Our Legacy and Vision for the Future
LIDERAMOS was born in December 2015 out of a MillerCoors-funded networking seminar. This initial meeting brought together experts in Latino leadership and directors of successful leadership programs for the first time. Recognizing the value of collaboration and the absence of an organization solely focused on elevating Latino leadership, these founding organizations established LIDERAMOS. The need was underscored by: the youth of existing Latino leadership programs, the demographic imperative for widespread leadership development to match the growing Latino population, the potential loss of national contributions if this leadership is not cultivated, the need for more culturally relevant leadership programs across various fields, and the potential benefits of a national partnership to enhance existing programs and foster new ones.
LIDERAMOS’ legacy lies in its creation as the first national entity dedicated to improving and igniting leadership within the Latino community. It established a platform for existing programs to connect, share best practices, and collectively elevate their impact. The identification of the five key dynamics highlighting the urgent need for this work laid the foundation for its mission and strategic direction.
Our Mission and Values
At LIDERAMOS, our mission is to empower and connect Latino leaders nationwide, fostering their growth through targeted resources, education, and opportunities. We are deeply committed to building inclusive environments that celebrate diversity, uphold integrity, and thrive on collaboration.
Our core values drive us to cultivate culturally aware and civically engaged leaders who are equipped to serve their communities effectively. We believe in meeting local Latino leaders where they are, providing the support necessary to develop and sustain impactful leadership programs rooted in their unique experiences.
Recognizing the growing identities within Latino communities, we strive to create place-based incubators that nurture self-belief and encourage innovative visions for the future, drawing strength from heritage and identity.
Through our comprehensive approach, including strong curriculum and training, an annual Leadership Symposium, a national resource directory, scholarship and fellowship opportunities, and ongoing community-building events, mentorship, and knowledge sharing, LIDERAMOS is dedicated to expanding the quality and impact of Latino leadership, ultimately contributing to a more vibrant and equitable nation.
Meet Our Founders
Our founders laid the groundwork for Lideramos with their visionary leadership and commitment to empowering Latino communities across the nation.
Juana Bordas
Founder & Founding President
Juana Bordas, the visionary founder of LIDERAMOS, has dedicated her career to cultivating and elevating Latino leadership. LIDERAMOS embodies the hope and tangible results born from her extensive experience and significant achievements. For years, Juana has been instrumental in establishing national Latino leadership initiatives and has served as a respected thought leader within globally recognized leadership development institutions, including the Center for Creative Leadership and the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership. Her motivation for creating LIDERAMOS stems from the persistent underrepresentation of Latino leadership, not just in numbers, but also within mainstream leadership literature, training programs, and media portrayals that shape national culture.
Drawing on her deep understanding of community-driven change, Juana recognizes the often-overlooked yet transformative power of Latino leaders within their local contexts. Her commitment to amplifying these voices is the driving force behind LIDERAMOS.
Juana’s profound impact is further underscored by her numerous accolades and influential roles:
- Recipient of the prestigious International Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
- Advisor to Harvard’s Hispanic Journal on Public Policy and the Kellogg National Fellows Program.
- Past Vice-President of the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership and Trustee of the International Leadership Association.
- First Latina faculty member at The Center for Creative Leadership.
- Founder of Denver’s Mi Casa Women’s Center and served as its Executive Director until 1986.
- Founding President/CEO of the National Hispana Leadership Institute in 1987.
- Founder in 2002 of the Circle of Latina Leadership.
- Author of the seminal leadership books, “Salsa, Soul, and Spirit: Leadership for a Multicultural Age” and “The Power of Latino Leadership,” both recognized with International Latino Book Awards.
- Contributed to the 2015 edition of Peter Drucker’s “Five Most Important Questions: Enduring Wisdom for Today’s Leaders”, a New York Times bestseller.
- Recognized as a Wise Woman by The National Center for Women’s Policy Studies.
