Thursday, September 19, 2024

Chicano Federation Relaunches Leadership Training Program

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Announcing the Re-Launch Of The Leadership Training Institute

After 20 years, Chicano Federation of San Diego County is excited to announce they are bringing back the Leadership Training Institute (LTI) Fellows Program.

The LTI, introduced and implemented by the Federation in 1985, is a 10-month program designed to cultivate and amplify the capabilities of exceptional individuals from the Latine community. The program equips them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and networks to transform their individual resources into the collective power needed to become successful community organizers and movement builders. One of the most significant measures of social movements’ impact is the long-term development of the leadership and collective capacity required to achieve institutional change. To achieve this impact, the LTI Fellows Program will cover culturally relevant topics that align with the mission of the Chicano Federation and address the specific needs and aspirations of the Latine community. Training topics include: Cultural History and Identity, Equality, Equity and Social Justice, Educational Equity, Immigration and Citizenship, among others. Each program participant will be paired with an experienced professional for a full-year mentorship engagement. Additionally, in partnership with UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, graduates will receive a certificate and four college credits after the completion of the program.

An LTI committee, comprised of civic and community leaders such as San Diego County Supervisor Chairwoman Nora Vargas and San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera, have been dedicating their time to designing the program and curriculum to reflect the challenges and issues that are present today.

LTI alumni have also been participating and supporting the revival of the program because of the impact this program has had on them and the community.

“Beyond the network and connections made, LTI reminded me of who I am (and should be) as a Chicano and an advocate. The social and knowledge capital I learned have been invaluable tools throughout my 30-year career,” shared Robert Villarreal, Chief External Affairs Officer at Momentus Capital and 1994 LTI graduate.

Sofia Salgado-Robitaille, Executive Director at Southwestern College Foundation and 1993 LTI graduate had this to say: “The LTI program helped mold the leader I am today. I was a shy, introverted observer who has transformed into a confident Latina Leader. Not only did I benefit from the leadership skills and training, but so did my employers as I presented new perspectives and connections to a community they wanted to reach for its economic and social power.”

You are invited to support and get involved with the Leadership Training Institute and the Chicano Federation. With your investment, you can support a launchpad for Latine leaders to visualize and own their leadership roles in ending inequities. Together, we can build strong and inclusive communities!

For more information, please visit www.chicanofederation.org or call (619) 285-5600.

Danitza Villanueva
Danitza Villanueva
Danitza Villanueva was born in San Diego but spent her youth with her family in Tijuana and grew up on both sides of the border. She has transferred her unique insight of cross-border culture, trends and philanthropy to her business and community interests. Danitza attended high school at The Academy of Our Lady of Peace and became the first woman from her family to graduate from college. She has two degrees, one from Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Fashion Marketing, and a second from San Diego Christian College in Communications. After starting GB Magazine with Esteban Villanueva in 2007, she has gone on to win awards and recognition from the community for her support of helping raise millions of dollars non-profit organizations. Currently she sits on the Board of Directors of the Academy of Our Lady of Peace and resides in East County in San Diego where she and her husband Esteban run DAESVI Publishing, home to GB Magazine, among several other publications.

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