DAVENPORT, Iowa — The Quad Cities Regional Lideramos Leadership Program is graduating its first cohort on Saturday, Feb. 24.
Launched in Sept. 2023, the program is organized by LULAC Council 10 with the support of the Quad Cities Community Foundation. The 23 members of the first cohort spent six months training on topics of cultural leadership.
“These are today’s leaders,” said Program Coordinator Alfred Ramirez. “Our program created a space and a network where these leaders could grow. We combined traditional leadership training with a culturally aware curriculum. The results have been powerful to see.”
The program explored several topics, including civic engagement, identity and leadership, public communication and more.
“We’re proud to partner with LULAC Council 10 and support this program,” said Sue Hafkemeyer, the Community Foundation’s president and CEO. “Our mission begins with listening. LULAC identified a need and desire for this program, and they have made it a success. They’ve also created a model that can be repeated.”
The Quad Cities Community Foundation gave $50,000 to LULAC Council 10 to help jumpstart the program, and recently announced additional funds for a second cohort. The second cohort will begin in the spring.
“The graduation is going to be a celebration,” said Joe Moralez, LULAC Council 10 education chair. “Each cohort member will have an opportunity to speak about their experience. We are excited to see where they go next and how their leadership impacts the organizations and communities they represent.”
The Moline Regional Community Foundation and the Regional Development Authority also provided support to the program.
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