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“The Latino community needs more leaders to create more unity and strength!
Spring 2024 Elevando Wisconsin Graduate
This course gives me hope.”
Elevando Wisconsin is a bilingual leadership program that was co-constructed with Latine leaders. This culturally relevant program develops leadership and communication skills, expands networks, and builds empathy and self-confidence. The multi-session curriculum includes content on practicing equity and inclusion and keeping cultures alive. Every session is delivered in Spanish and English simultaneously. Graduates of the program report setting and reaching personal, professional, and community goals as a result of participating in Elevando.
Program Quick Facts
- Elevando Wisconsin has been delivered 5 times since 2021.
- One hundred and one (101) individuals who have participated in Elevando Wisconsin.
- Elevando Wisconsin participants reside in 13 different Wisconsin counties.
- The Elevando Wisconsin Advisory Committee is comprised of 15 Latine community members.
Spring 2024 Cohort
The Spring 2024 Elevando Wisconsin cohort focused on Southwest Wisconsin to create a regional network of leaders. The program was held from March 15 to May 17, 2024. It consisted of nine virtual sessions, each lasting three hours.
- Fifteen individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, professions, ages, genders, and educational level participated in the cohort.
- Participants reside in six counties: Dane, Green, Grant, Brown, Rock, and Iowa.
- Participants are employed by The Latino Academy of Workforce Development, Freshpack, Colony Brands, Amcor, The Bank of New Glarus, The Economic Recovery Corps, Exact Sciences Corporation, and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
- Forty percent (40%) preferred Spanish as their language of participation.
Program Outcomes
Spring 2024 Elevando participants were asked to complete an end-of-program evaluation. Twelve of the 15 participants completed the evaluation.
- 100% learned something new
- 83% built or deepened relationships
- 75% developed new skills
According to the evaluation respondents, the most impactful topics covered during Elevando Wisconsin were:
- Understanding ourselves and others to improve communications (Real Colors)
“… I can understand better how people are and feel.”
“I have learned to communicate better and understand the needs of others, which has improved my job performance.”
- Effective communication for leaders
“I was impacted by learning about the importance of effective communication in leadership.”
- Practicing equity and inclusion
“The program opened my eyes to the importance of diversity and inclusion. I now feel more prepared to support my community.”
“Understanding and practicing equity and inclusion was crucial for my professional and personal development.”
- Building networks (networking)
“I learned about available state programs and how to help connect people in my network with these resources.”
“I learned the importance of building networks and how this is essential for professional development.”
- Celebrating cultures
“Celebrating our language … I would not like the traditions of our language and our roots to be lost.”
“Generations of Change: Migration, Settlement, and Social Transformation by Dr. Armando Ibarra (was an impactful session for me). I felt connected with his background … my grandfather also came to America hired as a brazier. Half of my mother’s family came to live in the US and the other half stayed back in Mexico.”
All (100%) of the evaluation respondents said they would recommend Elevando Wisconsin to others.
“It (Elevando Wisconsin) can help someone recognize their own leadership abilities and provides an opportunity to network and meet new people.”
“Yes, (I would recommend Elevando Wisconsin) for people in their early development stages and as a way to connect Latinos in WI.”
“I would recommend it to those who do not have advanced education or alternative opportunities for professional development.”
Elevando Wisconsin has proven effective in developing leadership skills, improving communication, fostering personal confidence, increasing a sense of belonging, and expanding networks. Graduates of the Spring 2024 Southwest Wisconsin cohort confirm that the program positively impacts their personal and professional lives. As a result, we plan to offer a Southwest Wisconsin cohort again in the Spring of 2025.
Program Sponsors
The Spring 2024 Elevando Wisconsin cohort was made possible through the generous support of program sponsors who supported scholarships that allowed individuals unable to cover the $300 program fee to attend.
- The Bank of New Glarus
- Colony Brands Foundation
- Multicultural Outreach Program
- Community Leadership Alliance of Southwest Wisconsin
- Chris and Chuck Wellington
Support Elevando Wisconsin
Elevando Wisconsin is a partnership between the UW-Madison Division of Extension and Latine community leaders, allies, and organizations. You can be a part of shaping the leaders of tomorrow, fostering an environment of inclusion and diversity, and empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to achieve their full potential. Your support can help ensure that this impactful program reaches more people and continues to drive positive change. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive Wisconsin.
Learn about opportunities to support and participate in Elevando Wisconsin:
Elevando Wisconsin Advisory Board:
- Jorge Antezana
- Mathias Lemos Castillo
- Margarita Avila
- Lili Alvarado
- Marie Barry
- Adam Trunzo
- Armando Ibarra
- Olivia Mayen-Navarro
- Chelsea Chandler
- CK Ledesma
- Addison Vang
- Eva Cruz Martinez
- Alex Ysquierdo
- Marie Flores
- Bibiana Gonzalez
Elevando Wisconsin Informe de la Generación - Primavera 2024
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