Who We Are
LLEAD Michigan (Latino Leaders for Equity, Advocacy and Development) is a statewide 501(c)(3) organization uniting Latino leaders across Michigan.
From Detroit to Grand Rapids, our eight chapters work locally to resolve the civil rights, health, housing, education, and employment disparities facing Latino communities, while our statewide board brings those local voices together to move solutions forward.
We’re one of the only organizations in Michigan built this way — rooted in chapters, driven by community, and focused on one mission: bringing a voice to Michigan Latinos.
We bring a voice to Michigan Latinos, across all 83 counties, from the Thumb to the UP
Our History
Est. 2013
LLEAD began with a conversation.
On November 15, 2013, ten Latino leaders, four from Lansing, three from Holland, three from Saginaw, met at the Cristo Rey Community Center to ask a simple question: could Latino communities across Michigan work together on a statewide level? The answer became LLEAD.
Over the past decade, that founding group grew into eight chapters across the state, publishing the landmark Hispanics in Michigan 2020 Census Report, which revealed Latinos accounted for 60% of Michigan’s population growth, and building programs from a statewide Crisis Response System to candidate training to a Latino business directory. What started as ten people in a room is now a statewide movement.
Mission
LLEAD brings together Latinx individuals and partner organizations across Michigan to develop and advocate community-led solutions that reduce disparities in civil and human rights, health, housing, education, employment, and economic opportunity. We support local chapters with coordination, resources, and statewide advocacy to advance civic engagement, immigrant and LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equity
Purpose
The purpose of LLEAD and its chapters is to advocate for Latinx residents and immigrant communities in Michigan, providing a safe, discrimination, and bias-free environment in health, housing, education, employment, and immigrant and civil rights.
We are a non-partisan organization whose purpose includes informing and educating Michigan citizens and public servants alike about their neighbors’ and constituents’ rights and responsibilities.
Advocating
- Community Voice, Social Justice & Equity
- Mentorship and Youth Investment
- Civic Engagement
- Capacity Building, Business, & Skill Trades
- Healthcare & Mental Health
- Arts & Culture
Leadership Team
Our Chapters
Stay Involved!
LLEAD runs on the people who show up, at a chapter meeting, a Crisis Response training, a summit, or a golf outing in August.
Whether you want to start a chapter in your community, volunteer at an event, or simply stay in the loop, there’s a place for you here. Become a member, find your chapter, and help us keep bringing a voice to Michigan Latinos.