About the Latino Leadership Network
Through the Power of Connection: Invest, Inspire, and Serve
The Latino Leadership Network (LLN) is a business resource group for people working in Washington State government. We are Latinos and allies working to build, connect, and inspire our peers and people seeking to join public service. We are driven to prepare outstanding Latino leaders and a qualified workforce that will serve our state today and tomorrow.
While LLN uses the term “Latino,” we use the term for anyone who identifies as Hispanic, Latino, Latina, Latine, Latinx, Latin@, Chicano, or uses other similar identifiers.
Latine Defined – From the LLN Charter
Latine individuals represent communities that span from the North, Central, South American continents, and Caribbean islands that that were colonized by the Spanish Empire. Our heritage not only reflects the Spanish colonizers but equally reflects the indigenous heritage and traditions of the people who existed prior to colonization and continue to exist. This heritage is inextricably connected with the Black community through our survival and flourishing despite these systems. Our identities are varied and based on family histories, traditions, and shared experiences. As our self understanding and discovery grow, we expect that our definitions and appreciation of identities will also grow and progress.
Our Vision
Connecting and inspiring Washington State’s Latino workforce and leaders of today and tomorrow.
Our Values
Leadership
Respect
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Excellence
Innovation
Public service
Professionalism
Legacy and heritage
What we do
Networking
Promote professional development
Encourage leadership opportunities
Practice diversity and inclusion skills
Promote cultural connection and awareness
Celebrate our culture
Be catalysts for change
Be ambassadors at our agencies and communities
News You Can Use and Events
Read LLN Co-Chair Herminia Esqueda’s statement regarding the effect of the federal administration’s executive orders and policies on the LLN community. Presented at the Governor’s Federal Subcabinet Meeting on April 22, 2025, it discusses how the Governor’s subcabinet can support those who are being directly impacted by the federal administration’s policies and orders.
Monthly Newsletters
Use this link to subscribe to the LLN Newsletter
LLN Newsletter Special Cinco de Mayo Edition
Special Events During August
How Women Lead: Leading Out Loud Supporting Latina Leaders On The Front Lines, August 19, 2025. 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Meet Latina changemakers in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector who are leading with courage and strategy. You’ll leave inspired, informed, and connected—because showing up for each other is resistance. Whether you’re deep in the work or finding your footing, this is a space to recharge, strategize, and stand together. This conversation is part of a larger initiative from How Women Lead to elevate and support Latina leaders on the front lines of change. You must register to attend this event.
2025 Serving Those who Served Conference. August 20-21, 2025. Yakima Convention Center. 10 North 8th Street. This two-day, veterans resource providers’ conference is not only aimed at establishing better collaboration and connection for all those who work with veterans and their families, but it will also provide a wealth of knowledge from industry experts in areas that impact the lives of our veterans and their families.
This conference provides collaboration with professionals from a variety of state agencies and community partners from across the state.
This two-day conference will include breakout sessions such as "An Employment Partnership between WorkSource and the Yakama Tribe" and "Understand the WorkSource System with a focus on Service to Veterans" presented by Employment Security. As well as sessions such as "Fly Tying" with Project Healing Waters and "Make a Song: Poetry and the Veteran Experience" presented by Washington State Arts Commission. Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs will be offering breakout sessions on topics such as "Veteran Benefits 101" and "VA Regional Office Update".
To learn more about this conference and/or how you can get involved, please email vtsc@dva.wa.gov .
Special Events During September: Hispanic Heritage Month!
2025 Latina Health Symposium. This annual event is a forum for community health workers, public health professionals, Latino community members, and social service professionals to come together to learn about and discuss health-related topics that impact Hispanic/Latina women. The planning committee has worked hard to make everyone’s safety a priority at these events.
Latina Health Symposium Events (NOTE: At every location, only registered attendees will be permitted in the space):
Granger, WA. Friday, September 5 from 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Renton, WA. Thursday, September 11 from 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Spokane, WA. Friday, September 26 from 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
The event is free, but you need to register to attend. If you are registering for more than one person, please register each person separately.
If you would like to be a sponsor or exhibitor, please select that option on the registration form.
Lula Fest, September 27, 2025. Olympia, WA. Lula Fest celebration is a vibrant celebration of Hispanic and Latinx heritage and cultures through live music, vendors, food trucks, custom cars and more. The event is hosted by Ultimano Comms+. It is family friendly and free to attend. All are welcome!
MEXAM NW Festival. September 4-October 9, 2025. MEXAM NW Festival 2025 is an exhilarating multi-event, multi-venue festival that spotlights the vibrant tapestry of contemporary Hispanic and Mexican-American culture. Curated by the Consulate of Mexico in Seattle and proudly presented by Delta - Aeromexico Airlines, MEXAM is supported and joined by multiple local partners. We come together in a collective endeavor to celebrate the profound relationship between Hispanic heritage and the United States. Join us as we embrace the diversity of Hispanic culture and revel in the cultural exchange. Visit the Mexam Website for more information.
Resources
Know Your Rights: Resources on Immigrant Rights
Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network Hotline: 1-844-724-3737.
Now This Impact Videos
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Awareness Day is May 5th. Watch the Office for Victims of Crime video, “Missing or Murdered Indigenous People: Bringing Loved Ones Home.
