Press
Chicago Tribune: The next generation of Latino leaders are being forged by the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation
By Darcell Rockett for Chicago Tribune
June 26, 2023
When Ald. Gilbert Villegas, 36th, was shoring up his leadership skills in 2013 in a training session with Leadership Greater Chicago, a civic leadership development organization, he looked around to find only three Latinos in a cohort of 35.
"They were talking about city issues, issues around social justice and us not being at the table and our communities being impacted ... it was something I thought was lacking," he said.
Although there were other organizations offering similar training, none were focused specifically on the Latino community. So he studied other leadership programs already in existence and chose the curriculum that best helped with developing Latino leaders and then created the Leadership Academy for the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation in 2018 with a cohort of 24 Latino fellows.
"We needed to build a pipeline so that we could put forward folks as opportunities came up, whether it was within city government, state government, county government, corporate boards, commissions that both the city and state have where citizens can serve," Villegas said.
Since then, 120 fellows have graduated from the program, said Ald. Michael Rodriguez, 22nd, a lifelong resident of Little Village and a steward of the program as chair of the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation. And of those 120 alumni, a dozen have run for public office, including two elected aldermen, three elected Cook County associate judges and one suburban assessor.
"We know that there's a dearth ofleadership in corporate, executive and nonprofit boards," he said. "It's very important for us to close that gap. The Latino community is growing plurality in the city of Chicago, and the future of our city is dependent upon how well we are able to work to make sure that the Latino community is growing at the significant rate, not just in population but in leadership."
Newly elected Ald. Ruth Cruz, 30th, and Ald. Jeylu Gutierrez, 14th, were part of the 2022 Leadership Academy cohort. Cruz and Gutierrez said the lessons learned within the program helped them secure their current positions. Cruz, a Belmont Cragin resident, was an assistant admissions director at Roosevelt University and Gutierrez, a Brighton Park resident, was a district director for Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya.
Leadership Academy participants attend daylong classes once a month for six months, learning things like management fundamentals, traditional and digital media training, how to run for office, campaign strategies, and public policy and legislation processes. Participants also get assistance in strategic life planning and one on-one sessions of executive coaching.
According to Micaela Vargas, executive director of the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation, the hyperlocal individualized approach is a unique part of the academy programming. A personality assessment tells participants what kind of leadership style they have. An executive coach and a separate life coach work with them to develop a strategic life plan.
"Our approach really isn't just about career, because you are not just what you do. You are a holistic individual. It's who you are at home that permeates through to who you are to your community and then who you are to your job," Vargas said. "The life coach helps to develop what it is that you really want to do - deep diving into what your interests are, where you want to go to come up with benchmarks that a participant can hit over five to seven years."
The annual fundraising efforts that the foundation conducts support the Leadership Academy's programming, facilitators and scholarships for Latino college students. Vargas is looking for grants for a trip where participants can learn more about resources and on-the-ground organizing initiatives happening at the U.S. Texas border or in D.C. and can bring back the knowledge to Chicago.
Villegas said the program now gets more than 150 applications every year. The program has been further diversified and has allowed non-Latinos to apply since 2021. Villegas hopes the program continues to grow as the pipeline grows. He's keen on being able to put their first fellow onto a corporate board.
"They are midlevel professionals who have gone where their gut has led them so far, but most of our cohorts don't have the confidence to really claim what they want," Vargas said. "Jeylu always knew she wanted to run for office, but she never thought she could. Then walking out of the cohort, she said, 'Why not? I have a network behind me. I have supporters. Why can't I?' Same thing with Ruth. As a nonprofit, we support our fellows by making sure that they have the alumni network supporting them."
Gutierrez said the skills she learned in the Leadership Academy helped her throughout her campaign. "Time management, how to address interviews with the press ... I've never had any other time to learn that. It was my first time," she said. "Without it, I could have pursued the position, but I'm so glad and blessed that I had this opportunity, because it shaped me and gave me more tools for my campaign and for the work that I'm now doing as an elected official."
Cruz agrees. Having joined several committees on Chicago's City Council, she is looking forward to getting a library and a youth center built in the Avondale neighborhood. She wants to create avenues for more community involvement within her ward - including creating a community zoning committee and a youth committee.
