With over 75 leaders over four cohorts, Empowering Latine Leaders & Advocates for Success (ELLAS) couples professional development workshops with community-strengthening experiences through a Latine perspective.
Mission
ELLAS strengthens and nurtures Latine leaders through cultural grounding and professional development, and a commitment to anti-racism, igniting social change and fostering a resilient, unified community.
A Deeper Look
ELLAS leaders engage in a six month cohort beginning with a three-day retreat and then consecutive monthly workshops that include self-reflection, ancestral history, group activities, presentations, and personal leadership development.
The cohort culminates in a powerful ceremony and celebration every Spring.
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ELLAS is grounded in collaboration, cultural identity, evolution, and liberation. These values shape the curriculum, facilitation, and the way participants connect with one another.
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ELLAS brings Latine women together in structured leadership cohorts that combine professional growth with community-building, fostering accountability, solidarity, and shared impact.
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Skill-based workshops and trainings blend leadership development with cultural reflection, helping participants grow their advocacy and confidence through a Latine perspective.
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With more than 60 graduates, ELLAS sustains an active alumni network that extends mentorship, mutual support, and leadership across Kalamazoo and beyond.
Our People
Nichole Angel
Project Lead & Program Coordinator
Nichole Angel is a founding member of ELLAS and a graduate of the first cohort. She brings lived experience of the program’s impact and a deep commitment to uplifting Latine leadership in Kalamazoo. A seasoned professional, Nichole blends experience in advocacy, education, human resources, administration, and change management. In her role, she supports fund development, curriculum development, workshops and event logistics, communications, alumni engagement, and member recruitment, ensuring programs run smoothly from planning through execution. Nichole’s work reflects her belief in the power of culturally grounded leadership and her dedication to building a resilient, unified community.
Advisory Committee
Emily Olivares, United Way of South Central Michigan, Associate Director of Small Businesses and Community Impact
Liz Rodriguez, United Way of South Central Michigan, Senior Human Resource Generalist, both with United Way of South Central Michigan
Luciana Rua, Portage North Middle School, Spanish Teacher / Building Lead
Fuel the Mission
Support ELLAS by donating or reaching out to ellasleadership@stara.org to learn more.
