Dear Familia, Friends, and Colleagues,
After 16 extraordinary years as President & CEO of the Latino Policy Forum, this is my final letter to you in this role. It is difficult to put into words the immense gratitude I feel for the friendships and partnerships I have built with so many of you but know that you have inspired me and energized me all these years, de corazón, gracias. Thank you for sharing this vision of prosperity, unity, and equity for Latinos in Illinois and everyone in our world.
As I look back on this year, and on my 16 years at the helm of this important organization, I am overcome with emotion and pride at everything we have accomplished. I won’t go into detail here, there’s simply too much, but I invite you to read my September 5th letter and the Forum’s 2023-2024 accomplishments.
But I want to recognize also that the change we have collectively made has extended far beyond one community. Every policy change that we have worked for, every leader that we have reached, every heart that we have touched, and every mind we have changed, has not only uplifted Latinos but has impacted so many other vulnerable people.
I wholeheartedly believe we are stronger together; that when we recognize our shared humanity, we more clearly see the challenges that impact all vulnerable communities.
Over the years, I have come to understand the importance of the universality of our efforts, especially with the uncertainties that come with our future political landscape. I wholeheartedly believe we are stronger together; that when we recognize our shared humanity, we more clearly see the challenges that impact all vulnerable communities. While we approach our work through a Latino lens, we are committed to the most vulnerable among us, and if we can remove barriers for them and improve their lives, we remove barriers for others and impact everyone. Now is a time that calls for all of humankind to come together – to lead with justice and equity at the forefront, but also to lead from a place of love. As I have shared before, part of my journey has been to set aside the armor that often defined my leadership—though I still draw on it when needed—to instead lead from a place of fierce love. For truly, it is love – love for our community, loved ones, and our young people – that enables us to be agents of change. This love forms the foundation that, in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., enables us to create the beloved community.
Thank you for standing with us on this journey. It has been an honor to lead the Forum and to work alongside so many inspiring partners, friends, and advocates. I leave with deep gratitude and confidence in the incredible team who will continue to create positive change so that every parent and child can live a life of abundance, prosperity, and realize their full power.
Peace, love, and radical blessings,
Sylvia Puente, President & CEO
Latino Policy Forum