"That's one of the reasons I ran," Cruz said. "I want to make sure that we build a progressive ward office that is transparent but accessible to all of our residents. What we learned throughout the Leadership Academy is how to be intentional, how to use our leadership skills to be able to bring people together and make sure that everyone has an opportunity to express their voice and to be heard."
Cruz said the academy was "one of the most rewarding experiences" that she's ever been part of and considers her fellow cohort participants to be family. Gutierrez appreciates the connections she's made with cohort fellows and said she is blessed to advocate for her communities.
"I would definitely encourage people to apply because we need more seats at the table and more Latinos to be involved in all these different positions," Gutierrez said. "I need to prove myself, but I'm confident that I have the knowledge and willingness to do better in our ward."
Villegas said the intent "is to get folks engaged and spark that leadership that we all have in us and train folks on it."
"It's been humbling to see how far we've come and to have two people that are now my colleagues," the alderman said. "It's pretty cool."
The Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation's Leadership Academy applications open in August. The next cohort begins in October.
The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus and its Foundation Elects New 2023-2025 Executive Committee
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2023
CHICAGO – The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus is proud to announce its new 2023-2025 Executive Committee. The Latino Caucus unanimously elected Alderperson Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) as Chair of the Caucus. She assumed the position effective Wednesday, May 24, 2023 and succeeded Alderperson Gilbert Villegas (36). The Latino Caucus is pleased to share the new Executive Committee listed here.
● Chair, Alderperson Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez (33)
● Vice Chair, Alderperson Andre Vasquez (40)
● Treasurer, Alderperson Jessie Fuentes (26)
● Secretary, Alderperson Ruth Cruz (30)
“I am deeply honored to be the first Latina to Chair the Latino caucus and I look forward to working with my colleagues to put forward an agenda of justice and care for our communities at such a critical time,” said Chairperson Rodriguez-Sanchez. “As Chair, I want to lead our Caucus to imagine all that is possible for our people and work together to make it a reality.”
Originally from Puerto Rico, Alderperson Rodriguez-Sanchez has been a lifelong advocate for public education, labor rights, and the wellbeing of youth and families. She is the Chair of the City Council’s Committee on Health and Human Services.
“With our new leadership team and historic new membership, the Caucus is uniquely positioned to convene stakeholders, educate our colleagues, and facilitate new opportunities for our community,” said newly elected Latino Caucus Vice-Chair Andre Vasquez (40). “Drawing from a broad set of experiences, this new Caucus will pave the way forward to identify what is working in practice – not in theory – and how to scale that impact.”
The Latino Caucus also unanimously re-elected Alderperson Michael D. Rodriguez (22) as the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation (CLCF) Chairman for another two-year term. In his first two-year term, Chairman Rodriguez increased the nonprofit’s fundraising dollars two-fold and doubled the number of college scholarships given to local Chicago students. The Foundation was founded by the Latino Caucus to serve as a vehicle for improving access to higher education by way of scholarships, leadership development, and mentoring opportunities for Chicago's Latino youth and mid-level professionals.
“Serving as Chair of this Foundation is one of the most rewarding positions I hold,” said Chair Rodriguez, “Today, we are proud to elect a CLCF Leadership Academy alumnus, newly elected Alderperson Jeylú Gutiérrez, to our Executive Committee – this is proof our nonprofit is indeed creating a Latino leadership talent pipeline which greatly improves our city.”
The Latino Caucus is pleased to share the new Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation Executive Committee listed here.
● Chair, Alderperson Michael D. Rodriguez (22)
● Vice-Chair, Alderperson Byron Sigcho Lopez (25)
● Treasurer, Alderperson Jeylú Gutiérrez (14)
● Secretary, Alderperson Daniel La Spata (1)
The City Council Latino Caucus includes 15 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chair Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33), the Caucus membership includes: Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1), Ald. Peter Chico (10), Ald. Julia Ramirez (12), Ald. Jeylú Gutiérrez (14), Ald. Michael D. Rodriguez (22), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), Ald. Bryon Sigcho-Lopez (25), Ald. Jessie Fuentes (26), Ald. Ruth Cruz (30), Ald. Felix Cardona (31), Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35), Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36), and Ald. Andres Vasquez (40). Chicago’s Clerk Anna Valencia is an ex-officio member of the Latino Caucus and Latino Caucus Foundation.
