Our Mission

As a professional development organization that also provides board readiness, the purpose of Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy (ELLA) is to provide Latinas with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to succeed in their chosen careers and become leaders in their fields. Through this dual focus, ELLA aims to increase the representation of Latinas on boards, promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership roles, and promote Latinas' voices to be included in Columbus Ohio's crucial decision-making. By offering training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, ELLA seeks to empower Latinas to advance professionally, break down barriers, and achieve their full potential as leaders who can positively impact their communities and society as a whole.

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"ELLA has pushed me to see myself differently as a person as well as a working professional. I am now much more secure in myself and am reminded that it’s okay to mess up and that I will mess up time and time again so I’ll be sure to be extra kind to myself the next time it happens. To be surrounded by such amazing women is a great honor and strives me to be brave enough to just go for the things I want."

Natalie Sanchez-Carrillo
"ELLA has meant the world to me. I look forward to every session and event I get to see my hermanas at. ELLA created an environment for us to be our true, authentic, raw selves, without fear of judgment. That's been an invaluable part of the experience I wouldn't trade for the world!"

Anastasia Martinez
"ELLA has reinforced in me that there is strength in numbers. It's inspiring to be connected to Latina women from different backgrounds. Even though we are all different we can learn so much from each other. I am grateful to have been apart of cycle 14, and to have met and learned from so many inspiring women, this experience has truly inspired me, and I cant wait to see what my hermanas and I accomplish."

Erika Hidalgo
"ELLA is a community of boss women that have inspired me to take up space as a Latina, unapologetically. I am grateful to have gained a network of hermanas and am excited to see how we will all continue to grow."

Annabel Marina Meleán
"The ELLA experience has been life changing. When I first moved to Ohio a few years ago, I was worried I would not find a Latinx community like the one I grew up with in Chicago, IL. But ELLA and my new sisters have made me feel like a have a piece of home here in Ohio. The sisterhood is vast and full of love and wisdom that is generously passed down to every new mentee. This makes me hopeful for a future when my daughter and her generation can one day feel as supported, as loved, and as equipped to take on the world as ELLA has made me feel this cycle."

Denise Harrison
"ELLA taught me how to stand tall and confident in my work. I was given tools that I know I can use for the rest of my life. From expression to finances to vulnerability; ELLA was very versatile in its teachings."

Xitlali Guadalupe Ernst
"Joining ELLA has been a valuable investment in my personal and professional development. I have learned so much from my peers. These relationships have evolved into long-lasting professional connections and friendships, and I know they will continue to provide support and guidance throughout my life."

Amy Meade
"ELLA helped me feel comfortable being my authentic self, gave the tools to give the next steps on my professional journey and helped me connect with amazing people, like my mentor, mis hermanas and the incredible ELLA staff!"

Geraldine Guillaumin Rodriguez