Susana Avelar-Recinos, Ayde de Avila, Sonia Flores-Stees, Celena Garcia, Mica Garcia de Benavidez, Marisela Gonzalez, Monique Hernandez, Patricia Hurrieta, Maite Lara-Roca, Olivia Martinez, Felicia Medina, Marilena Ortega, Martha Rodriguez, Sandra Sanchez, Vanessa Santistevan, Jennifer Tixier

The 2010 class joins 129 alumnae who have completed the intense leadership program.

Cristina Aguilar, Margo Marie Alvillar, Carla G. Castillo, Esther Castillo, Liliana Flores, Vanessa Guzman, Tatihana Helguero, Camila Lara, Naomi Lopez, Sonrisa Lucero, Terrie Martinez, Annamarie Valdez, Claudia Moran Pichardo,Veronica Rios,Melissa Rosas, Isabel Pallares, and Vanessa Vargas.

The 2009 class joins 112 alumnae who have completed the intense leadership program. The Circle of Latina Leadership has formed a powerful network of leaders who share a common vision – the collective advancement of the Hispanic community.

Over 200 people attended the 2009 Continuation Ceremony held at St. Cajetan’s Church on Auraria Campus on Novemeber 18. Competing 9 months of intensive training, class members were introduced by their mentors and made commitment statements which highlighted their CLL experience and stressed the future work they committed to accomplish. Here are 4 inspiring statements from 2009 graduates!

CRISTINA AGUILAR
The Circle has brought such strength, joy, and clarity to my heart and purpose as a Latina leader. I am filled with gratitude for the varied and shared experiences with my fellow sisters over the past 10 months. It is with enthusiasm and much inspiration that I commit to being a clear, strong, and engaged voice as a Latina through my involvement on the Latino Library Project and the Latina Legacy Hall of Fame.

ISABEL PALLARES
CLL has taught me the importance of sisterhood, how to use my strengths and to be a servant leader. As a Latina Lawyer I commit to using my skills as an attorney to volunteering for Courtrooms to Classrooms, a program designed to help inner city school children learn about the criminal justice system, and I plan to expand that program to Spanish speaking children.

VANESSA VARGAS
The most resounding lesson is CLL taught me is that of servant leadership. Great leaders serve first, and then lead. My commitment is to co-coordinate the Hermanitas program. This program mentors, educates, and develops young Latinas in middle school. Growing up in the inner city, I can attest to the importance of having a role model, guidance, and surrounding yourself with people that believe in you.

CARLA CASTILLO
CLL helped me reach into my inner being and explore my innate talents. I commit to create the Circle of Latina Leadership College Scholarship Fund that will provide two college scholarships one for a non-traditional and an undocumented Latina so it will help them get a little closer to their higher education dreams.