As we enter into the 10th week of the shelter in place order we are reminded of the strength and resilience of our Latinx community in Silicon Valley. Last week, Class XV of Santa Clara County, which consisted of 35 Latinx professionals, graduated from our Latino Board Leadership Academy. With social distancing taking effect after the first session, the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley quickly pivoted to online instruction for the remainder of the academy. The power of connecting in person was put on hold. Yet, our first online cohort persevered, managed to build relationships virtually, attended board match night, and graduated.
“The program exceeded my expectations. I feel much more confident and prepared to join a non-profit board. The program gave me the skills and tools to make a difference in the community. Additionally, the program connected like-minded quality people through this program.”, one of the fellows shared.
Class XVI of the LBLA already began with 30 Latinx professionals in the cohort. Needless to say, shelter in place is not deterring our Latinx leaders from serving on nonprofit boards. This year, the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley is set to have 65 Senior Fellows from across different sectors in our community ready to serve as nonprofit board members, adding to over 400 Senior Fellows.
A first generation Latina shared: “My biggest take away was the realization that I can serve as a valuable board member. For so long I envisioned a different narrative of people in these leadership roles. Growing up I only saw my community on the opposite ends of the non profit boards – the ones with disproportionate community needs –.”
With this in mind, we look forward to calling upon our Latinx Senior Fellows who are taking charge of improving the quality of life for the Latinx community in Silicon Valley.