About LCSV
Our Mission
The Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley (LCSV) educates and prepares Latinas in the areas of civic engagement and leadership development. The LCSV accomplishes this mission through a variety of educational platforms, including:
- Monthly lecture/luncheons with keynote speakers from different sectors and perspectives
- Leadership development workshops on topics such as public speaking
- Civic engagement workshops on topics such as running for office
- Engaged Latina Leadership Activist (ELLA) program
We believe that serving our Latina community is an expression of our shared values of service, commitment, and appreciation for the Latinas who have paved the way for our successes.
The Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley is a tax-exempt, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions to the LCSV are tax-deductible. We are non-partisan and do not make political endorsements. Tax ID#01-0799235.
Our Members
We have approximately 150 active members, and hundreds of other friends and partners who contribute and help us achieve our mission. Our members are diverse in ethnicity, age, education and professional background. From students to city council members, and entrepreneurs to executive directors, everyone makes a powerful contribution to our wonderful LCSV family.
Read about membership benefits
Read about our member accomplishments
Our Board
Meet Our Board | Read Director Testimonials | Download board recruitment info
Contact Melanie Espino if you are interested in joining our team.
Our History
In December of 1998, Teresa Alvarado convened a small group to discuss the Latina political pipeline in Santa Clara County and the potential opening of County Supervisor Blanca Alvarado’s seat in 2000. In attendance were Teresa Alvarado, Evangelina Calderon, Rosie Carlos, Camille Coto, Rebecca Gallardo, Tamara Lopez, and Elma Rosas. The meeting generated good dialogue and interest in finding ways to build Latina civic engagement.
In August 1999, the group organized an event to recognize the region’s longest-serving Latina elected official, Supervisor Alvarado, and celebrate her decision to seek a second full term on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.
In March of 2000, the Hispanic Women's Council of Northern California organized its “Latina Voices” conference. At that event, Teresa Alvarado, Evangelina Calderon and Tamara Lopez all participated on a panel and spoke about Latina leadership (political, civic, business, legal and government). The conversation in that panel session sparked further interest in developing a training session to familiarize local Latinas with the levels of local government to promote their interest and involvement.
Over the next few months, the idea generated further steam and HOPE Leadership Institute graduates were invited to combine forces with the budding Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley. These graduates were Teresa Guerrero-Daley, Betty Martinez, Bertha Galvan, Kristin Nevarez, Miriam Ayllon, and Carmen Robles.
Together, this combined group of women created and launched a speaker series that has informed and engaged hundreds of Latinas in the Silicon Valley in public discourse and leadership ever since.
In 2003 LCSV became an incorporated non-profit, and in 2005 LCSV received its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit status.