SAN ANTONIO (March 19, 2021) – The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SAHCC) is set to announce that the 2021 applications for their leadership program, Latina Leadership Institute (LLI), will be open Monday, March 22. The timing coincides with Women’s History Month and the program is eager to start recruiting more Latina voices and female leaders to impact the SA community.

“The Latina Leadership Institute is more than a leadership program, it is life-changing and will inspire and propel women to pursue their passions in civic engagement with a strong community to support them,” said Michelle Martinez, SAHCC Leadership Committee Chair.

Martinez continued to share that in the past five years, she’s seen “graduates go on to run for office, serve on boards, and gain new leadership roles.” Women who have an interest in servant leadership and helping our community are encouraged to apply, as the SAHCC Committee Chair stressed the importance and “need for more women in public service.”

LLI is a six-month, issue-neutral, non-partisan program and focuses on changing the landscape so that more women will serve on local, state, federal, corporate or non-profit boards and commissions.

“As an alumna, I developed both professionally and civically by participating in the program,” LLI Committee Co-Chair, Brandy Weitzel, shared. “I was inspired, encouraged, and motivated. I even developed a deeper appreciation for my own culture and heritage. All Latina women who want to participate should take steps to do so. The journey begins when they apply for Cohort 6.”

LLI Co-Chair, Dr. Karla Duran, also shared her excitement stating that this year is particularly impactful for Latina leaders on a national level as "the First Female Vice-President of the United states was elected and little girls can now see themselves reflected in our country's top leadership." Dr. Duran made reference to her own involvement with the program stating, "I've seen LLI grow since year two when I completed the program, and have served on the steering committee ever since. In my doctoral research, one of my conclusions was that we needed more Latinas mentoring other Latinas and I wanted to be a part of the solution."

"As an ESL teacher and public servant, I work with young immigrant youth to immerse in our beloved United States and show them that if I could do it, they most definitely can too! If we want to impact our future generation and our future leaders, WE must be the change we want to see in the world. LLI'ers are volunteering their time, serving on Commissions, making history, and I can't wait to see what this momentous year of the Woman brings for LLI!” -Dr. Karla Duran, 2021 Co-Chair 

To learn more about the program, you can visit the LLI page on the SAHCC website. Applications will open Monday, March 22 and close Thursday, April 8. Next week there will also be the opportunity for interested applicants to learn more through virtual Info Sessions. They will be held on Thursday, March 25 at 10 a.m. and Friday, March 26 at 12 p.m.

The 2021 LLI program is proud to be led by the following individuals:

2021 Leadership Chair:

Michelle Martinez, Independent Communications Consultant

2021 LLI Co-Chairs:

Dr. Karla Duran, University of the Incarnate Word

Brandy Weitzel, Endeavors

2021 LLI Steering Committee:

Amanda Reyna 

Erica Martinez 

Irene Chavez 

Paulina Sandoval 

Jessica Mueller 

Salena S. Guipzot

Patricia Luna 

Melanie Mendez-Gonzales 

Sara Briseno Gerrish 

Dalia Flores Contreras 

Melanie Tawil 

Claudia Hernandez 

Stacy Ybarra 

Leslie Rangel 

Krystal Nerio-Procell