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The 2027 Multicultural Leadership Academy Application is Now Open!

Applications must be completed by Friday, October 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST.

Apply here

About the Multicultural Leadership Academy

The Multicultural Leadership Academy is a professional development program that equips leaders with the skills, networks, and cross-cultural understanding necessary to build and strengthen relationships between Black and Latine communities, drive social change, and advance community empowerment across Illinois.

Given the history of racial segregation, alliance building across communities requires a deliberate and intentional approach. The program acknowledges the significant leadership attributes inherent in the history and cultural DNA of Black and Latine communities. MLA utilizes various modalities, including cultural anthropology, the arts, and the creation of sacred space.

The program consists of a series of workshops on community organizing, policy, arts, and culture and centers the perspectives and leadership traditions of Latine, Afro Latine, and African American communities.

The Academy’s core learning competencies include:

Transformational Leadership

Transformational leaders contribute to change that uplifts others, creates motivating workplaces, communicates an inspiring vision and establishes a compelling moral and ethical framework.

Intercultural Understanding

Foster an understanding of Illinois’ Latine, Afro Latine, and African American communities and identify common interests.

Social Change/Policy Action/Community Empowerment

Participants will collaborate with their cohort via affinity groups on how to create a better, more equitable Illinois through social change, policy action and community empowerment. 

Arts Expression

Participants will learn how to leverage the arts as a catalyst for individual and group creativity and innovation.

Now in its eighteenth year, the Latino Policy Forum has engaged and trained more than 340 leaders from more than 200 community organizations committed to unifying and strengthening Black and Latine communities in Illinois.

Who Should Apply

Emerging and established community leaders who have experience working with Black and Latine communities and a demonstrated commitment to social change, policy impact and/or community empowerment. Applicants must be affiliated with an organization that will sponsor their participation and can be employers, employees, board members, or volunteers at their sponsoring organization.

Everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity, is encouraged to apply. The Forum is committed to creating a diverse network of leaders, and while primarily focused and centered on the perspectives of Latines, Afro Latines, and African Americans, the program acknowledges the contributions of all people to the history and social fabric of Illinois.

What Graduates Say

“The Multicultural Leadership Academy was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of the interconnectedness between Black and Brown cultures. Through the program, I grew to not only recognize our shared struggles and collective power but also to appreciate the richness and uniqueness of Latin cultures—both abroad and, more meaningfully, throughout Chicago. This experience gave me even more reason to love this city and fight for equity and systemic change within it. Most importantly, I gained deep, authentic relationships that have already enriched both my personal journey and the mission of my business, Everyday Educators.” -Jeremy Rembert, 2025 Graduate

“The Multicultural Leadership Academy challenged me to think about leadership from perspectives that differ from my own. As someone who naturally gravitates toward structure, strategy, and results, the program pushed me outside of my comfort zone by emphasizing reflection, relationships, and personal storytelling. While that approach was not always natural for me, it broadened my perspective and reminded me that effective leadership requires both head and heart.” -Dr. Christian Bello-Escobar, 2026 Graduate

Cost

The Multicultural Leadership Academy costs $12,000 per participant. The Latino Policy Forum subsidizes over 75% of this investment, so we ask that sponsoring organizations contribute $2,700.

We understand this may be a challenge for some organizations—limited scholarships may be available, and we are happy to discuss flexible arrangements.

Schedule

The program consists of workshops, overnight retreats, affinity group work, and concludes with a graduation event. Applicants must commit to participating in all events, activities, and affinity group work and completion of assignments, problem solving, and other technical assistance.

Friday/Saturday Workshop Dates (1/2 days):
  • Saturday, January 30, 2027 
  • Friday, March 26, 2027   
  • Friday, April 30, 2027 
  • Friday, May 28, 2027 
  • Friday, July 30, 2027 
Overnight Retreat Dates:
  • Thursday, February 25 through Saturday, February 27, 2027 
  • Thursday, June 24 through Saturday, June 26, 2027 
Affinity Group Work:

Affinity groups will create, share, and implement a collaboratively developed action plan on a topic of the group’s choosing.

  • Schedule to be determined by participants.
Graduation
  • Last week of August 2027, date to be scheduled

Application Requirements

  • Applicants must reside in Illinois. 
  • Individuals representing suburban and rural organizations are strongly encouraged to apply. 
  • Applicants must be an employee, board member, or volunteer of an organization that is actively engaged in social change, policy impact and/or community improvement. 
  • Applicant must commit to participating in all workshops/technical assistance/coaching of MLA.  
  • Applicants must demonstrate experience working in or with Black and/or Latine communities.  
  • Sign a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to the roles and responsibilities for participation in the Academy.  

To complete the application, you will need:  

  • Demographic and contact information  
  • A personal bio
  • Resume
  • Video
  • Two recommendations to be completed online by your sponsoring organization and someone who can speak to why you are a strong fit for MLA. 

Click here to apply. Applications must be completed by Friday, October 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST.

Final selections will be made by a selection committee based on both the quality of the application and to ensure a balanced cohort based on age, gender, race/ethnicity, geography, etc. Selected applicants will receive written notification via email by Friday, December 18, 2026.

For additional information regarding the Multicultural Leadership Academy and the application process, please attend one of the three virtual information sessions on:

Tuesday, October 20, 2026
3:00 -3:30 p.m.
Zoom Link, Meeting ID: 89931958097, Passcode: 967214

Wednesday, October 21, 2026
12:00-12:30 p.m.
Zoom Link, Meeting ID: 81659258049, Passcode: 976096

Thursday, October 22, 2026
10:00-10:30 a.m.
Zoom Link, Meeting ID: 84782029708, Passcode: 551785

If you have any questions, please contact: NiCole Ward, Associate Director, Multicultural Leadership Academy via email or at (312) 376-1766 ext. 0230

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