CLCF Leadership Academy

The Latino Caucus believes in engaging and mobilizing the next generation of leaders from all industries. As a result, in 2018 the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation launched its exclusive CLCF Leadership Academy to create a much needed talent pipeline to fulfill leadership gaps in both the public and private sectors. The CLCF Leadership Academy is specifically geared for mid-level high-potential professionals with a proven track record and passion for leadership, civic engagement, and potential for upward mobility.

Program Timeline: October 2023 - May 2024

Application Deadline: September 15, 2023

Expected time commitment for program:

  • One 2-day retreat in October

  • 48 hours of classroom programing (one Friday per month, November - May)

  • Approximately 7 hours of personal 1:1 executive coaching

  • Totaling approximately 100 hours of commitment to the program for the duration of the 7-month program

Please see here for all session dates for the 2023-2024 Cohort

Our curriculum offers:

  • Exclusive executive leadership and management development

  • Individualized personality assessments to understand and improve leadership styles and tenets so that fellows can lead and influence more effectively

  • Access to community, civic, and industry leaders throughout the program to ensure participants understand issues specific to Chicago and how to potentially offer sustainable solutions

  • One-on-one executive coaching by seasoned professionals who can develop and provide necessary personalized feedback

Leadership Academy Requirements

It is important to attract applicants from all backgrounds who can offer diversity of thought, education, and experiences. Applicants from the public and private sectors, self-employed professionals and entrepreneurs, are ideal participants for this cohort experience. 

 
 

To be considered for the CLCF Leadership Academy, applicants must meet preferably 3 of the 4 following criteria:

  • Mid-level professional with minimum 7 years experience

  • Demonstrated leadership track record either through current position, or Chairmanship/Presidency on a professional board or organization

  • Desire to run for elected office evidenced by previous attempts, completion of prior training programs such as Illinois Women's Institute for Leadership or the Edgar Fellows Program

  • Advanced degree (preferred) or the equivalent of a proven track record of entrepreneurship and/or sustainable self-employed and/or business owner

Interested applicants must be referred by the following sources:

  • Nomination or sponsorship letter from elected official, City of Chicago Commissioner, Board Chairman, Company President, Company Investor and/or CLCF Advisory Council Member

  • 2 Letters of Recommendation

  • Employer Letter of Support to ensure attendance to all sessions

“I honestly could not have anticipated what this experience would be and how it would impact me not only in my career, but in my self-growth and self-love. It truly has become a foundational stepping point in my pathway to the C-Suite and I am certain that this experience is one that will mark my journey for years to come."

Rocio Garcia
2021 CLCF Leadership Academy Fellow

 

PROGRam Cost

The CLCF Leadership Academy is a proven professional development and leadership training program that is significantly subsidized through private and corporate sponsorship. The cost of this executive education program offers significant value compared to other similar programs. Fellows are permitted to write or raise the costs associated with the program. The CLCF does offer charitable waivers on a case-by-case basis for Fellows who are unable to write or raise the costs associated with the program.

Program costs are tiered according to a fellows employer as follows:

  • Nonprofit and government employees: $1,500

  • Entrepreneurs and independent contractors: $2,000

  • Private Sector: $2,500

2023-2024 SESSION DATES

are you a future leader?

Application Deadline: September 15, 2023
Program Timeline: October 2023 - May 2024