The Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) recently announced its first 13 graduates of its La Plaza Emerging Leaders Program Initiative. 

Earlier this year, HACE developed a partnership with La Plaza of Delaware to launch this new initiative. 

Lisandra Jimenez, HACE’s program manager, noted that the partnership was done as a way to expand the nonprofit’s impact on Latinx professionals as they develop leadership skills.

“The greater number of professionals who engage in leadership development to further their skills and gain greater knowledge about themselves, the larger the positive impact on the workforce pipeline to increase representation and access for our community,” Jimenez said.

To this end, HACE President & CEO Patricia Mota, noted that it’s a one-of-a-kind partnership. 

“This unique collaboration strengthens both the capacity and leadership for local nonprofits and their communities,” Mota said.

The 13 new graduates are:

• Edith Romero, Patient Service Representative at La Red Health Center
• Rossana Arteaga-Lopenza, President of Casa de Venezuela Delaware
• Sergio Morales, Owner of E&S Morales Brothers LLC
• Maydelis Gomez Samon, Bilingual Outreach Coordinator for Read Aloud Delaware
• Angelica Perez-Mendez, Co-Owner of SC Painting LLC
• Albert Ochoa, IT/RN Application Analyst at Christiana Care Health System
• Rony Baltazar-Lopez, Communications Director for the Delaware Department of State
• Rosita Quinoñes, Health Ambassador at Christiana
• Rebecca Rodriguez, Intake Coordinator at Amanecer Counseling & Resource Center
• Araceli Gil Ventura, Resource Coordinator for La Plaza Delaware
• Angie Robles, Vice President of My Sister’s Fault Bakery
• Isana Ventura, Business Coach at Rich Kingdom Ventures LLC
• Tania Roblero, Manager at Georgetown Mini Market

“We look forward to seeing the graduates from this inaugural cohort continue to thrive, unleashing their highest potential as leaders in their workplace and community,” said Mota.

The participants have praised the program for how they are able to connect with other individuals in engaging conversations, share experiences, work together in breakout sessions and socialize after sessions. 

“HACE’s mission is to positively impact the American workplace by cultivating the pipeline of Latino talent and providing Latino professionals the insight, access, and support to be successful in their careers. Thus, this program aided in continuing to cultivate those professionals currently in the workforce as they advance in their careers,” added Jimenez.

Mary Dupont, executive director of La Plaza of Delaware, share being grateful for the way the La Plaza Emerging Leaders Program helps build future business leaders who will leave a legacy wherever they work.

“We searched for the best Latino leadership program in the country and HACE is at the top of the list, with 40 years of service building Latino leadership in 36 states,” Dupont said. 

“We are grateful that they were open to working with La Plaza to replicate the program here in Delaware, now the 37th state to join the network, to support the many up-and-coming Latino leaders in Delaware. We look forward to seeing great things ahead for everyone who goes through this program," she concluded.