On Thursday, September 4, the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley (HFSV) held an event to celebrate the Latino Board Leadership Academy (LBLA). It was a powerful reflection on legacy, impact, and the promise of what’s to come. Founded in 2011, LBLA was a trailblazer in addressing the lack of Latino representation on nonprofit boards across Silicon Valley. Over 27 academy cohorts, the program has graduated 766 fellows, with 70% now serving on the boards of more than 100 Bay Area nonprofits. These leaders have not only elevated their own careers but have infused the nonprofit sector with cultural insight, lived experience, and visionary leadership.

The evening opened with heartfelt gratitude to all who believed in the mission, the facilitators who shaped the journey, and the community that nurtured LBLA’s growth. But it was also a moment of transition. HFSV announced that LBLA would be transitioning to the Center for Excellence in Nonprofits (CEN), marking a new chapter for the academy. When LBLA launched, it stood alone in its mission. Today, a robust ecosystem of leadership programs from many nonprofits and foundations has emerged to continue building diverse leadership pipelines. This new presence of organizations allows HFSV to hand off this powerful program to CEN who will carry this work through a new era.

This “spin-off,” in true Silicon Valley fashion, ensures LBLA’s continued vitality while allowing HFSV to refocus its efforts on another urgent challenge: Latino underrepresentation in STEM. Despite making up over 25% of Silicon Valley’s population, Latinos account for just 3% of the STEM workforce. HFSV’s Latinos in Technology Initiative, launched in 2016, has already supported 633 scholars through mentorship, internships, and scholarships. With over 450 graduates now contributing to the region’s innovation economy, the foundation is doubling down on its strategy of Seeding, Cultivating, and Harvesting—sparking early interest in STEM, guiding students through college, and empowering graduates to return as leaders.

CEN, now entrusted with LBLA’s future, embraced the responsibility with humility and determination. In their remarks, they acknowledged the urgency of advancing inclusive leadership, especially as nonprofits face mounting challenges and communities continue to confront systemic inequities. CEN sees how LBLA is a beacon of what’s possible when Latino leaders are empowered to lead with authenticity and purpose. With a relaunch planned for winter 2026, CEN called on the community to sustain their support and help shape the academy’s next chapter.

The evening closed with a unified message: transitions may be bittersweet, but they are also the seeds of new beginnings. As LBLA moves forward under CEN’s stewardship and HFSV deepens its investment in STEM equity, both organizations remain committed to cultivating Latino leadership—on boards, in labs, and across every space where decisions are made. Together, we embody the resilience, vision, and unstoppable spirit of a community determined to thrive and transform the future.