HOPE Leadership Institute
HOPE Leadership Institute
Launched in 1999, the HOPE Leadership Institute® (HLI) is HOPE’s flagship leadership development program and has been a statewide program from its inception. It was the first program in California created by and for Latinas, designed to reflect and honor the Latina experience and leadership lens. Today, while HLI continues to center this perspective as its foundation, the program is inclusive and welcomes participants from all backgrounds who seek to learn from the Latina leadership experience and apply these approaches to strengthen their own leadership and civic impact.
The original goal of HLI was to train Latinas in the necessary advocacy skills and to develop a support system enabling them to create fundamental changes in health, education, and economic development, thereby fostering viable and healthy communities statewide. This founding vision continues to guide the Institute today, even as it has grown into a robust statewide leadership pipeline.
About
Over the past two decades, HLI has expanded and evolved into a statewide leadership pipeline that engages mid-career professionals across California. What began as a pioneering effort to address the absence of Latina voices in leadership has developed into a proven model that strengthens individual leadership capacity while cultivating a powerful, intergenerational network of alumni.
Through its nine-month cohort-based structure (January through September), HLI provides participants with in-depth training in leadership, civic engagement, and professional development. The program is grounded in the Latina leadership lens, elevating cultural strengths, lived experiences, and values such as community, resilience, and service. At the same time, it creates an inclusive space where participants from all backgrounds can learn from these approaches to advance equitable and effective leadership.
Today, HLI graduates serve in elected office, on local and state boards and commissions, and in executive roles across nonprofit, public, and private sectors. Collectively, they are advancing systemic change across California and strengthening our democracy by ensuring that decision-making reflects the voices, perspectives, and contributions of all communities.
Objectives
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Understand and actively engage with the local, state, and national political processes.
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Develop individual and group competencies to become effective advocates on issues that impact communities and leaders.
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Analyze, design, and implement strategies to advance sound policies and create meaningful, lasting change.
Program Components
Session 1: Frame California’s political process, and power mapping to identify who’s in charge and who has influence; understand how power is used in a democracy. Gain first-hand experience in campaign strategy: aligning political interests, winning, and the impact on governing. Identify the need for leader leadership by examining gender and ethnic disparities.
Session 2: Enhance advocacy efforts by sharpening messaging skills and community engagement strategies
Session 3: Determine California’s priorities by understanding the budgetary process and its impact on local communities. Develop competency in analyzing legislative proposals and its funding in order to mobilize constituents and persuade officials.
Session 4: An indepth look at the social and economic sectors of the Central Valley and how they interplay in the state’s economy. Personal development session.
Session 5: Session on the federal political and budgetary processes.
Capstone Project: A 6 month long group project designed to develop effective advocates that are in tune with their communities and to hone the individual storytelling, messaging, and research skills of program participants. At the end of this capstone project, participants will better understand advocacy opportunities at the local, state and federal level and how to use their voice to educate their networks, engage stakeholders, and influence decision-makers around an issue that is impacting their community.
Participant Profile
To be eligible for the HLI, applicants must:
- Reside in California.
- Be a recognized community leader with at least 5 years of leadership experience — for example, serving on a nonprofit board or government commission.
- Be a mid- or high-level professional ready for the next step in your career and leadership role in your community.
HOPE programs are open to all qualified individuals. While our curriculum centers Latina experiences as a learning lens, participation is inclusive of all backgrounds.
Competencies
After completion of the program participants are expected to have developed the following competencies:
Communication & Influence
- Deliver effective public presentations with clarity and confidence.
- Craft persuasive written communications for diverse audiences, including editorials and opinion pieces.
- Develop messaging strategies that connect with stakeholders and inspire action.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Strengthen personal and professional leadership capacity.
- Build and sustain networks with leaders across sectors and regions.
- Foster collaboration through coalition building and community organizing.
- Cultivate relationships that expand professional and civic opportunities.
Civic Knowledge & Engagement
- Analyze the dynamics of local, state, and national political processes.
- Engage with elected and appointed officials to understand governance and decision-making.
- Incorporate diverse perspectives and regional experiences into leadership approaches.
- Conduct policy research and evaluate legislation to inform community priorities.
Advocacy & Strategic Action
- Design and advance public policy agendas that address community needs.
- Apply tools of advocacy to influence decision-making and mobilize constituents.
- Develop and execute campaign strategies that build visibility and impact.
- Understand the role of fundraising in advancing civic and policy initiatives.
Connect with the HOPE Leadership Institute
HOPE Leadership Institute Sponsors
The HLI is made possible by a grant from
HLI Strategic Partners
Contact
To learn more about the HOPE Leadership Institute, please contact Lea Gonzalez, Senior Program Manager.