The East Valley Leadership Program at Hispanic Leadership Institute

10-Week Hispanic Leadership Program in East Valley

The East Valley Hispanic Leadership Institute runs for 10 weeks from February through April, with evening sessions at Mesa Community College and locations throughout the region. You'll acquire the credentials and capabilities to serve on nonprofit boards, government commissions, and community leadership councils, where you'll champion East Valley residents.

Valle del Sol founded the Hispanic Leadership Institute to expand Latino civic power across Arizona. HLI East Valley advances this mission by developing leaders in the state's fastest-growing region. You'll learn alongside a diverse cohort while building relationships with 2,000+ alumni leading across business, education, and government. The program moves through different East Valley locations, connecting you directly with regional decision-makers.

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Is HLI East Valley Right for You?

HLI East Valley serves Latino leaders and community allies from Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Gilbert, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, and surrounding communities who are ready to transform how leadership operates in their region.

The program brings together:

Professionals seeking board and commission appointments to influence local policy
Community members developing advocacy skills for East Valley neighborhoods
Business leaders expanding their civic engagement and regional connections
Educators and nonprofit staff preparing for formal leadership positions
Residents from all backgrounds committed to diverse voices in decision-making

Board experience isn't necessary. What you need is commitment to East Valley communities, readiness to learn how power functions locally, and determination to create space for excluded perspectives.

East Valley's future depends on leaders like you. Start here.

Your East Valley Leadership Experience

HLI East Valley brings you face-to-face with Arizona's top business owners, policy experts, and government officials for honest conversations about leadership and Latino community priorities. Meeting weekly in different locations, you'll engage with people who control budgets and set policy while exploring how your experiences translate into effective advocacy. The curriculum builds from where you are now, focusing on professional growth and community-level change.

You'll develop skills in board governance, public communication, and strategic planning while analyzing how decisions get made in East Valley cities. Sessions cover leadership assessment, cultural identity, ethics, media engagement, and meeting facilitation. Each class connects learning to real service opportunities, preparing you to lead with competence and cultural grounding.

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How to Apply to East Valley Leadership Program

Applications open in September and close in December. The program starts in January. Our selection process identifies people who demonstrate commitment to East Valley communities and readiness to challenge barriers limiting Latino participation in leadership. You'll complete a 30-minute interview exploring your regional vision and planned contributions.

Here’s what you’ll need to apply:

Completed Online Application: Compose responses separately, then paste them into the online form, ensuring they’ve captured your thoughts.
Letter of Recommendation: One letter describing your leadership abilities and community engagement.
Current Resume: Include your professional background and community involvement history.
Interview Participation: A 30-minute conversation about your leadership goals and what you hope to gain from HLI.

Participation costs $1,000, covering the complete 10-week curriculum, retreat, and access to our alumni network across Arizona. All participants must attend the mandatory Leadership Institute retreat, with details provided after acceptance. This investment develops your ability to serve effectively and advocate powerfully for East Valley communities.

Take your place at the table. Apply now.