At LatinoLEAD, we are proud to play a pivotal role in the Minnesota Latino Leadership Alliance (MiLLA)—a coalition of Latine-led organizations and leaders working to drive meaningful change for Minnesota’s thriving Latine community. Established in 2022, MiLLA unites the voices and expertise of eleven influential organizations to advocate for social, economic, legal, and political advancement. Together, we are shaping a more equitable and inclusive Minnesota for everyone.
Why MiLLA Matters
According to Minnesota Compass, Minnesota’s Latine population, 367,000 strong, is one of the fastest-growing demographics in the state, representing a vital and dynamic force in our economic and cultural landscape (Minnesota Compass, 2025). Despite accounting for just 6.4% of the population, Latines boast the highest labor force participation rate at 76.5%, contribute $600 million annually in state and local taxes, and powerfully fuel the economy with $5 billion in purchasing power.
Yet, systemic barriers continue to limit opportunities for our comunidad. MiLLA addresses these challenges by advocating for policies that close opportunity gaps and invest in the well-being of Latines across education, housing, healthcare, cultural preservation, and more.
"When Latines thrive, Minnesota thrives," emphasizes Irma Márquez Trapero, CEO of LatinoLEAD. "MiLLA allows us to channel our collective strength into action, ensuring that our voices are heard, and our contributions are valued."
Advancing a Bold Policy Agenda
The 2025 MiLLA Policy Agenda is a blueprint for transformation, built on the consensus aspirations of Minnesota’s Latine community. Key priorities include:
Education
Strengthen support for bilingual education and multilingual learners.
Increase funding for after-school programs, mental health services, and aspiring teachers of color.
Ensure equitable admissions processes and expand access to financial aid.
Economic Development and Workforce
Support Latine-owned businesses with lending, technical assistance, and career pathways.
Remove barriers to professional licenses and job training opportunities.
Invest in multigenerational wealth-building initiatives, including agriculture programs.
Healthcare and Wellbeing
Advocate for a MinnesotaCare public option for expanded healthcare access.
Ensure equitable, culturally competent healthcare services, especially for agricultural workers.
Support the establishment of an Ombudsperson for agricultural and food processing workers.
Housing
Advance a constitutional amendment for sustainable housing funding.
Promote housing affordability and combat discriminatory practices in the housing market.
Support workforce housing initiatives for Latine families.
Arts and Cultural Development
Secure funding for the first Minnesota Latino Museum.
Channel resources to support Latine artists and cultural organizations.
Foster community revitalization through arts and cultural heritage initiatives.
Democracy and Voting Rights
Advocate for grassroots redistricting reform and expand the Minnesota Voting Rights Act.
Support proportional representation studies and reforms to protect voting rights.
Fund a Latine-specific database for community engagement and empowerment.
Belonging and Integration
Strengthen protections for undocumented residents through the North Star Act.
Support legal assistance, immigrant integration programs, and civil liberties protections.
Advocate for data protections for non-citizens and safeguards against surveillance abuses.
Clean Environment
Promote 100% clean energy and environmental justice initiatives.
Advance projects that protect Minnesota’s natural resources and support green jobs.
Encourage equitable access to incentives in the energy and solar sectors.
These initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to fostering equity and prosperity for Latine families while building a stronger, more inclusive Minnesota.
Alliance for Impact
MiLLA’s collective strength comes from its collaboration with key organizations such as Hispanic Advocacy and Community Empowerment through Research (HACER), Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs (MCLA), Communities Organizing Latine Power and Action (COPAL), Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC), Minnesota Immigrant Movement (MIM), Common Cause Minnesota, Latino Chamber of Commerce of MN, MN Latino Museum, Alliance of Chicanos, Hispanics, Latin Americans (ACHLA) and last, but certainly not least: Hispanic Outreach. Together, our alliance brings decades of experience in community advocacy, research, and policy reform. By uniting diverse perspectives under a shared mission, MiLLA amplifies its impact and ensures that the unique needs of nuestra comunidad Latina are prioritized in decision-making at the local and state levels.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
As we look to the future, MiLLA remains dedicated to advocating for policies that reflect the invaluable contributions of Minnesota’s Latine population. Our work is a testament to the power of unity and the transformative impact of inclusive leadership.
We invite you to join us in this vital mission. Whether through community engagement, advocacy efforts, or partnerships, your support fuels our momentum to create a more equitable Minnesota for all.
Stay tuned for updates on MiLLA’s initiatives and progress. Together, we can ensure that every member of our comunidad has the opportunity to thrive.
#MiLLA2025 #LatineAdvocacy #PolicyForChange #CommunityPower #LatinoLeadership #LatineEquity #LatinePolicyAgenda
Sources
Minnesota Compass. (2025). Minnesota’s Latinos by the numbers: An overview from Minnesota Compass data. Retrieved from https://www.mncompass.org/data-insights/articles/updated-minnesotas-latinos-numbers-overview-minnesota-compass-data