Crisis! Latinos Face the Largest Executive Leadership Gap of Any Demographic Group and It’s Growing!

LIDERAMOS FELLOWS CELEBRATE AT THE 2019 NATIONAL LATINO LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM
The Latino executive leadership gap was smaller in 1990 than today. In 1990, Latinos represented 8% of U.S. workforce participation and held 3% of executive leadership positions, a relatively narrow gap of five percentage points. 20 years later, the U.S. Latino workforce participation has more than doubled, increasing to nearly 20%. Yet, Latino representation in executive leadership has remained largely unchanged, widening this gap to 450%. Without intervention, the Latino executive leadership gap is on track to increase to 600% by 2050.
No business or organization is immune to the implications of this gap. Today’s visionary leaders understand the business and social value of building a pipeline of diverse talent to fill their management and executive leadership teams. But doing so quickly and effectively can be a challenge for organizations no matter their size, sector, or industry.

What we can do:
Understand Latinos are an economic, workforce, and social superpower. 
Latinos contribute their skills, talents, and labor to various industries, driving innovation, productivity, and economic competitiveness. By recognizing the contributions and influence of Latinos today, decision-makers can design long-term talent strategies to strengthen a diverse and dynamic workforce.

Make real investments to yield real success. 
Currently, only 0.5% of Latinos have access to professional development opportunities tailored to their unique experiences. Investing in and supporting Latino talent through ERGs and BRGs in collaboration with organizations like the LLI unlocks Latino professional confidence, enhances decision-making skills, and provides social capital for career advancement.

Expand and include the Latino experience in DEI strategies and efforts. 
Adding a Latino lens to DEI recognizes the diverse Latino experience, ensures representation, addresses intersectionality, promotes cultural competence, and positively impacts business and society. This inclusion in existing DEI initiatives helps foster a supportive environment, empowering Latinos to contribute diverse perspectives and drive organizational success.

It’s Our Time
Joelle Martinez, LLI President & CEO, Speaks at Sports Business Journal Conference in Los Angeles

On April 20, 2023, Joelle Martinez delivered a dynamic keynote speech on unlocking Latino potential, combining data, personal narratives, and actionable solutions.“Joelle’s keynote speech on Unlocking Latino Potential is unparalleled. She contextualizes data and research, weaves in storytelling from history and her own experience, and inspires audiences to bring what they’ve learned to future conversations and decision-making.”

– China L. Jude
VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Denver Broncos Football Club
To learn more about Joelle’s keynote speaking, contact us at info@latinoslead.org.LLI’s Ignite Program Empowers Over 100 U.S. Latino Professionals in Leadership Development in Q1 AloneThrough Ignite, Latino professionals across the U.S. gain valuable insights, tools, and resources to enhance their leadership abilities, propelling them to excel in their careers and make a meaningful impact in their respective fields. 

In addition to providing public cohorts, the LLI has partnered with organizations to bring Ignite directly to their ERGs.

Q1 Ignite participants:Average 38 years of age Work in 17 states12 organizational partners 50% are in a senior management or executive role Learn MoreThe LLI unlocks the full economic and social potential of Latinos by preparing, connecting, and elevating Latino leaders and entrepreneurs.