MANA de San Diego’s Leadership Program

MANA de San Diego Leadership Program

Latina Success Leadership Program

Our 2026 Applications are now closed.

Applications for the 2027 cycle will open at the beginning of 2027.

Despite being a vital and growing force in today’s workforce, Latinas remain underrepresented in senior leadership and decision-making roles, holding only about 1% of C-suite positions and advancing at lower rates than their peers. These disparities do not reflect a lack of talent or ambition, but the presence of systemic barriers that limit access to opportunity and visibility. In response, MANA de San Diego established the MANA de San Diego Leadership Program to affirm, develop, and elevate the leadership Latinas already bring, building skills, confidence, and networks to lead with clarity, influence, and purpose.

Session I: Empowering Your Leadership Journey
Saturday, June 6, 2026

This opening session invites participants to ground their leadership development in self-awareness, purpose, and vision. Through guided reflection and dialogue, participants will explore their personal leadership journeys as Latinas and identify the strengths, values, and experiences that shape how they lead. The session will also support participants in clarifying both short- and long-term professional goals, establishing a clear focus and foundation for growth throughout the program.

Latina Leadership Resilience Lab
Saturday, June 27, 2026

This interactive lab invites participants to explore resilience as a personal and collective leadership practice. Through reflective and experiential activities, participants will examine the internal, cultural, and emotional dimensions that shape how they show up at work and in leadership roles. The session integrates accessible insights from neurobiology to deepen understanding of how stress, emotions, and resilience influence leadership experiences. The lab is designed to support sustainable leadership by honoring complexity, fostering resilience, and cultivating practices that participants can adapt to their professional and personal contexts, while also creating space for connection and renewal.

Session II: Mastering Effective Communication
Saturday, July 11, 2026

This session focuses on strengthening communication as a core leadership capability, with particular attention to the lived experiences of Latinas in professional settings. Participants will deepen their ability to listen with intention and understanding, fostering more meaningful and productive dialogue. The session also emphasizes asking thoughtful, purposeful questions and communicating ideas with clarity and confidence. Together, these skills support stronger relationships, greater influence, and more effective leadership across roles and contexts.

Session III: Personal Branding and Strategic Networking
Saturday, August 1, 2026

This session centers on strengthening professional agency by clarifying how participants are known, trusted, and positioned within their organizations and networks. Participants will clarify an authentic personal brand aligned with their values and goals, strengthening confidence, credibility, and influence. The session also emphasizes strategic relationship building, guiding participants to intentionally assess their existing networks and identify opportunities to cultivate meaningful connections and key alliances. Together, these practices support effective self-advocacy and purposeful career advancement.

Session IV: Looking Ahead: Personal Next Steps and Civic Engagement
Saturday, September 12, 2026

This closing session invites participants to synthesize insights and learning from across the program to clarify next steps in both their professional and civic journeys. Participants will reflect on how their leadership can extend beyond the workplace and engage with influential leaders and elected officials to deepen their understanding of civic participation and community impact. The session emphasizes leadership as a way to serve, influence, and stay engaged beyond the program.

MANA de San Diego is proud to collaborate with the Center for Creative Leadership to elevate the next generation of Latina leaders through the MANA de San Diego Latina Leadership Program. Hosted at the Center for Creative Leadership campus in La Jolla, the program provides a transformative learning environment where participants build skills, confidence, and meaningful connections to lead with purpose. Through this experience, Latinas are equipped to lead boldly, drive positive change, and strengthen their communities with lasting impact. We are grateful to the Center for Creative Leadership for their partnership and shared commitment to empowering Latinas and shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Qualifications:

1. Current or new MANA de San Diego member
2. Employed with at least 5 years of professional leadership/management experience
3. Currently a mid-level professional ready for the next career step

Cost

$650 for Individuals

$800 Non-Profit Rate

$1,000 for Employers Professional Development

In partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership, the MANA de San Diego Leadership Program presents a highly effective leadership development program, known for its proven outcomes. MANA intentionally keeps this program accessible for individuals, recognizing the program’s impact on both individual growth and organizational success.

Acceptance to the program is competitive and to qualify you must be a MANA member.