Meet the Multicultural Leadership Academy
2023 Cohort Graduates
About the Program
The Multicultural Leadership Academy (MLA), formerly known as the Illinois Latino Nonprofit Leadership Academy, is a program that aims to provide a diverse group of civic leaders with the leadership skills needed to facilitate collaboration between Latinos and African-Americans through intercultural collaboration and social action. Each year, around 24 civic leaders are selected to participate in our six-month leadership training program. Applicants must be sponsored by organizations committed to serving communities of color throughout Illinois.
Program Curriculum
The Academy’s core learning competencies for participants and their organizations include:
- Arts Expression: Using the arts as a catalyst for individual and group creativity and innovation.
- Intercultural Understanding: Fostering an understanding of Illinois’ Latino and African-American communities and identify their common interests.
- Social Change, Policy Action & Community Improvement: Collaborating via ‘affinity groups’ on how to create a better, more equitable Illinois through social change, policy action, and community improvement.
- Transformational Leadership: Leading the way for change by uplifting, motivating, and inspiring others with a clear vision and establishing a compelling moral and ethical framework.
Participant Benefits
The Academy will:
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Foster a space where multicultural leaders can develop their skills as leaders and visionaries while enhancing their effectiveness as agents of social change, policy impact, and community improvement.
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Contribute to a cohesive network of leaders committed to improving their communities through the establishment of intercultural relationships and trust.
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Understand how racial and ethnic groups become assets to transformational leadership and collaborative social action.
Cost
Participants will be selected regardless of their ability to contribute to the financial cost of the program. The Latino Policy Forum subsidizes 70 percent of tuition. A contribution of $2,500 per individual is requested. Scholarships are available to cover the individual contribution based on the need of the applicant/organization.
For more information, contact NiCole Ward at academy@latinopolicyforum.org