The 2012 Lideres. Every summer, the Líderes Initiative prepares a select cohort of young leaders to participate in its Summit Staff Leadership Development Program. Youth ages 18–26 are recruited for an intensive four-day leadership training leading up to the Líderes Summit. Under the direction of the NCLR Líderes Initiative Manager, staff share in the overall execution of the Líderes Summit, working independently and in groups on various aspects of the event. Youth are recruited from throughout the country to ensure the creation of a team that is rich in its diversity of cultural and life experiences.

Organized by the National Council of La Raza Lideres Initiative, the Lideres summit at the annual convention held in Las Vegas this year, brings together nearly 500 young leaders from student organizations and NCLR affiliate youth programs throughout the country. Participants polish their leadership and professional skills, discuss issues that affect the Latino community, and explore ideas for community involvement and empowerment.

The NCLR Lideres initiative is a national program created to increase opportunities for Latino youth that will maximize their influence as leaders in the United States through a wide range of leadership development and civic engagement efforts. Lideres equips nd empowers young Latinos (ages 14-26) to pursue positions of leadership and serve as positive agents of change in their communities. Photo by Armando Cortinez