- Inducted into The Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame.
- Named the Colorado Unique Woman of the Year in 2009 by the Denver Post and the Colorado Women’s Foundation.
- Selected as one of the Most Influential and Powerful Latinos in America by the National Diversity Council in 2017.
Through LIDERAMOS, Juana Bordas continues her lifelong dedication to ensuring that Latino leadership is not only recognized but also empowered to shape a more inclusive and equitable future.
Founding Board Members
Sylvia Puente
President & CEO
Latino Policy Forum – Chicago, IL
Richard Martinez
RJ and Associates – San Antonio, TX
Carol Rodriquez
Leadership Coach – San Antonio, TX
Angela Flores
COO Valle del Sol – Phoenix, AZ
Phyllis Barajas
Chief Executive Officer
Conexion – Advancing Latino Leadership – Boston, MA
Erika Carsen
Senior Program Manager
Harvard JFK School of Government – Boston, MA
William R. Gil
Educational Director – Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute – Washington, DC
Dr. Lissette Garcia
COO and Director of Research Programs and Initiatives Manager
Jason Leon
Managing Director
Diversified Search – Washington, DC
Maria Pesqueira
Executive Director
Mujeres Latinas en Accion – Chicago, IL
Our Board
Our board members bring a wealth of experience and dedication to guiding Lideramos towards achieving its mission of building a nation of Latino leaders.
Patricia Mejia
Chairperson
Sylvia Puente
Vice Chairperson
Amy Hinojosa
Secretary
Juana Pacheco
Treasurer
Richard Martinez (Emeritus)
At-Large Board Member
Carol Rodriguez
At-Large Board Member
Executive Director
Angela Anderson Guerrero, PhD
angela@lideramos.org
29 May 2025
It is with profound sadness and deep respect that we announce the passing of Richard J. Martinez, a beloved founding Board member of LIDERAMOS. Richard‘s remarkable career, spanning over 40 years in housing, human relations, and civil rights, made him a pillar of leadership development within the Latino community and among social justice advocates throughout the U.S.
Richard was an accomplished facilitator, trainer, and distinguished organizational development practitioner. He was the founder and President of the R.J. Martinez Group, a consulting firm dedicated to leadership development, organizational capacity building, cultural competency, and housing and economic development. His extensive list of clients included the Illinois Governor’s Office, the Bank of America Neighborhood Excellence Program, the Latino Policy Forum, and the National Association of Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB). Richard also co-founded the National Hispanic Housing Coalition in Washington, D.C. He testified before Congress and was asked to serve as a member of the House Democratic Caucus Housing Committee for the United States House of Representatives.
Angela Anderson Guerrero, Executive Director of LIDERAMOS, shared, “Richard is one of the kindest souls I have met, and he demonstrated how leadership is patient, kind, and forgiving. I will miss his guidance, unwavering support, and witnessing his enthusiasm for the future generations following his path.”
Richard‘s devotion to his family was unwavering. He adored his wife, Mary, crediting her for his success. He was a doting hermano to his sister, “Little Mary,” cherished his bond with his brothers, and was a proud father and grandfather. While his family was his compass, he extended his “abrazos” to all, generously giving his time and sharing profound lessons.
Beyond his professional achievements, Richard was a vibrant artist, poet, playwright, and former owner of Mitos Art Gallery in San Antonio, Texas. He animated life and was a catalyst for all of us to see the brilliance within ourselves.
Richard will be greatly missed. May we honor his “cariño” and generosity by continuing to be of service to one another and our communities.
As Patricia Mejia, LIDERAMOS Board Chair, says, “The impact Richard has had on this world simply cannot be captured in words. He was a man who lived his values fully—in every word he spoke, in every action he took. Today, we pause as ancestors receive him, and we offer our deepest thanks. We stand in profound gratitude for the gift that was—and always will be—Richard. Sometimes, there are no words. Simplemente… gracias.”