The Program

The HAL program is a 9 month leadership development class which focuses on growing leaders in the Hispanic community. The topics that we focus on are Financial Stability, Education, Community Leadership Impact, Healthcare, Sustainability, Arts & Culture and Central Texas: Past, Present, and Future. 

You do not have to be Hispanic to participate! As demographics quickly shift in Texas, it is becoming increasingly important to have a cross-cultural skillset. HAL can increase your awareness of specific issues that affect the Hispanic community while you learn about Central Texas as a whole.

The participants are expected to continue to be engaged after the nine month class and to affect the proactive changes required to create equity, opportunity and a better quality of life for all of the Austin Area. HAL provides business leaders and professionals an opportunity to develop civic awareness, leadership skills and a network of colleagues for life.

Join a select group for superior access to the latest information about Austin’s key issues from top community, business and government leaders.

You will:

• Meet the "who's who" in the civic, government and business community
• Develop relationships that will create personal and professional impact
• Learn from decision makers on topics such as Austin's growth and changing demographics, the achievement gap in Texas education, economic development, transportation, and the creative and entrepreneurial spirit of the city
• Participate in an indepth community service project with a small cohort of classmates
• Learn how key issues affect the Hispanic community
• Make a difference and get involved

2011-2012 HAL Program

2011-2012 Program Dates:

• August 18, 2011 - Class of 2012 Evening Mixer
• August 26-27, 2011 - Overnight Opening Retreat
• September 13, 2011
• October 11, 2011
• November 8, 2011
• December 13, 2011
• January 10, 2012
• February 14, 2012
• March 13, 2012
• April 12, 2012 - HAL Class of 2012 Graduation

The 2011-2012 HAL program tuition is $1,000. If you would like to set up a 3 or 6 month payment plan please contact btaunton@gahcc.org. This year HAL is offering two $500 small business or nonprofit scholarships that are sponsored by Walmart. Interested individuals can apply for the scholarships in the main HAL application.

Program Structure

Each HAL session meets from 8:30 a.m - 4:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month from September through March. Session locations vary and generally coincide with the topic of the day. Most sessions are centrally located.

History

The Hispanic Austin Leadership Program is a self-sustaining program that was founded by the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 1999. Since then, 183 participants have graduated from the program. The HAL Program received national attention after winning the 2000 National Society of Hispanic MBA's (NSHMBA) Brillante Award. The program has been duplicated across the United States in the following cities: Roswell, New Mexico; Corpus Christi, Texas; Reno, Nevada; Fresno, California; Portland, Oregon; Pascal, Washington; Ft. Worth, Texas; McAllen, Texas.

Program Purpose

• To identify and train emerging leaders in the Hispanic community
• To participate in team building activities
• To engage leaders in the Hispanic community in hands-on leadership experiences in order to prepare them to accept future community leadership roles
• To network with elected officials, business owners, entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, and students
• To gain individual commitment towards future service on GAHCC committees and other public and private policy-making bodies

Objective

• Learn about the art of leadership from community civic leaders
• Develop interpersonal communication skills
• Examine critical issues facing the local community
• Participate and create a group project that impacts the community

Class Topics

• Community Leadership Impact
• Education
• Financial Stability
• Healthcare
• Central Texas: Past, Present, and Future
• Environmental Sustainability
• Arts & Culture

HAL Alumni

“The HAL program has sparked a renewed sense of civic duty in me. The breadth and depth of topics and diverse speakers has inspired me to take a vested interest in my community and drive for a greater quality of life for the region and beyond.”  - Thomas Miranda, Class of 2009

Click here to see HAL Alumni

Sponsors

Many thanks to all of our generous 2010-2011 sponsors!

• 3M
• ¡ahora sí!
• Austin Water
• Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
• IBM
• Seton Family of Hospitals
• Wells Fargo
• Refurbished laptops provided by www.DiscountElectronics.com

Questions?

If you have any questions about the Hispanic Austin Leadership program please contact Stefan Molina at smolina@gahcc.org.