LLI Steering Committee and Co-Chair Elect Applications Now Open for LLI 10

Join the Legacy:

Applications Now Open for LLI 10! 


As we prepare to celebrate a decade of empowering Latina leaders, we invite you to be part of the legacy. Applications are now open for the 2025 LLI 10 Steering Committee and the 2025-2026 LLI 10 Co-Chair Elect positions!


This is a unique opportunity to forge the future, lead with purpose and make a lasting impact on our community. As we mark 10 years of leadership and growth, we're looking for passionate individuals ready to take the next step in their leadership journey.

Why Apply?

Be a part of the legacy: Join us in celebrating 10 years of the Latina Leadership Institute.

Lead with purpose: Play a key role in guiding the next generation of Latina leaders.

Empower your community: Help us continue our mission of empowering Latinas to lead with confidence and strength.


Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now to be a part of this exciting milestone and help us create an unforgettable 10th year for LLI!



Application Requirements:

To complete your application, please have the following materials ready for submission:

  • Short Answer Questions
  • 1-2 Professional References
  • Resume
  • Document Outlining: Your professional achievements, civic engagement participation, leadership positions, leadership programs, and any boards or commissions you currently serve on.
  • Current Headshot/Professional Profile Photo
  • Bio: (Required for Co-Chair Elect applications)
  • Employer Commitment Form: [Download here]

Interview Process:

After careful review of all applications, a select number of applicants will be invited to the final step in the process: a 20-minute in-person interview with LLI 10 Co-Chairs, Laura Elizabeth Mayes and Lily Garcia.

  • Interviews will be held at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce office, 3600 General Hudnell Dr. San Antonio, TX 78226
  • Interview dates: Thursday, October 3, and Friday, October 4, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
    Please mark your calendar for these dates if you are selected for an interview, as interviews will only be conducted during these times.

Applications deadline: Monday September 23, 2024 11:59pm CT

Meet Your Co-Chairs for LLI 10:

Laura Elizabeth Mayes

Assistant Vice President, WSP


Born and raised in McAllen, Texas, Mayes has more than 18 years of experience in strategic communications, public engagement and marketing. Laura is an Assistant Vice President with WSP, where she leads her clients’ public engagement efforts on complex infrastructure and transportation projects. 

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    Prior to joining WSP, Laura managed communications, marketing and public engagement efforts in both the public and private sectors. Her experience includes leading communications during the City of San Antonio’s COVID-19 response, public affairs support for Fortune 500 clients and successful political campaigns. She began her career in her hometown with the City of McAllen, where she created and managed the City’s social media presence, coordinated media relations for local, regional and national entities and communications for citywide initiatives and crisis situations. 


    Laura is also a proud first-generation law student at St. Mary’s University School of Law. She is a first-generation college graduate of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and a graduate of the inaugural class of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Latina Leadership Institute. Mayes has also completed the Alex Briseño Leadership Development Program and Leadership San Antonio Class 46. She also served on the steering committee for Leadership San Antonio Class 47. 


    Laura is happily married and is the proud mother to her daughter Marisa and her rescue pup Jean Luc. She spends her free time cooking, reading, running or enjoying a Broadway show.

Lily Garcia

Marketing Director of #IhaveaCPAguy


A proud UTSA alum with a passion for helping others in her community! With a Bachelor's degree in International Business under her belt, she's taken her skills and knowledge to the next level where she served on the Steering Committee for the Latina Leadership Institute within the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.



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    As the Marketing Director for #IhaveaCPAguy (Robert Garcia CPA, PLLC), Lily works alongside her husband Robert Garcia (aka #CPAguy) to support the Micro and Small Business community.


    Together, they've built a strong community around the #IhaveaCPAguy brand, dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs by providing access to financial knowledge and resources,

    advocating for their needs at the local and state levels, and offering scholarships to future community leaders.


    Lily truly believes that small businesses are the heart of San Antonio - and she's not stopping there! Lily also serves on the Board of Directors for The Board Room Project and the Startup Chica Committee for Latinitas, continuing to give back to her community in meaningful ways.

About the Hispanic Leadership Development Foundation:

The mission of the Hispanic Leadership Development Foundation 501(c)3 is to remove barriers of past discrimination in the San Antonio workforce and fill a void in the San Antonio community by providing a number of accessible and affordable activities, which are designed to target small, minority and women owned businesses and minority youth, who require education and support to become leaders in the San Antonio community. The Foundation also educates participants on policy issues affecting the civic and economic well-being of the community and create a larger pool of knowledgeable, skilled and active leaders.


Structure of the 501(c)3 organization: The Hispanic Leadership Development Foundation is structured under the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. All leadership and educational programs are run through the foundation.