President, Huntington Bank