Latina Mentoring Academy rebranding as
Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Latina Mentoring Academy (LMA) rebranding as
Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy (ELLA)
Celebrating their Quince (15th) Cycle Anniversary in 2024
COLUMBUS, OH (June 1, 2023) – Latina Mentoring Academy (LMA) announces its rebranding as Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy (ELLA) effective today. The clever acronym of the new name, “ELLA” pronounced “eh-yah”, which means "her" or "she" in Spanish reflects the commitment to continue serving Latinas. The overall rebranding includes - a new logo, website revamp, and a revised mission and vision statement. The rebranding decision was prompted by new leadership and a nod to approaching their 15th Cycle next year, in 2024, for a more forward-thinking approach.
The organization was launched almost a decade ago by women who saw the unmet needs of Latina professionals in central Ohio. With the rise of the Latino population in Columbus, ELLA is ready to continue supporting the unique needs of its community by establishing themselves as a professional development organization that also provides board readiness. The purpose of Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy (ELLA) is to provide Latinas with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to succeed in their chosen careers and become leaders in their fields. Through this dual focus, ELLA aims to increase the representation of Latinas on boards, promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership roles, and promote Latinas' voices to be included in Columbus Ohio's crucial decision-making.
“We are thrilled to unveil our new brand identity,” said Lillian (Lily) Morales-Laster, Executive Director of ELLA. “As we approach our quince (15th) cycle, this is the perfect time to celebrate our past accomplishments and showcase how much more we can do to support Latina leaders in our community”.
ELLA is primarily known for its no-cost mentoring program - a six-month commitment that brings together Latinas in a variety of career stages for a unique professional development experience, combining professional mentorship with culturally relevant workshops and civic engagement - but with the rebranding they aim to broaden their scope to offer additional programming. Their vision is “to uplift a community/network of Latinas that empower each other to be their best selves by tapping into their innate talent and skills to create impact in our community and careers''. More details on Cycle 14 will be announced on their new website www.ELLAcolumbus.org and social media platforms (search ELLA Columbus on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin) in the coming weeks.
The ELLA team is a small, but committed, group of seven Latinas who volunteer their time to lead the organization’s efforts. The latest additions to the team includes Maria Gallegos, Website Developer, and Mayra Aburto, Marketing and Communications Coordinator. ELLA is also currently seeking additional Board Members. Learn more about the full team visit www.ELLAcolumbus.org/about-us .
Join us in celebrating their rebranding at their Quince Fiesta in February 2024. More details coming soon!
About ELLA - ELLA is a non-profit organization based in Columbus, Ohio founded in 2010. Since its program launch, they have supported over 100 Latinas in Central Ohio through the mentorship program and will now offer additional programs starting in 2024. By offering training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, ELLA seeks to empower Latinas to advance professionally, break down barriers, and achieve their full potential as leaders who can positively impact their communities and society as a whole. For more information, please visit ellacolumbus.org .
CONTACT
Mayra Aburto
Marketing and Communication Coordinator
ellacbus@gmail.com