Latino Leadership Initiative (LLI) Program
Latino Leadership Initiative program is a cohort style program to support Latine students. In partnership with a local partner, Latino Education and Training Institute (LETI), UW Bothell students get the chance to explore how they can be leaders in their community while gaining valuable networking and civic engagement experience. The LLI’s purpose is to increase awareness about issues and ideas that are specific to the Latinx community. Anyone who wants to learn more about the dynamic cultures that represent a variety of Latin American countries, cultures, and traditions is welcome to engage in this group.
Goals of the program
- Empower Latine College and University students to be civically engaged
- Expose Latino Leadership Initiative participants to a variety of educational and career options
- Instill theory & application of multicultural leadership skills
- Increase Latine identity consciousness & cultural competencies
“This program is an effort to allow students to gain leadership skills and get access to resources and communal support so that they are then able to identify their needs, the needs of their communities and, most importantly, the capability to address those needs.”
Dr. Victoria Breckwich Vasquez, former faculty member in School of Nursing and Health Studies, and founder of LLI at UW Bothell in partnership with LETI
Benefits
- Receive 40+ hours of Leadership Training
- Students will work on a group service project focused on your community
- Meet and network with prominent Latino dignitaries and professionals
- Learn how to prepare a professional portfolio
- Opportunities to receive letters of recommendation from Latino professionals
- Opportunities to receive recommendations for internships at various businesses upon completion
Requirements
2026-2027 School Year Program Dates
Meeting schedule: Weekly meetings on Wednesdays, 5:45pm-7:45pm. On campus during the Winter and Spring quarters. 7 Saturday workshops throughout the program. These sessions are SUBJECT TO CHANGE
- Orientation – December 4th, 2026, UWB, 5:45-7:45 PM & January 9th, 2027, Edmonds College, time 3:30-5:00 PM
- Kickoff – January 16th, 2027, Online, 9:00-12:00 PM
- 1st Immersion Seminar – February 6th, 2027, Online, 9:00am – 12:00pm
- 2nd Immersion Seminar – March 6th, 2027, In person, 10:00am – 1:00pm
- 3rd Immersion Seminar – April 10th, 2027, In person, 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Final Project Presentations – May 8th, 2027, In person, 10:00am – 1:00pm
- Graduation Ceremony – May 22th, 2027, In person, 10:00am – 12:00pm
- Summer Alumni BBQ – August 14th, 2027, In person, 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Most of these events will be in person. Attendance is required; however, accommodations may be arranged through the program advisor.
Program Requirements
- Attend weekly UW Bothell cohort meetings during winter and spring quarters.
- Attend seven Saturday sessions hosted by LETI, 9am–12pm
- Develop and work on a community service project during spring quarter.
Eligibility
- Open to students of all class years and majors.
- Welcomes students of all identities who are committed to serving the Latine community.
- No prior knowledge of Latine cultures is required! Anyone who wants to learn more about the dynamic cultures that represent a variety of Latin American countries, cultures, and traditions is welcome to engage in this cohort program.
How to apply
UW Bothell students can apply to LLI cohort program each Autumn Quarter, and applications are now open!
Application deadline is Sunday, November 15, 2026 at 11:59pm.
The online application asks you to share information about yourself and your background and respond to four prompts. It should take approximately 45-60 minutes to complete.
Contact and support
Program Advisor
Sarah Melissa Ramirez
sarahr17@uw.edu
Student Program Assistants
Ashley Viveros, ashleyv1@uw.edu
Karen Lopez Garcia, kareng26@uw.edu
We’re also available for virtual and in-person appointments.
Service projects
UW Bothell staff and students are welcome to get involved! Please reach out to uwblli@uw.edu if you’re interested in volunteering at our events.
- Youth Mentoring to Latine High Schoolers: Continuing our partnership with Bothell High School for the past 5 years and expanding with Inglemoor High School, LLI members will be mentoring high school students on first generation college experience and post high school graduation pathways for success.
- Civic Engagement for the Latine Community: A group of LLI members, connect their Next Gen Civic Leader Corps goals with their partnership with LETI and create a series of events focused on civic engagement in the Latinx Community.
- Latino Culture Night on UW Bothell Campus: A group of LLI members create an event honoring the breadth and diversity of Latino culture in this campus and community wide event open to all.
2025 Service Project Partners
- Bothell High School
- Juan Price, Principal
- Angela Menon, Assistant Principal
- Lindsay Eckle, Counselor
- Patricia Herrera, Northshore School District Family Engagement Specialist
- Inglemoor High School
- Adam Desautels, Principal
- AVID Class Teachers
- UW Bothell
- School of Educational Studies (co-sponsoring Equity in Education event)
- Professor Vilma Illanes Spring 2025 BSPAN 216 Spanish Heritage Class
Recent News
LETI celebrates its 13th year shaping Latino leadership in Washington
Forty-four students from University of Washington Bothell, Edmonds College, and Skagit Valley College graduated from the Latino Educational Training Institute’s (LETI) Latino Leadership Initiative, which was hosted at UW Bothell.
Learn more about LETI Latino Leadership Initiative
Latino Program in Washington Encourages Young Latinos to Pursue Higher Education
Undergraduates at UW Bothell participated in the Latino Leadership Initiative (LLI) program to help young Latinos build confidence and leadership skills for pursuing higher education.
learn more about the program
The mark of a mentor
UW Bothell students in the Latino Leadership Initiative don’t just change their own lives. They also inspire local Latino high school students.
Read about students mentoring high school Latino students