YHS Latinas Leading Tomorrow

Twitter @LatinasLeading">Latinas Leading Tomorrow (LLT), a national 501(c) 3 non-profit charitable organization based in the Washington, DC area, originated in 2004. Originally LLT began as after schools club at Wakefield high school in Arlington County. Founded by Madeline LaSalle, LCSW and 9 of her students. The students, all Latina, sought out Ms. LaSalle when she began working at their school. The girls asked her to help them create a club where they could discuss their future and defy the stereotypes they felt were constantly imposed on them. The students reported they didn't see Latino staff in the school building beyond the maintenance staff and were excited to see a Latina counselor at their school.

That same year a second club was initiated at Gunston Middle School by Amanda Ercilla, LCSW, and this second chapter served as the Wakefield chapter's sister club. LLTs first generation of college graduates occurred June 2008 when three of the original nine students received degrees from Carnegie Mellon, George Mason and James Madison Universities. LLTs model of sisterhood and leadership was favorably viewed by Arlington Public Schools and replicated in all secondary schools in the county by 2010.

The organization has experienced growth since then and became a distinct nonprofit institution in 2012 with eight chapters in Arlington, Virginia and three additional chapters in Manor, Texas. Plans are underway for continued expansion across the United States. Currently, Claudia Torres, one of the founding LLT members from Wakefield High School is a member of our national Executive Board of Directors. She is a living testament of the dedication and commitment our students have for LLT.

LLT strives to impact the lives of young Latinas and their communities by:
Developing leadership skills among middle school and high school Latinas

Instilling cultural pride in young Latinas by helping them recognize their culture as an asset

Providing visible role models and mentors for young Latinas through our Madrinas initiative

Providing Latina students the tools and resources that will prepare them for high school graduation and a post-secondary plan.

Linking young Latinas to community service opportunities intended to strengthen their leadership, sense of civic engagement and community.

Connecting Latina Students to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (S.T.E.M) opportunities and encouraging them to explore innovative and unique career paths beyond conventional thinking.