Funded by The Castellano Foundation, De Anza College Office of the President, Institute of Community and Civic Engagement and the Professional and Organizational Development Office
Background
In Santa Clara County, Latinas have united to prepare to lead and serve. We have recognized the need to advance the next generation of leaders who will protect the essence of our democratic values on behalf of the many communities we serve.
In late 2007, former Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Blanca Alvarado and the De Anza Institute of Community and Civic Engagement (ICCE) launched the Latina Leadership Project. This project was created to address the collective need for the systematic and intentional cultivation of Latina leadership. The project was founded to provide the space and mechanism for the creation of a network that facilitates and contributes specifically to Latina leadership development and to link existing networks (where appropriate) to support and enhance and/ or expand existing Latina leadership development efforts. The Core planning team identified groups and individuals for the initial dialogue. The dialogue focused on the status of Latina leadership in Santa Clara County. A small group of 25 women explored major perspectives, trends and issues that reflected many of the common collective experiences shared by the broader community of Latina leaders. The series of dialogues were initiated in January 2008. Through guided discussions on topics such as personal experiences, leadership philosophies, challenges and opportunities and voids in the spectrum of Latina leadership development. From these discussions three initial critical / priority focus areas surfaced for the first phase of Latina Leadership Project’s long term vision of systemic and intentional Latina leadership development in Santa Clara County.
1. School Board and Other Elections
On June 4, 2008 , in collaboration with the Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley, a training in electoral politics was offered for Latinas interested in running for elected office as school board member/trustee.
2. Mentorship
The mentorship project desired to reunite, recognize and honor Latina leaders who paved the way through a “Pláticas” (conversation). Expected to occur in September 2010.
3. Existing Latin@ Development Efforts
The development of a Santa Clara County Latina Leadership Resource Manual and Matrix detailing all existing leadership development opportunities. This work is underway. Expected completion date is April 2010 .