A Circle of Power
By Gloria Romano-Barrera
When Anna Dapelo-Garcia first gathered a small group of Latinas in a conference room at her home years ago, she didn’t envision starting a movement—she just knew something needed to change.
Latinas were showing up: at work, in meetings, in leadership programs—but they weren’t always being seen. Their voices were strong, yet too often overlooked. Pay gaps persisted. Opportunities were missed. Representation was scarce. And something as simple as mentorship or connection was harder to find than it should have been.
So Dapelo-Garcia leaned in. Not just to the problem, but to the power of community. That small group of women became the seed of Lean In Latinas—a network rooted in sisterhood, fueled by resilience, and committed to rewriting the narrative for Latinas in leadership.
“What started as a small group of Latinas supporting each other has grown into a strong, connected, and inspiring community led by an all-volunteer team,” says Dapelo-Garcia, founder and CEO, Lean In Latinas. “As the founder and president, it’s deeply meaningful to see how far we’ve come and how many lives we’ve impacted. This milestone reflects the power of what can happen when Latinas come together to lift one another up.”
From humble beginnings, the organization blossomed into an international movement with over 20 active Circles and a flagship Take Charge Conference that equips Latinas and allies with leadership tools and real talk. These gatherings are more than networking events—they’re lifelines of empowerment. Women come in with questions and leave with confidence. Lean In Latinas isn’t just about professional success. It’s about ownership—of identity, of ambition, of space. It’s about helping women “take charge” not just in their careers, but in their lives.
“Lean In Latinas exists to empower Latinas to learn, share, and grow professionally and personally,” she shares. “We focus on leadership development, mentorship, community building, and closing the gender wage gap. We’re proud to be part of the Lean In organization, which gives us access to research, global best practices, and a broader platform while keeping our work centered on the unique needs and lived experiences of Latinas.
As Dapelo-Garcia reflects on the evolution of the organization, one word keeps coming up: transformation. “Over the years, I’ve seen Latinas become more vocal about the challenges we face in the workplace—from the lack of representation to pay inequality—and more empowered to do something about it,” she explains. “These changes have positioned Lean In Latinas as a trusted space for connection, leadership, and action. People turn to us for community, for tools, and for the confidence to speak up and lead.”
In a world that often tells Latinas to shrink, Lean In Latinas encourages them to expand. To speak boldly. To pursue leadership. To ask for what they’re worth—and get it. The organization’s growth has been fueled by deep partnerships and community engagement. Whether it’s a regional meetup, a Circle for Latinas in tech, or support from national partners like the Eva Longoria Foundation, every initiative is rooted in one truth Latinas are powerful, and they deserve to be seen, supported, and celebrated. Dapelo-Garcia’s vision isn’t just about creating a better future—it’s about building a shared one. A future where the next generation of Latinas won’t have to be the “first” in the room.
“They’ll be part of a movement that’s already changing the game,” she shares. So what’s next? Expansion. Momentum. Impact. And a message that resonates across generations and backgrounds. “You are powerful, and you are not alone,” she shares. “Whether you’re just getting started or leading change in your community or career, Lean In Latinas is here to support you. Together, we’re creating space for Latinas to thrive—and that’s something worth celebrating. We invite all Latinas and allies to join a Circle, attend an event, or follow us on social media!”
For anyone who has ever felt invisible, Lean In Latinas offers visibility. For anyone who has doubted themselves, it offers encouragement. For anyone seeking community, it offers a Circle. Dapelo-Garcia didn’t just start an organization—she sparked a revolution. And in every Circle, every conference, and every Latina who chooses to rise, her story lives on.
To learn more, join a Circle, or attend an event, visit Lean In Latinas at https://leaninlatinas.org/ or follow their journey on social media.