We recently connected with Lillian Morales-Laster and have shared our conversation below.

Lillian, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy (ELLA) was born out of both frustration and hope. Its founders recognized a glaring absence of Latinas in boardrooms, leadership meetings, and decision-making spaces. Despite their talent, resilience, and contributions, Latinas were not being included in the rooms where change happens. Through countless conversations with other Latinas, it became evident that many were ready to lead but lacked the networks, mentorship, and access to opportunities necessary to advance in their careers.

The realization that the traditional leadership pipeline was not built for Latinas was the turning point. While existing programs offered leadership development, they often failed to acknowledge the unique cultural experiences, strengths, and barriers Latinas faced. ELLA’s vision was to change that—by creating a leadership academy designed specifically for Latinas, offering not just professional development but also mentorship, community, and culturally relevant training.
What sets ELLA apart is its holistic approach. It isn’t solely focused on leadership skills in the conventional sense; it was about fostering a network—a sisterhood—where Latinas could uplift and support one another. This isn’t just about individual success; its about creating a movement that will open doors for the entire community.

From the very beginning, the response to ELLA was overwhelming, reaffirming that this initiative was addressing a critical gap. Every cohort that joined proved that the need was not only real but urgent. By centering Latina culture, values, and collective power, ELLA is solving a problem that no other program has fully addressed. Seeing its participants step into leadership roles, serve on boards, negotiate salaries with confidence, and mentor the next generation confirms that ELLA is not just a worthwhile endeavor—it was essential.

What excites the me the most is that ELLA is not only about leadership development—it is about rewriting the narrative for Latinas in Central Ohio and beyond. No longer waiting for a seat at the table, Latinas are now building their own.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am deeply passionate about empowering Latinas to step into leadership roles, break barriers, and claim their space at decision-making tables. My journey into this work was both personal and professional. I have experienced firsthand what it means to navigate spaces where representation is lacking, and I understand the challenges that come with striving for leadership without the right networks, mentorship, or opportunities. These experiences fueled my commitment to creating something different—something built for us, by us.

I didn’t get here alone. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors and advocates who saw my potential and guided me along the way. But I also know that many Latinas don’t have access to that same support. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to ensuring that our hermanas don’t just have a seat at the table—they have the tools, confidence, and community to thrive when they get there.

I am most proud of the sisterhood we’ve built. ELLA is more than a program—it’s a familia. Seeing our hermanas grow, thrive, and lead in their respective fields is the greatest reward. I’ve seen women enter the program unsure of their next step and leave with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to take on leadership roles, negotiate higher salaries, and serve on boards.

For anyone looking to grow as a leader, mentor the next generation, or support the advancement of Latinas, I want them to know that ELLA is here. We are building something powerful, and we invite everyone—whether they’re looking to develop their leadership skills, find a mentor, or become an ally—to join us in this work. Because when Latinas rise, we all rise.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most defining moments of resilience in my journey came when I was at a personal and professional crossroads. I had invested so much of myself into advancing my career and building a strong network, but at times, I found myself in rooms where I felt unseen or underestimated. Instead of allowing those moments to discourage me, I used them as fuel. I sought out mentors, educated myself on leadership strategies, and made sure that every time I walked into a space, I was prepared, confident, and ready to contribute. The turning point came when I advocated for myself in a high-stakes situation—negotiating for a leadership opportunity that I knew I was qualified for. That experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through difficulties; it’s about knowing your worth, standing firm in your abilities, and refusing to let others define your potential.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Consistency and authenticity have been the foundation of my reputation. Every initiative, mentorship session, and community engagement effort is rooted in a genuine commitment to elevating Latinas. I’ve prioritized showing up—not just when it’s convenient, but when it’s necessary. Over time, trust has been built through action, not just words. By listening to the needs of our hermanas and delivering meaningful opportunities, I’ve cultivated credibility within the community. Partnerships have followed because organizations and leaders recognize that our work isn’t performative—it’s impactful. This steadfast approach has positioned ELLA as a trusted and influential force in leadership development.

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

Photographer: Jennifer Murillo