Jessica R. Sanchez
Co-Founder + National Director
Latina Leaders x Design is an initiative envisioned by the coalition of Henry Ford Learning Institute, the Eva Longoria Foundation, and Momento Latino to help young U.S. Latinas change their short- and long-term educational, professional, and economic trajectories.
Original research from the Eva Longoria Foundation finds that while Latinas are highly ambitious, the barriers to their educational and economic attainment are created and perpetuated by systemic racial and gender inequalities and prevent them from reaching their goals.
Latina Leaders x Design launched last summer in collaboration with local organizations and leaders in Detroit and San Antonio. In Summer 2023, we are building on those early experiences to offer an even more meaningful experience in Detroit and San Antonio.
Each site will provide up to 24 young women – Latina Leaders – with a 4-week experience that centers around a community-connected challenge. Teams of participants will use a powerful process – Design Thinking – to not only develop solution ideas for that challenge, but also their confidence as critical thinkers and creative problem solvers. And they will gain emerging entrepreneurial skills to create change in their community.
At the same time, our Latina Leaders will nurture their self-directed learning, identity as a member of a team, readiness for self-advocacy, and skills for personal leadership through culturally responsive activities.
There is no GPA requirement for participation. There is no cost to enroll in L2xD. In fact, Latina Leaders who complete all requirements of the program will receive a monetary allowance in consideration of work opportunities they might have had to step away from during their time with us.
Parents/guardians play an important role. Your support for your child’s participation and pride in their growth will have a long-lasting impact on their life. And it will also strengthen our ability to nurture an extended, supportive network for continued learning and growth.
Co-Founder + National Director
Community Program Lead – San Antonio
Co-Founder + Advisor
Co-Founder + Advisor
