CLYLP Executive Director Receives Latino Spirit Award
Dr. Luisa Ortega, Executive Director of the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project, Honored by the California Latino Legislative Caucus at the 23rd Annual Latino Spirit Awards
May 6, 2025 (Sacramento, CA) — The Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project (CLYLP) announced today that Executive Director Dr. Luisa Ortega was honored at the 23rd Annual Latino Spirit Awards by the California Latino Legislative Caucus. This prestigious recognition celebrates influential Latinos who have made significant contributions to their communities and fields. Dr. Ortega received her award during a ceremony on Monday, May 5, 2025, at the California State Capitol.
"I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the California Latino Legislative Caucus alongside such incredible leaders who have paved the way for our community,” said Dr. Ortega. “This award is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the collective work of the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project and the thousands of young leaders we have empowered over the years. At CLYLP, we believe in the transformative power of education, mentorship, and civic engagement to uplift our communities. This honor reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that Latino youth continue to have access to opportunities that will help them thrive as the future leaders of California.”
The Latino Spirit Awards, established in 2002, recognize Latino trailblazers in various fields, including education, arts, public service, and business. Past honorees include iconic figures such as Rita Moreno, Luis Valdez, Dolores Huerta, and Isabel Allende.
“As the Executive Director of CLYLP, an institution that has an outstanding legacy of preparing hundreds of youths to lead and that has instilled in them a deep commitment to community service, Dr. Ortega models the spirit of this prestigious award, ” said Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus. “This recognition places Dr. Ortega among an esteemed group of leaders who have made a profound impact on the Latino community.”
From her early roles supporting marginalized communities in San Diego and Los Angeles to her impactful leadership at CLYLP, Dr. Ortega has been a driving force in creating pathways to success for Latino youth. As the Executive Director of CLYLP, Dr. Ortega has expanded opportunities for young leaders across California, ensuring that historically underrepresented communities have the resources and mentorship to thrive in higher education, professional careers, and public service. Her work has led to the expansion of culturally responsive programming, leadership development initiatives, and increased access to higher education for students across the state.
“Dr. Ortega’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of Latino leaders,” said Marilyn Limon, Chair of the CLYLP Board of Directors. “As a CLYLP alumni, she’s modeled what it means to be of service and has carried the impactful lessons instilled through CLYLP’s youth programs throughout her career. The CLYLP family celebrates this incredible honor and looks forward to continuing Dr. Ortega’s mission of empowering the next generation of Latino leaders.”
Sacramento Fundraiser 2025
The Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project (CLYLP) in Partnership with the California Latino Legislative Caucus Hosts Fundraiser to Benefit Youth Leadership Programs
Resources raised support CLYLP’s long-lasting legacy spanning more than four decades of
preparing California’s future leaders.
May 28, 2025 (SACRAMENTO, CA)–The Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project Inc., (CLYLP) — a nonprofit that builds the leadership capacity of California’s youth in partnership with the California Latino Legislative Caucus — hosted a reception and fundraiser on May 27th, 2025, in the California state capital. The event also honored the contributions of alums, volunteers, students, Latino community advocates, and Latino elected officials.
“Our longstanding partnership with the California Latino Legislative Caucus is a testament to CLYLP’s vital role in exposing our state’s youth to transformative leadership opportunities, including the possibility of representing their communities in Sacramento,” said Dr. Luisa Ortega, Executive Director of CLYLP. “This annual reception honors that partnership, celebrates
our remarkable alumni, and recognizes the countless volunteers who mentor and support California’s future leaders.
Since its inception in 1982, over seven thousand high school students from throughout the state have benefited from CLYLP programs that enhance leadership skills, academic preparedness, self-esteem, cultural awareness, and provide an understanding of state and local government. Programs include a week-long, intensive leadership training program in
Sacramento; Regional leadership institutes held in the Bay Area, Central Valley, Los Angeles, and the Inland Empire; and the Comcast Fellowship, a month-long leadership program based in Sacramento.
“Partnering with the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project is a commitment to our future. It’s about ensuring that young Latinos see themselves not just as participants, but as leaders of our state. We’re proud to stand with CLYLP in opening doors for Latino youth," said Assemblymember Juan Carrillo, Co-Vice Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus.
“Uplifting the Latino community means supporting our youth. The Latino Caucus is proud to have supported the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project for the past 40 years. We look forward to continuing our partnership in developing California’s next generation of Latino leaders,” said Assemblymember Liz Ortega, Co-Vice Chair of the California Latino Legislative
Caucus. CLYLP’s success is founded on its model, which combines community-based leadership, volunteer activism, and partnership. Approximately 200 volunteers, including many CLYLP alumni, form the backbone of CLYLP efforts, contributing an estimated 25,000 hours of volunteer time per year. CLYLP’s model promotes and provides leadership development
directly to students who participate in CLYLP programs, but also year-round to the hundreds of volunteers throughout California who work with CLYLP.