Building community, leadership, and visibility across generations.
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 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
Alumni Testimonials
“Participating in the LLI has been 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 and successful - for you, your family, your community, and your organization."
Nicolas Jimenez
Sr. Director of Government Affairs, Comcast
“The LLI helped me create a level playing field in my head, my voice mattered just as much as any other leader. This newfound confidence allows me to contribute more meaningfully and work towards a more inclusive world that has better mental health supports.”
Juan Escobedo
LLI Alumni
“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
“Being part of the LLI network has been an incredible experience. I am grateful for the profound impact on my personal and professional growth. The support and encouragement from my colleagues and mentors have been indispensable in navigating my entrepreneurial journey.”
Roberto Meza
CEO Emerald Greens/East Denver Food Hub
What's New
Leadership is Both Our Heritage and Our Legacy
Today’s example of how leadership is both our heritage and our legacy comes from the Young Lords. In the late 1960s, a group of poor and...
Hispanic Heritage Month – Celebration Alone is Not Enough
As we commence Hispanic Heritage Month, let us celebrate and honor our progress, culture, and resilience. But celebration alone is not enough....
Hispanic Heritage and Legacy Month
Our heritage is a story carried across generations. It lives in the ancestors who dreamed of more, in the cultures that gave us music,...
Our Partners
The LLI mission and impact would not be possible without the generous and continued support of our partners.
Bellco
Charles Schwab
Gates Family
Kenneth King
Huntington Bank
Molson Coors
Slalom
US Bank
WK Kellogg Foundation
Xcel Energy
“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