The WA State Attorney General’s Office Missing Indigenous Persons Toolkit is a collection of ideas, tasks and suggestions of what can be done to support a family facing crisis and easy to respond in an organized manner when one of ours goes missing or is found murdered.
1954 Documentary Salt of the Earth is Available from Kanopy (via a public library card)
Banned at the time of its initial release and made by blacklisted filmmakers, this bold, radical film tells the story of Mexican-American workers who call a strike over the unsafe work conditions and unequal wages they receive in comparison to their white co-workers at a Zinc mine in New Mexico.
Ramon Quintero (Juan Chacon) organizes the strike but is shown to be a hypocrite, treating his pregnant wife (Rosaura Revueltas) with similar unfairness. However, after an injunction keeps the men from their protest, the gender roles are reversed. As the women protest at the picket lines while the men stay at home, Salt of the Earth makes glaringly clear the vital importance of women in the fight against inequality on intersecting fronts.
Chosen to be preserved by the USA National Film Preservation Board and winner of the Crystal Globe and Best Actress (Rosaura Revueltas) awards at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
Monthly Meeting and Membership Information
Take the LLN Member Survey
Please complete this quick survey to let us know if you have any interest in volunteering or serving in leadership positions or on a committee. We also ask about possible segments and meaningful topics you’d like to see discussed at future monthly meetings. Your input on how we can improve your membership meeting experience is invaluable.
General membership meetings take place every second Tuesday of the month from 3-5PM.
Join Zoom Meeting | Meeting ID: 996 2578 6625 | Passcode: None | Join by Phone: 253-215-8782
Get Involved!
Volunteers and presenters needed for 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month
Do you want to expand your presentation skills, get involved with LLN and meet new people? Volunteers and presenters are needed for HHM 2025! Here are just some of the ways to get involved:
Virtual Lunch and Learns.
BRG and agency requests for LLN presentations.
October HHM general meeting.
Lula Festival Olympia.
Deliver an existing HHM presentation to your team, another team or an office in your area.
LLN will offer a Train the Trainer workshop for LLN members who are interested in delivering an HHM presentation to different groups or agencies around the state. We aim to create a team of individuals who are available across the state. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, would like to know about more opportunities or would just like to provide feedback about our HHM events, please complete our 2025 HHM planning survey!
LLN Board and Committees
Are you eager to get involved in LLN work? Volunteer for one of the vacant positions by writing us at LLN@OFM.WA.GOV.
Executive board
Executive Sponsor: David Puente (DVA)
Co-Chair: Herminia Esqueda
Co-Chair: Vacant. Please volunteer!
Executive Adm. Asst./Secretary: Sedona Leza
Secretary: Karen Gonzalez
Treasurer: Makaela Kroin
committee leads and Descriptions
Communications: Shape our message and connect with our audience. Communication and Marketing Director: Lorraine Peterson
Communications: Monica Corral
Website: Vacant. Please volunteer!
Best Practices: Improve our processes. Lead: Tony Griego
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Foster inclusive practices and equity. Leads: Herminia Esqueda & Zenaida Rojas
Health and Wellness: Advocate for member well-being. Lead: Vacant. Please volunteer!
Membership and Outreach: Engage and expand our community. Membership & Outreach Lead: Theresa Sanchez
Events: Organize in-person and virtual gatherings. Lead: Jose Romo Ramirez
Speaker Outreach: Anita Rocha
Performer Outreach and Volunteer Lead: Jose Romo Ramirez
Virtual Events: Lead: Vacant. Please volunteer!
Connect With the OFM Book Club!
Get ready to turn the pages! ICSEW is bringing back the Book Club, and we are teaming up with our awesome Business Resource Groups (BRG) to make it happen. The Book Club will operate as a dedicated committee under the ICSEW Engagement Subcommittee.
We aim to create a rotating schedule of books hosted by various BRGs. We are currently developing necessary policies, procedures, facilitator training, and resource materials to ensure a successful launch.
The Hawaiians, Asians, and Pacific Islanders Promoting Empowerment Network (HAPPEN) has generously offered to host the Summer 2025 Book Club that will discuss Yellowface by Rebecca F. Kuang.
Meetings will take place from 1-2PM and can be accessed via the Book Club Zoom Meeting Link and download the Book Club Calendar Invite to add this to your Outlook calendar. Reach out to Jennifer Whittemore or via the HAPPEN email address for more information.
August 7, chapters 13-16
August 21, chapters 17-20
September 4, chapters 21-14
Watch Our Videos on the LLN YouTube Channel
General Membership Meetings Identified by Special Topic
LLN Meeting on Neurodivergence in the Immigrant Family
LLN Meeting on Storytelling Highlighting 2SLGBTQ+ Experiences in Latine Culture
2024 Hispanic Heritage Month Lunch and Learn Presentations
Understanding the State Recruiting Process by Steve Camerer and Jose Dominguez
My Musical Tejano Family by Herminia Esqueda
Spanglish in Government: Bridging Cultures and Enhancing Communication by Estefania Martinez Limo
DEI Empowerment Conference Presentations
2024 Presentation on Supporting Leadership and Utilizing BRGs to Recruit and Retain Latine Employees by Herminia Esqueda and Tony Griego
Contact Information
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