The Rising Latino Leaders (RLL) program prepares participants for success in their first managerial positions and equips them to progress into higher levels of responsibility. This innovative and intensive experience is unique from other senior leadership development programs by focusing on cultural awareness and competence throughout all sessions.

The Business Case
Despite being the fastest growing talent pool in the U.S., Latinos are underrepresented nationally in managerial positions and face slow upward mobility. In response, the SMU Cox Executive Education collaborated with senior executives from the Latino Leadership Initiative's corporate sponsors to develop the Rising Latino Leaders program. The curriculum and structure of RLL was created in collaboration with senior executives from companies including AT&T, Baylor Scott & White Health, Northwestern Mutual, PepsiCo, EY, JCPenney, Kimberly-Clark, MoneyGram, Shell Oil, State Farm, and Walmart.

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Course feature Course detail
Dates: March 31, 2025 – November 14, 2025
Topic: Diversity and Inclusion
Format: On Campus
Location: SMU Cox School of Business
Credentialing:

Credly digital certificate awarded upon course completion.
Price:

Please contact us at (214) 768-8232 or SMUCoxLLI@smu.edu for pricing information.
Questions?

Please contact us at (214) 768-8232 or SMUCoxLLI@smu.edu for anything not covered here.

Topics & Program Details

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Objectives

  • Aid the transition from individual contributors and supervisors to high performance leaders of teams

  • Develop critical business and leadership skills

  • Raise awareness of how certain aspects of Latino culture affect performance and achievement

  • Prepare participants for sustained success at higher levels of responsibility

Achieved Through

  • Practical, interactive, and hands-on learning experiences

  • Awareness of cultural barriers and opportunities for advancement

  • Networking with experienced Latino senior managers

The RLLP curriculum focuses on increasing the performance and visibility of Latino talent.

The program is delivered over four and a half days on the SMU campus. Participants will engage in practical interactive learning experiences, individual assessments, and interact with experienced Latino senior managers. Our goal is help strong individual contributors and supervisors make the transition to dynamic senior leaders.

KEY PROGRAM MODULES

  • Cultural Foundations of Latino Leaders
  • The Leadership Mindset - Becoming an Effective Leader
  • Driving Performance, Engagement & Trust
  • Managing Difficult Conversations
  • Business Acumen
  • Executive Presence
  • Developing Influence & Social Capital

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate and join the SMU Cox Latino Leadership Initiative alumni community.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Individual Assessment

Each participant will complete an individual assessment prior to the start of the program. Results of this self-awareness tool will allow participants identify their leadership style and an opportunity to understand how to maximize their leadership skills by focusing on their strengths.

Executive Speakers and Advisors

Participants will learn and interact with world-renowned experts in leadership and business. Our Latino executive advisors share practical insights, tools, and tips with participants in the classroom.

Who Should Attend?

The Rising Latino Leaders Program is an innovative development experience for individual contributors and those who recently promoted into supervisory or first line management positions with demonstrated leadership potential.

Time Commitment

RLLP requires significant commitments from participants as they dedicate four and a half days to this program. It is important that individual’s participation is supported by their organization. To acknowledge this, participants will provide names and contact information of their managers and senior leaders who will be updated regarding the program and invited to participate in the closing ceremony and graduation. 

LEARN MORE

Contact Ana Rodriguez, Executive Director for the Latino Leadership Initiative, at SMUCoxLLI@smu.edu or 214.768.8232 to learn more about the Rising Latino Leaders Program.

Schedule

There are multiple cohort options to choose from to participate in RLLP 2025. The program will occur over four and a half days, in person, at the SMU Cox campus.

Upcoming Cohorts

Dates

RLLP Spring

March 31-April 4, 2025

RLLP Summer

 June 9-13, 2025
RLLP Fall September 29-October 3, 2025
RLLP Winter
 November 10-14, 2025

There are virtual options available. Please contact us at (214) 768-8232 or SMUCoxLLI@smu.edu for dates and pricing information.

Course Certification

We have partnered with Credly to translate the learning outcomes you’ve demonstrated into a badge, issued and managed through Credly's digital badging platform.

Click here to learn more about this Credly certification

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Women in Leadership

Ana Rodriguez, Academic Director

"We couldn't resist the opportunity to provide a more mindful and intentional offering that creates a safe environment for women."

This three-day immersive learning experience is designed to equip women leaders with actionable strategies to overcome the hurdles women often face in the workplace.

Candice Bledsoe

Candice Bledsoe, Fall 2019

"The Rising Latino Leadership Program is paving the way for Latino leaders by providing innovative, executive education. Emerging leaders are equipped with the resources and tools to achieve their professional goals. "

This innovative four-and-a-half day experience prepares participants for success in their first managerial positions and equips them to progress into higher levels of responsibility.

three students at a table working

Sam De La Garza, Senior Manager, Toyota

"CEDP has been an amazing journey of learning and growth. We challenged ourselves and each other to become better leaders for our teams and organizations."

Delivered in three phases over seven months, this will offer training and networking opportunities to high-potential Hispanic managers and directors preparing for executive levels of responsibilities.

Rising Latino Leaders - Jay Ortiz

Jay Ortiz, AT&T Conexion

The Rising Latino Leader Program equips you with all the tools needed to climb the corporate ladder, but more importantly, become a better version of yourself while doing so... this course will help you realize your full potential.

This innovative four-and-a-half day experience prepares participants for success in their first managerial positions and equips them to progress into higher levels of responsibility.

three men at a table

Chris Quave, Director, AT&T

"CEDP quickly enhanced my leadership skills, with a curriculum focused on personal development, consumers and industry trends that provided an in-depth knowledge to make calculated business decisions. The experience was invaluable."

Delivered in three phases over seven months, this will offer training and networking opportunities to high-potential Hispanic managers and directors preparing for executive levels of responsibilities.

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Next Steps

Questions? Not sure which program fits your needs? Reach out to our team.
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