Latina Alumnae Are Leading the Way

In a state where around 15 percent of the female population identifies as Latina, the number of this demographic in positions of power is just starting to increase. 

The Latina Leadership Institute (LLI) – cofounded by the RI Latino Civic Fund and various Latina community leaders, including RIC alumna and TV/radio host Delia Rodriguez-Masjoan in the 1990s – aims to build the skills, knowledge, and social network of Latina women aspiring to become leaders. 

RIC alumnae who have been part of the Latina Leadership Institute include Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos; Sen. Lammis Vargas; Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket, Central Falls); Doris Blanchard, director of outreach and engagement at Rhode Island Commerce; and Anna Cano-Morales, director of the Rhode Island Foundation. Most recently, Maricarmen Calle ’12 and Betsy Montes M.A.T. ’25 became graduates of the 2025 program.

Montes, born in Providence to Guatemalan and Salvadoran parents, speaks three languages and teaches Spanish at a charter school in East Greenwich. Her ultimate goal is to pursue educational leadership, advocating for policies that support public education and students’ well-being. 

For her, the Latina Leadership Institute has been crucial in her preparatory journey, connecting her with Latina leaders in positions of power, such as Maria Rivera, the mayor of Central Falls and Rosa De Castillo, director of community affairs and outreach for the governor’s office.

The 10-month program brought in guest speakers in leadership roles across Rhode Island who helped participants like Montes and Calle gain insight and inspiration, build a professional network and find the tools to start working for and with their communities. The program also helped them understand their mission to continue changing the narrative. 

Montes says the people she met at the program not only opened doors but also helped her reflect on her identity and envision a future where education is more equitable and skill-focused. “At the program, there were people who looked like me and shared how they got there,” she says. “It was interesting to see that cultural reflection.” 

Montes believes that in a leadership position, she will be able to advocate for policies that guarantee success for Latina women in education and students from minority backgrounds. “I want them to access community networks, investment knowledge, study other languages and gain artificial intelligence and tech skills, which play a significant role in the success of students’ futures,” she says. “These are opportunities that kids in private schools have, but not so much for students in urban schools. We need to create more equitable pathways.” 

Calle, who is now a new board member of the Latina Leadership Institute, is working to enhance women’s entrepreneurship across Rhode Island. She was born in Venezuela and was raised in the United States since she was nine. 

After graduating from Rhode Island College and working at the Adult Correctional Institution for over a year, Calle discovered her passion for business and empowering women. In 2015, when she became a single mother of two, she founded “She Always Believed,” a company created to support other women on their entrepreneurial journeys. 

“I wanted to help other women achieve financial freedom and discover their power, as well as find someone who would believe in their product and their idea,” she says. “I think LLI is a continuation of the growth, entrepreneurship and leadership of Latina women overall. It is an extension of what I started as a personal path 10 years ago.”

Calle believes leadership starts with purpose, speaking up, understanding everyone’s story and working to uplift others. “As Latinas, we were raised hearing ‘don't speak up,’ ‘No, no, no, you need to stay quiet,’ ‘calladita se ve más bonita,” [you look prettier if you’re quiet], but that’s not how change happens. Now, I tell the younger generation – my daughters, nephews, nieces and cousins – that it’s time to take action. You have to do the work, get involved and support your community.”

“Leadership is about having a purpose behind what you do and meeting everyone where they’re at,” she adds. “LLI is an amazing group of Latinas who are capable of leading. That leadership comes from making sure we are prepared.”