CLCF Leadership Academy

We want to create a world where people truly understand themselves and others, and are inspired to make a positive difference in everything they do.

The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus believes in engaging and mobilizing the next generation of leaders from all industries. In response to a pressing need for Latino leadership development, the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation (CLCF) launched its Leadership Academy in 2018. This program is designed to bridge leadership gaps in both public and private sectors by creating a robust talent pipeline.

The CLCF Leadership Academy is tailored for mid-level, high-potential professionals who have demonstrated a passion for leadership, civic engagement, and upward mobility. Participants will gain invaluable skills and insights, positioning them as the future leaders of our communities.

Program Timeline: October 2024 - May 2025

Application Deadline: August 30, 2024

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 2024-2025 Cohort

Our curriculum offers:

  • Exclusive Executive Leadership and Management Development: Intensive training to refine leadership and management skills.

  • Individualized Personality Assessments: Tools to understand and enhance leadership styles, enabling participants to lead and influence more effectively.

  • Insights Discovery Partnership: As a partner with Insights Discovery, we provide a transformational experience that brings psychology to life in an accessible, practical model. This helps participants understand their preferred behaviors, strengths, and challenges, fostering greater self-awareness and adaptability in the workplace and beyond.

  • Grow Your Social Network: CLCF is intentionally designed to build the social capital of Latino professionals through this cohort experience. It provides a space where participants bring visibility to the diversity of experiences among Latinos and actively challenge the notion of the Latino monolith.

  • Access to Community, Civic, and Industry Leaders: Direct engagement with leaders to gain insights into Chicago-specific issues and develop sustainable solutions.

  • One-on-One Executive Coaching: Personalized feedback from seasoned professionals to support individual growth and development.

Leadership Academy Requirements

We seek applicants from diverse backgrounds who bring a variety of perspectives, education, and experiences. Ideal candidates come from the public, private and non-profit sectors, are self-employed professionals, or are entrepreneurs.

 

To be considered for the CLCF Leadership Academy, applicants must preferably meet 4 of the following 5 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

  • Civic engagement evidenced by previous campaign attempts or political involvement, active engagement in community organizing, advocacy, or political campaigns, showcasing a commitment to public service and governance.

  • Dedication to continued learning such as participating in relevant workshops, seminars, or leadership and/or educational programs aimed at developing political acumen or leadership skills.

  • Advanced degree 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 any 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 stating full acknowledgement and support for 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. That means the application process is very competitive. Fellows are permitted 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

How to Pay:

  • Pay in full when accepted.

  • Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Ask your employer for support. Many organization have a fund dedicated to supporting employees by covering the cost of professional development.

  • Payment Plans: Under certain circumstances, CLCF provides payment plans. If you need a payment plan, a clear request and timeline must be submitted in writing to the Executive Director by the retreat.

2024-2025 SESSION DATES

are you a future leader?

Application Deadline: August 30, 2024
Program Timeline: October 2024 - May 2025