This year’s LatinoLEAD Annual Meeting, Leading with Purpose – Building our Futuro Together, was a powerful gathering of Latine leaders, advocates, and change-makers committed to shaping a more just and equitable Minnesota. With a room full of engaged community members, we reflected on our collective achievements in 2024 and set our sights on an ambitious 2025.
Highlights from the Annual Meeting
The event kicked off with an early cafecito and networking session, allowing our community to connect and engage before the official program began. LatinoLEAD CEO Irma Márquez Trapero and COO Karen Velez Barron welcomed attendees with inspiring remarks, reminding us of the importance of standing together in the face of challenges and reaffirming our commitment to equity and justice.
We also took a moment to celebrate five years as a 501(c)(3) organization, a milestone that reflects the dedication of our staff, partners, and community leaders in advancing Latine leadership across Minnesota.
2024 Recap and Impact Report
A key highlight of the event was our 2024 Recap Video, showcasing the incredible work our network has accomplished over the past year. From launching new leadership development programs to advocating for key policy changes, LatinoLEAD continues to drive systemic change and build collective power.
In addition, we proudly unveiled our inaugural 2024 Impact Report, a comprehensive look at our achievements and the ongoing impact we’ve made since our founding. Some major highlights include:
Strengthening partnerships with CAAL, The African American Leadership Forum, and the Tiwahe Foundation through LinkingLeaders.
Hosting LíderCon, the largest Latine leadership conference in Minnesota, in collaboration with corporate partners such as Best Buy.
Advancing English language learning advocacy and leading efforts behind the One Economy for Minnesota bill. As well as continuing our advocacy endeavors through Minnesota Latino Leadership Alliance (MiLLA) and the Vida Digna Coalition (VDC).
Expanding workforce development initiatives, creating stronger pathways for professional growth.
Looking Ahead: Our Vision for 2025-2028
LatinoLEAD is entering a bold new chapter of impact, expansion, and leadership. Over the next four years, we are committed to strengthening our programs, growing our network, and solidifying our role as the premier hub for Latine leadership in Minnesota and beyond.
Through LinkingLeaders, we will foster cross-racial, ethnic, and cultural solidarity, creating stronger collaborations across communities. Our Avanzando Liderazgo Program (ALP) will continue equipping participants with the skills to become impactful leaders and changemakers.
A few key initiatives to highlight:
Mentorship & Workforce Development: By 2028, our Conecta y Celebra initiative will have mentored over 100 students with a culturally relevant leadership curriculum—strengthening Minnesota’s incoming workforce.
Network Growth: Our LatinoLEAD network will triple in size—expanding from 3,000 to 10,000 members through both online and in-person engagement initiatives, making us the largest hub of Latine leaders in Minnesota.
Latine Leadership Pipeline: We are positioning LatinoLEAD as the ultimate pipeline of Latine decision-makers across all sectors, ensuring representation at every leadership table in Minnesota.
Education Advocacy: We will drive increased investment in ELL and multilingual programs to better serve our diverse student population across the state.
Workforce Development: LatinoLEAD will expand programs that equip Latines with skills and training in high-demand industries—creating economic opportunities for our comunidad.
Strategic Partnerships: We will expand our ambassador and partnership models, forging new collaborations that create opportunities for our network and its leaders.
Regional & National Presence: LatinoLEAD will become a recognized force in regional and national partnerships, securing funding opportunities that put Minnesota on the map.
LíderCon Expansion: Our annual LíderCon conference will grow into a premier regional leadership summit, fostering cross-sector collaboration, leadership development, and greater visibility for Latine leaders across the Midwest and beyond.
This is just the beginning. With our community’s support, LatinoLEAD is poised to build a stronger, more equitable future—one where Latine leadership thrives at every level.
Our Team Has Grown
We also celebrated the exciting growth of our team, welcoming two incredible new roles that will amplify our mission and drive even greater change. These new additions are poised to bring expertise and energy, allowing us to expand our reach and accelerate our impact in the community;
Sabrina Tapia, Advocacy Program Manager, who will lead efforts to elevate Latine voices in Minnesota’s policy landscape.
Reyna López, Operations & Events Coordinator, who will bring expertise in coordinating impactful programs and events for our network.
To learn more about our team and our new members go to https://www.latinoleadmn.org/leadership
Thank You for Being Part of This Movement
LatinoLEAD is a collective effort, and this annual meeting was a reflection of the power of comunidad. We encourage you to share your experience and continue the conversation using our event photos available via lintkr.ee/latinoleadmn.
Your support fuels our mission and helps us create lasting change for our comunidad. Consider making a donation today to continue empowering Latine leaders and fostering a thriving, inclusive future for all. Every contribution makes a difference at LatinoLEAD.
Together, we are shaping a stronger, more inclusive future for all. ¡Adelante!