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The Central Leadership Program at Hispanic Leadership Institute
16-Week Hispanic Leadership Program in Phoenix
The Central Hispanic Leadership Institute program meets one evening every week for 16 weeks, running from February through May. You'll cultivate the relationships and capabilities needed to serve on boards, participate in community commissions, and advocate for policies strengthening Arizona. Valle del Sol's 50-year commitment to Latino representation drives our work creating pathways for Latino voices to reach decision-making tables across Arizona.
Through this program, you connect directly with Arizona's business executives, education leaders, and government officials. You become part of a 2,000+ alumni network leading across every sector in Arizona, developing both the expertise and relationships to advance what Phoenix neighborhoods need most.
Phoenix Leaders Ready to Challenge Systems
September - December
January - May (16 weeks)
- Candidates will participate in a 30-minute interview process.
- Participants must attend a mandatory Leadership Institute retreat—date and time to be confirmed.
- Program Fee: $1,500
- Government, Non-Profit & Education Fee: $1,250
What You'll Learn in HLI Phoenix
Over 16 weeks, you'll meet Arizona's most influential business owners, education administrators, and government leaders in conversations about power, representation, and change. Sessions address Phoenix-specific challenges while building your understanding of statewide policy and advocacy. You'll explore ethics, cultural identity, leadership assessment, community organizing, media strategy, board service, and effective meeting facilitation.
The curriculum balances skill development with critical analysis of how decisions get made in your city. You'll practice public speaking, learn governance structures, and develop media relations abilities while examining which voices hold influence in Phoenix and why.
Our Alumni
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“I was able to get an inside look at the core issues facing our communities and engage in conversations with highly intelligent people about ways to address those issues in the future.”
Tim Vasquez, HLI Central 2025 -
“I gained valuable skills in connecting with local organizations to foster unity. The program also helped me overcome my fear of public speaking and grow both personally and professionally.”
Esmeralda Sierra, HLI Pinal 2024 -
“We support one another, celebrate milestones, and stay connected through social media, even if we’ve only met once. HLI isn’t just a program, it’s become an important part of my story.”
Victoria Castro Corral, HLI West 2023 -
“What I gained wasn’t just knowledge—it was fuel. HLI empowered me to lead not just with strategy, but with soul—deepening my impact through servant leadership.”
Vanesa Contreras, HLI West 2024
How to Apply to Our Phoenix Leadership Program
Applications open in September and close in December. The program starts in February. We select participants who demonstrate commitment to Phoenix and readiness to challenge inequities in how leadership operates. Your 30-minute interview lets us discuss your goals and vision for the community.
Here’s what you’ll need to have:
- Completed Online Application: Reflect on your answers and prepare them separately before pasting them into the online form.
- Letter of Recommendation: One letter describing your leadership capacity and community involvement.
- Current Resume: Highlight your professional experience and community engagement.
- Interview Participation: A 30-minute discussion about your goals and how you'll contribute to Phoenix.
The program costs $1,500, covering all 16 weeks of curriculum, retreat, and lifetime access to our alumni network statewide. All participants must attend the mandatory Leadership Institute retreat, with specific dates and timing provided upon acceptance. This is an investment in your capacity to create the Phoenix you want to see.
Find your voice and lead with purpose. Apply today.
