Its first transition Board was comprised of committed members of our community, interested in moving forward the Latino community agenda. It started meeting in early January to provide structure, mission and vision for the new organization. It also envisioned partnerships and collaboration among existing organizations in the Lehigh Valley. An early Board retreat was held to provide direction to the new organization. As a result our mission and initial steps were envisioned. 

During the first year we created our by-laws, visualizing that most of our work was going to be generated by six standing committees: By-laws, Education, Events, Health, Leadership Development and Public Relations. This first year also served us as a groundbreaking time to test the efficiency and appropriateness of the new structure.

We recruited allies from our community that share our vision and goals. We also made a concerted effort to adapt and incorporate the feedback received from our members.At the end of our first year we realized that the current structure works. The first Board was elected in December of 2004. The newly elected Board started the year by attending a retreat since there was an immediate need to work on a strategic plan and create a policy manual. We are currently in that process. The committee’s work has proven to be successful. 

Since then, Latino Leadership Alliance of the Lehigh Valley has grown and many activities have been achieved. Part of our success is that we have provided more than 200 scholarships to local Latino students enrolled in higher education degrees. We have served the community in many different ways, including the creation of forums to promote leadership and development of Latinos in the Lehigh Valley where their voice can be heard.

Our short existence has demonstrated that there is a great need in our community for an umbrella organization that unites and promotes collaboration, so that we grow to be a united voice. We have become that, we have found our voice in the Lehigh Valley!