GLBHLI, How It All Began
Hispanics have become the largest minority in the United States. According to the Pew Hispanic Center, The U.S. Hispanic population reached 62.1 million in 2020, accounting for 19% of all Americans and making it the nation’s second-largest racial or ethnic group, behind White Americans and ahead of Black Americans, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It is also one of the fastest-growing groups in the U.S. Between 2010 and 2020, the country’s Hispanic population grew 23%, up from 50.5 million in 2010 (the Asian population grew faster over the same decade). Since 1970, when Hispanics made up 5% of the U.S. population and numbered 9.6 million, the Hispanic population has grown more than sixfold. (Pew Research.org; 1. A Brief Statistical Portrait of U.S. Hispanics BY Cary Funk and Mark Hugo Lopez)
Historically, Latino leaders in the Saginaw, Bay City, and Midland Counties, have made their mark for different organizations and programs that have contributed to a greater community. Yet, in more recent years, concern over the involvement among Latino youth helped propel the creation of the Great Lakes Bay Hispanic Leadership Institute (GLBHLI) twelve years ago. Through community summit meetings held at Saginaw Valley State University with the College of Business & Management, several barriers were identified as causing low college enrollment and low participation of young adults in leadership roles. As a result of those meetings, several suggestions were made to counter those barriers. One component of many solutions and through the encouragement of the community members and Saginaw Valley State University, discussions began. To help develop a cadre of next-generation leaders from and for this community, members decided to meet with the founder of the African-American Leadership Training Institute, Jimmy E. Greene, in April 2008 when two classes of the African-American Leadership Group had already graduated.
“In a community and state that’s devastated as much as Michigan is, it is imperative that we push new people resources to the forefront,” said Greene, who is CEO and President of the American Builders & Contractors, in Midland, Michigan in 2008. “I had always felt that the Hispanic community was absent in the same manner as young Black men were from representation. I only hoped that someone from the Hispanic community would get the same sort of frustration as I had and do something about it. Finally, someone did.”
“The GLBHLI provides the forum for Hispanics to learn, network, and collaborate with individuals from all walks of life,” said Reyes, GLBHLI Executive Director. Monica is the Executive Director of the GLBHLI Program and operates the day-to-day operations. This innovative program is designed as a leadership identification program, with the specific goal of developing and fostering our future community leaders. Other Staff volunteers include Patricia Sirias who serves as the Administrative Manager, Leia Lopez-Gamboa is the Volunteer Coordinator, Dr. Danilo Sirias is our Educational Advisor and Dr. Elsa Olvera is our new Training Operations Manager.
With thirteen years of graduation, as a result of the program, Ambassador graduates have stepped into roles in their community, positions with more responsibility and visibility, and continue to volunteer thousands of hours of service throughout the Great Lakes Bay region.
The Hispanic community recognized that there was a huge need for greater Latino leadership because previously, the same few Hispanics were always asked to serve on boards and committees. It has changed, with the creation of the program, developed for those ages 21-45, that may be under the radar for traditional leadership programs. Now we keep a list of Ambassador Graduates willing to step into and available for leadership roles, including boards, committees, and participation in volunteer leadership positions in the community. Each year we will celebrate the start of new cohorts and we introduce our new student ambassadors who have been selected to begin their year-long journey. The program continues to adjust, and adapt and has grown into a premier leadership development program recognized not only in the great state of Michigan but also by the national Lideramos (The national standard for Leadership programs).
Dr. Mamie Thorns, Special Assistant to the President of Saginaw Valley State University, worked with Reyes to draft a proposal and white paper to present to the President of the University for approval and worked diligently with the support of others like Kim Houston-Philpot and Jeff Martin from The Dow Chemical Company, who gave countless hours to the program throughout the year to assure its success. Once the program was approved at SVSU, the program was designed and operated at SVSU. Great Lakes Bay Hispanic Leadership Institute is its entity recognized as a nonprofit with a 501(c)3.
The program is funded by our main sponsors; including Saginaw Valley State University, Consumers Energy Foundation, Wanigas Credit Union, and the Hispanic Latino Commission of Michigan. Saginaw Valley State University continues to look for ways to reach out to the community, and the program was a good fit. “Former SVSU President Eric Gilbertson was always supportive of any program that promoted diversity at the university. Dr. Gilbertson was the University President when the program began in 2009. Dr. Mamie Thorns, Special Assistant to the President for Diversity Programs, stepped in to lend a hand in the development of the institute and continues to contribute as a trainer and serve on the steering committee,” Reyes said. “And now with the new SVSU President George Grant Jr., SVSU continues to support and welcome the program and its mission.
The GLBHLi is tailored for individuals seeking to cultivate skills and relationships essential for effective leadership. It offers a comprehensive program that readies and empowers future visionary leaders, fostering positive impacts on both their personal lives and the communities they serve. Emphasizing personal development, cultural awareness, leadership growth, and community engagement, the program facilitates a transformative journey. Participants gain valuable skills and actively contribute to community welfare through volunteering activities integrated into the curriculum. This hands-on experience enhances their leadership capabilities. Moreover, the program enables participants to form a network of professional colleagues and regional relationships. It is a crucial support system as individuals progress in their careers and pursue life goals.
Kimberly Houston-Philpot, one of the founding Advisory board members, defined the leadership institute goal nicely, saying: “It reflects increased diversity and inclusion in the region’s development of leaders.” She added, “The ambassadors are talented and dynamic; we expect they’ll broaden the conversation on cultural thinking and will also reflect a ‘younger generational’ voice toward sustainable regional growth.”