We were lucky to catch up with Lillian Morales-Laster recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lillian, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for the Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy (ELLA) was created fifteen years ago by the Hispanic Chamber of Columbus. They consistently saw the unique challenges faced by Latina women in the business and professional world—challenges that often went unaddressed by existing programs. This realization sparked a deep desire to create something meaningful that could make a real difference. Throughout the years the vision has expanded to meet the evolving needs of the community.
My involvement with ELLA was born from a combination of personal passion and professional insight. I have seen firsthand the gaps in mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional development resources available to Latina women. I feel a strong emotional pull to address these gaps, not just as an HR professional but as someone deeply committed to advocacy and social change.
By providing tailored mentorship, professional development, and a supportive community, we can empower Latina women to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. We aren’t just solving a problem; we are creating a community where Latina women can thrive, lift each other up, and build lasting relationships. The potential for real, transformative impact was what made me certain that this is a worthwhile endeavor.
ELLA strives to provide what has often been lacking in existing programs: a focus on the specific needs of Latina women, delivered by people who understand their lived experiences. The journey has been incredibly rewarding, and seeing the growth and success of the women in our program reaffirms that this was the right path.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Lillian, and I am the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at United Midwest Savings Bank, as well as the Executive Director of the Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy (ELLA). My journey into the world of human resources and community advocacy has been a fulfilling blend of personal passion and professional growth.
I started my career in human resources over 20 years ago, driven by a desire to create positive, inclusive work environments where people can thrive. Over the years, I’ve developed expertise in organizational development, leadership development, and strategic HR planning. My role at United Midwest Savings Bank involves managing various HR responsibilities including matching organizational needs with potential candidates, fostering supportive work environments, and boosting organizational morale.
My work extends beyond the corporate world into community advocacy, particularly through ELLA. I joined ELLA to support Latina women in advancing their careers through professional development and mentoring. The services we provide at ELLA include tailored mentorship programs, leadership training, and a supportive network that helps Latina women overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. At ELLA, we support Latina women in breaking down barriers, developing their careers, and building confidence and leadership skills.
What sets me apart in both my HR career and community work is my unwavering commitment to advocacy, equity, and inclusion. I strive to create environments where everyone feels valued and heard, whether in the workplace or the community. My approach is always people-centered, focusing on understanding and addressing the unique needs of individuals.
I am most proud of the impact I’ve had on the lives of the people I work with. Seeing employees thrive in their roles, witnessing the growth and success of the women at ELLA, and knowing that I’ve played a part in creating more inclusive and supportive environments is incredibly rewarding.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is driven by a deep commitment to making a positive difference. Whether through HR consulting, community advocacy, or professional development, my goal is to inspire and empower others. I believe in the power of people and communities and am dedicated to continuing this work to support growth, inclusion, and success.
If you are reading this and are interested in collaborating, I would love to connect with you. Your support and partnership can play a pivotal role in advancing our mission. You can reach out to me via LinkedIn or through the contact form on the Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy website. Let’s work together to create meaningful change and support the growth and success of diverse communities.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Authentic engagement has been at the heart of ELLA’s success. I’ve always approached this work with a genuine passion for uplifting Latina women. By listening to their stories, understanding their challenges, and responding to their needs, I’ve been able to create programs and initiatives that truly resonate with our community. This authentic connection has fostered trust and loyalty among participants and supporters alike.
Impactful programming has also played a crucial role. ELLA offers tailored mentorship programs, leadership training, and a strong support network, all designed to address the specific challenges faced by Latina women in their professional journeys. By providing these targeted resources, we’ve been able to see tangible results in the personal and professional growth of our participants, which in turn has enhanced our credibility and reputation.
Strategic partnerships have been instrumental in amplifying our reach and impact. Collaborating with businesses, community organizations, and sponsors who share our commitment to professional development and advocacy for women has allowed us to leverage additional resources and expertise. These partnerships have not only expanded our capabilities but also strengthened our standing within the community as a trusted and effective organization.
A clear vision for empowerment has been a guiding principle. ELLA was founded on the belief that Latina women possess immense potential that, with the right support, can lead to extraordinary achievements. This vision has inspired others to join our cause, whether as mentors, sponsors, or participants. By consistently aligning our actions with this vision, we’ve been able to build a strong, cohesive brand that resonates deeply with our target audience.
What truly sets ELLA apart and has helped build my reputation within the market is our unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact. The success stories of the women we support speak volumes about the effectiveness of our programs and the dedication behind them. Seeing these women overcome barriers, achieve their goals, and grow into leaders has been incredibly rewarding and has solidified ELLA’s reputation as a beacon of empowerment in the community.
Any advice for managing a team?
Managing a volunteer-led organization like the Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy (ELLA), where our volunteers are previous participants or mentors, requires a unique approach to maintain high morale and ensure effective teamwork. Here are some key strategies:
1. Foster a Sense of Purpose: Volunteers are driven by a shared commitment to our mission. Continuously remind them of the impact their contributions are making. Share success stories and highlight the difference they’re making in the lives of Latina women. When people see the tangible results of their efforts, it reinforces their sense of purpose and motivates them to stay engaged.
2. Recognize and Appreciate Efforts: Regularly acknowledge and celebrate the hard work and dedication of your volunteers. Whether through public recognition on social media, personalized thank-you notes, or small tokens of appreciation, showing gratitude goes a long way in boosting morale. Recognize both individual and team achievements to make everyone feel valued.
3. Provide Opportunities for Growth: Just because our team is volunteer-based doesn’t mean we can’t offer opportunities for personal and professional development. Encourage volunteers to take on new roles or projects that align with their interests and career goals. Provide training sessions, workshops, or mentorship opportunities to help them grow. When volunteers feel they are also benefiting and learning, they are more likely to stay committed.
4. Delegate Meaningful Tasks: Ensure that the tasks and projects assigned to volunteers are meaningful and aligned with their skills and interests. Volunteers are more motivated when they feel their work is making a significant impact. Match their strengths with the needs of the organization to maximize their effectiveness and satisfaction.
5. Lead by Example: As a leader, demonstrate the values and commitment you expect from your volunteers. Your passion, dedication, and positive attitude will inspire and motivate others to follow suit. Show that you are invested in the mission and in their well-being.
By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage a volunteer-led team and maintain high morale. Remember, volunteers are there because they believe in the cause and want to make a difference. Nurturing their passion, providing support, and creating a positive and inclusive environment will help ensure they remain engaged and motivated in their roles.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ellacolumbus.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellacolumbus__/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellacbus
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellacbus/
Image Credits
Photo Credit to: Jennifer Murillo & Rae Holloway (Purple Star Photography)