LETI celebrates its 13th year shaping Latino leadership in Washington

Last Saturday, forty-four students graduated from the Latino Educational Training Institute’s Latino Leadership Initiative at the University of Washington Bothell. The program, which includes leadership training and community service projects, empowers Latino students from Edmonds College, University of Washington Bothell, and Skagit Valley College. Keynote speaker Dr. Victoria Breckwich Vásquez highlighted the significant contributions of Latinos to the U. S.

economy, noting that Latino gross domestic production reached $4. 1 trillion in 2023. She criticized the absence of these contributions in educational materials, which often overlook Latino history. Graduates shared testimonials reflecting on their growth and the cultural pride fostered by the initiative. Rosario Reyes, LETI’s founder, announced plans to expand the program to Shoreline Community College next year.

The initiative aims to prepare students for leadership roles, emphasizing the need for diverse voices in decision-making. This graduation ceremony marked LETI's 13th year of commitment to shaping Latino leadership in Washington.