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La Fundación Latino Caucus del Concejo Municipal de Chicago Anuncia que suFondo Anual de Becas ya está Aceptando Solicitudes
PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA
Febrero 16, 2023
CHICAGO – La Fundación del Caucus Latino del Concejo Municipal de Chicago (CLCF) se enorgullece en anunciar la apertura de su programa anual de becas de la Fundación para el año académico 2023-2024. El CLCF otorgará más de $200,000 dólares en becas este año. Estas becas proporcionarán a 40 estudiantes calificados de todo Chicago $5,000 para usar en gastos relacionados con la universidad. Los estudiantes interesados pueden presentar su solicitud en línea a través del sitio web de CLCF en https://www.ccclatinocaucus.org/about-scholarships. La fecha límite para presentar la solicitud es el viernes 5 de mayo de 2023 a las 11:59.
“El acceso a la educación superior es clave en la lucha por el futuro de nuestra comunidad,” dijo el concejal Michael Rodríguez, presidente de la Fundación del Caucus Latino de Chicago. “Debemos continuar invirtiendo en nuestros estudiantes porque tendrán un tremendo impacto en el futuro de Chicago y más allá.”
La Fundación ha proporcionado $780,000 en becas a 156 estudiantes desde 2016. Los miembros del Caucus Latino, incluida la Secretaria Municipal Anna Valencia, miembro ex oficio, se comprometen a recaudar fondos a través de su gala anual, que se ha convertido en un evento repleto de estrellas a lo largo de los años.
“Estas becas pueden cambiar el camino en la vida de un estudiante, $5,000 realmente pueden ser la diferencia entre ir a la universidad o no ir a la universidad,”dijo Micaela Vargas, directora ejecutiva de la Fundación del Caucus Latino de Chicago.
“Estoy muy orgulloso del trabajo de la Fundación del Caucus Latino de Chicago. Como concejal, ayudo a miles de residentes por año, pero la beca CLCF es una de las formas más impactantes en las que puedo ayudar a los jóvenes de mi comunidad,” dijo el concejal Carlos Ramírez-Rosa, Distrito 35.
La Fundación del Caucus Latino de Chicago (501c3) fue fundada por el Caucus Latino para servir como vehículo para mejorar el acceso a la educación superior a través de becas, pasantías y oportunidades de tutoría para la juventud latina de Chicago. El Caucus Latino del Concejo Municipal incluye 13 miembros de toda la ciudad. Representan barrios tan diversos como el propio Chicago. Además del presidente Gilbert Villegas (36), la membresía del Latino Caucus incluye: Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. Anabel Abarca (12), Ald. Michael Rodríguez (22), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), Ald. Bryon Sigcho-López (25), Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Félix Cardona (31), Ald. Rossana Rodríguez (33), Ald. Carlos Ramírez-Rosa (35), y Ald. Andrés Vázquez (40). La secretaria de Chicago, Anna Valencia, es miembro ex oficio del Latino Caucus y de la Fundación Latino Caucus.
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The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation Announces its Annual Scholarship Fund is Now Accepting Applications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2023
CHICAGO – The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation (CLCF) is proud to announce the opening of its annual Foundation’s scholarship program for the 2023-2024 academic year. The CLCF will award over $200,000 dollars worth of scholarships this year. These scholarships will provide 40 qualified students from across Chicago with $5,000 to use towards college-related expenses Interested students can apply online via the CLCF website at https://www.ccclatinocaucus.org/about-scholarships. The deadline to submit the application is Friday, May 5, 2023 at 11:59pm.
“Access to higher education is key in the fight for the continued and future success of our community,” said Alderman Michael Rodriguez, Chairman of the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation. “We must continue to invest in our students because they will have a tremendous impact on the future of Chicago and beyond.” The Foundation has provided $780,000 in scholarships to 156 students since 2016. Latino Caucus members, including the City Clerk Anna Valencia – ex-officio member, all commit to fundraising efforts via their signature annual gala which has become a star-studded event over the years.
“These scholarships can change a student’s path in life, $5,000 can really be the difference between going to college and not going to college,” said Micaela Vargas, Executive Director of the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation.
“I am so proud of the work of the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation. An Alderperson can help thousands of residents per year, but nothing I do has as profound an impact as these scholarships,” said Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, 35th Ward.
The Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation (501c3) was founded by the Latino Caucus to serve as a vehicle for improving access to higher education by way of scholarships, internships, and mentoring opportunities for Chicago's Latino youth. The City Council Latino Caucus includes 13 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Gilbert Villegas (36), the Latino Caucus membership includes: Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. Anabel Abarca (12), Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), Ald. Bryon Sigcho-Lopez (25), Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Felix Cardona (31), Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33), Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35), and Ald. Andres Vazquez (40). Chicago’s Clerk Anna Valencia is an ex-officio member of the Latino Caucus and Latino Caucus Foundation.
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The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation Announces its Annual Scholarship Fund is Now Accepting Applications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2022
CHICAGO – The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation (CLCF) is proud to announce the opening of its annual Foundation’s scholarship program for the 2022-2023 academic year. CLCF will award $220,000 dollars worth of scholarships this year, doubling its efforts from last year. That is (44) $5,000 scholarships to qualified students from across Chicago. Students can apply online via the Caucus’ website at www.ccclatinocaucus.org/clcf-scholarship. The deadline to submit the application is Friday, May 27, 2022 at 11:59pm.
“Access to higher education is key in the fight for our Latino communities,” said Alderman Michael Rodriguez, Chairman of the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation. “We must continue to invest in our students because they will have a tremendous impact on the future of Chicago and beyond.”
The Foundation has provided $550,000 in scholarships to 110 students since 2016. Caucus members, including the City Clerk Anna Valencia – ex-officio member, all commit to fundraising efforts via their signature annual gala which has become a star-studded event over the years. This year, the Foundation is doubling the number of scholarships awarded from 22 to 44.
“These scholarships can change a student’s path in life, $5,000 can really be the difference between going to college and not going to college,” said Micaela Vargas, Executive Director of the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation.
“I am so proud of the work the Foundation is doing. An Alderperson can help thousands of residents per year, but little I do has as profound an impact as these scholarships,” said Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, 35th Ward.
The Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation (501c3) was founded by the Latino Caucus to serve as a vehicle for improving access to higher education by way of scholarships, internships, and mentoring opportunities for Chicago's Latino youth. The City Council Latino Caucus includes 13 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Gilbert Villegas (36), the Latino Caucus membership includes: Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. George Cardenas (12), Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), Ald. Bryon Sigcho-Lopez (25), Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Felix Cardona (31), Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33), Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35), and Ald. Andres Vazquez (40). Chicago’s Clerk Anna Valencia is an ex-officio member of the Latino Caucus and Latino Caucus Foundation.
The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation Honors 2021 Recipients of Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation Scholarship
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2021
CHICAGO – The Chicago City Council Latino Caucus Foundation (CLCF) is proud to announce 23 recipients of its annual Foundation’s scholarship for the 2021-2022 academic year. The Foundation awards $5,000 scholarships each year to qualified students from across Chicago.
“Access to higher education is key in the fight for our Latino communities,” said Alderman Michael Rodriguez of the 22nd Ward, Chairman of the Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation. “We must continue to invest in our students because they will have a tremendous impact on the future of Chicago and beyond.”
The Foundation has provided $440,000 in scholarships to 88 students since 2016. Caucus members, including the City Clerk Anna Valencia – ex-officio member, all commit to fundraising efforts via their signature annual gala which has become a star-studded event over the years.
“These scholarships can change a student’s path in life, $5,000 can really be the difference between going to college and not going to college,” said Alderman Gilbert Villegas of the 36th Ward, Chairman of the Latino Caucus.
“I am so proud of the work the Foundation is doing. An Alderman can have an impact on thousands of residents per year, but nothing I do has a larger impact than these scholarships,” said Alderman Silvana Tabares of the 23rd Ward.
The Chicago Latino Caucus Foundation (501c3) was founded by the Latino Caucus to serve as a vehicle for improving access to higher education by way of scholarships, internships, and mentoring opportunities for Chicago's Latino youth. The City Council Latino Caucus includes 13 members from across the city. They represent wards as diverse as Chicago itself. In addition to Chairman Maldonado (26), the Caucus membership includes: Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1), Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10), Ald. George Cardenas (12), Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22), Ald. Silvana Tabares (23), Ald. Bryon Sigcho-Lopez (25), Ald. Ariel Reboyras (30), Ald. Felix Cardona (31), Ald. Rossana Rodriguez (33), Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35), Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36), and Ald. Andres Vazquez (40). Chicago’s Clerk Anna Valencia is an ex-officio member of the Latino Caucus and Latino Caucus Foundation.