Latinas In Leadership (formerly Latinas & Power) is a leadership accelerator that helps Latinas strengthen their identity-centered leadership skills, without the systemic barriers that limit their economic mobility and representation. Our three programs–Latinas in Leadership Symposium, Latinas In Leadership Institute (LILI) and La Mesa–equip Latinas from all sectors and educational backgrounds to connect with others more intentionally so that they can create pathways to becoming exceptional candidates for leadership roles. Together, we are building a powerful network of changemakers who will transform workplaces, communities, and society at large.

Our Vision

We envision a future where Latinas are fully represented in leadership and management, breaking barriers and closing the wage gap with strength and determination–in Connecticut and beyond.

Having grown up in an urban neighborhood Marilyn learned early on about the impact of giving back to the community, volunteerism and paying it forward. Her parents migrated to the U.S. from Puerto Rico in the early 1950’s and instilled the importance of “la Familia,” culture, our language and being involved in “La Communidad.”

She earned her B.A from the University of CT. in Storrs, CT and later an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix. Marilyn has worked in the corporate arena for more than twenty years where she has held numerous management positions within the airlines, pharmaceutical, education, financial and health insurance industries. As an entrepreneur, she led Ethnic Marketing Solutions for 9 years, an agency that focused on strategic marketing for companies interested in learning about and tapping into multicultural markets.

As a recognized multicultural marketing professional, Marilyn has led numerous companies and businesses through strategic marketing and branding strategies that help grow the business.