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
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
Latino-owned small businesses are growing quickly. This Colorado organization is showing them the way.
“If we don’t have entrepreneurs growing relative to the demographic shifts happening, you’re not going to have as many businesses, not going to have as many places to buy from and the dollars won’t circulate from the economy at the same rate,” says Harry Hollines, LLI Chief Strategy Officer, in this recent Denver Post article. Read more.
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.
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