The LLA Leadership Academy aims to provide up and coming Latino professionals with the tools needed to advance in business, community and civic leadership positions.  By partnering with a world renowned academic institution, LLA connects tomorrow’s leaders with the best thinkers in Silicon Valley.  Leadership development for the fastest growing demographic in Silicon Valley and California is critical to harnessing the strength, intelligence, and determination of Latinos to meet current and future challenges. 

“Supervisor Shirakawa’s relationship with Stanford University opened the door to provide the opportunity for this historic collaboration,” stated LLA President Eddie García.  “The LLA is thrilled with the talented participants in Class 1 and excited about this new venture.”

The LLA Leadership Academy is a six-month program focused on leadership concepts, broad local political history, and local Latino political history as well as the intersection of Latinos with business, education, health, and public service.   The six-month program will culminate with a 3-day intensive training hosted by Stanford University and the Haas Center for Public Service on the Stanford campus.  Stanford University is sponsoring this first leadership academy cycle.

LLA Leadership Academy 2010 Participants
Javier Aguirre, Gilroy Unified School Board Member
Diego Barragan, Legislative Aide to Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren
Gustavo Caraveo, Policy Aide to Santa Clara County Supervisor George Shirakawa
Lizandro Carrasco, Luther Burbank School Board Member
Melanie Espino, President, Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley
Javier Gonzalez, President, Silicon Valley Latino Democratic Forum Sandra García, Principal of Adelante Dual Language Academy, Alum Rock Union School District
Bettina Lopez, Principal of Andrew Hill High School, East Side Union High School District
Sylvia Ornelas, Planner, County of Santa Clara Planning Department
Andres Quintero, Airport Commissioner, City of San Jose
Kimberly Rocha, Vice President, First Rate Capital
Andrea Flores Shelton, Communications Director to Santa Clara County Supervisor George Shirakawa

About Latino Leadership Alliance
Created in 2006 to unite Latino leaders to promote a common voice that addresses the interests of our   community, and to identify, develop, and support future leadership.  In 2009, Youth Leadership Academy launched in East Side Union High School District. LLA co-founders are: Nora Campos, Xavier Campos, Cindy Chavez, Eddie García, Josue Garcia, Olivia Sosa-Mendiola, George Shirakawa, and Fred Tovar.  Eddie García is the current President.