Marilyn Alverio is the founder and CEO of Latinas & Power, and executive director of the Latinas in Leadership Institute (LiLi).
Latinas & Power hosts an annual symposium, which started in 2004 with over 100 attendees at Capital Community College and has grown to attract nearly 700 Latina professionals at the CT Convention Center.
LiLi is a research-based leadership program supported by UConn’s Puerto Rican Research Institute. It launched its first cohort of 16 Latinas in September 2023, and is currently running its fourth cohort while recruiting for the fifth, set to begin in September.
Alverio is a UConn graduate and received her MBA from the University of Phoenix.
What have been your biggest professional accomplishments so far?
Drawing on my 35 years of experience as a marketing professional, I have succeeded in building an end-to-end institute. This program will impact the lives of hundreds of Latinas who remain underrepresented in all sectors across the U.S. Enhancing their lives will foster a more inclusive future.
What’s the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally?
To continue adding programs to our Latinas in Leadership Institute. In discussion is a college-to-workplace curriculum using the current curriculum as the core. We have created a Donor CRM to help us raise funds for our expansion.
What’s one of the biggest professional challenges you’ve overcome?
My top three are unconscious bias, stereotypes and microaggressions. Being overlooked for promotional opportunities into the c-suite are challenges once you reach a leadership position in a Fortune 100 corporation. I have created a successful communication style for my top three, which is professional and teachable.
How are you involved in the community?
I participate in and support several community organizations, serve on two boards, and attend numerous cultural fundraisers. I have also been invited to several of the at-risk high schools to speak to the students over the past 10 years.
What legacy do you want to leave after your career is over?
I retired from my corporate career three years ago. During my third act, I am living my legacy. I leave behind my current educational platform that is intended to address the Latina leadership gap in the U.S., and create a culturally relevant space where Latinas have a sense of belonging.