Axis Leadership Program

AXIS is an 8-month leadership initiative tailored for Latinx professionals aged between 21 and 28, aiming to foster personal and professional growth and to equip them for civic and community leadership roles. Graduates of the program will emerge as self-assured Latinx professionals, ready to unite, innovate, and serve their community.

AXIS 2024

INDIANAPOLIS - Exciting News from the Indiana Latino Expo and the City of Indianapolis as they reveal the latest group selected for the Axis Leadership Program. Class participants are carefully selected through a competitive process that considers their community engagement, personal aspirations, and accomplishments.

Presently, the Axis program is overseen by a five-member leadership team: Fabio Yataco, Maria De Leon, Alina Pizarro, Alejandro De Los Santos, and Bianca Salas, in addition to the Indiana Latino Expo staff.

  • Alexandra Delgado-Watland

    Alexandra Vargas

    Amy Garrido Portillo

    Annayelli Pacheco

    Aylin Diaz

    Azucena Guerrero-Ruiz

    Diana Avella Puerto

    Erik Escobar

    Fredy Santamaria

    Gisela Perez

    Gisella Morales Garibay

    Greily De Leon

    Jenny Gonzalez

    Joe Castillo

    Juan Rodriguez

    Kemberly Swindle

    Laura Cruz

    Lilandra Dwenger-Lestz

    Lizbeth Hernandez

    Manuel Alarcon Nava

    Mariana Villasenor

    Mariela Cano

    Marjorie Prado

    Monica Magallanes

    Paloma Orozco

    Salma Huerta

    Samantha Gutierrez

    Stephanie Santamaria Vilchis

  • March 28th, 2024: Program Launch (Evening Welcoming & Introduction)

    April 13th, 2024

    May 18th, 2024

    June 15th, 2024

    July 13th, 2024

    August 10th, 2024

    September 14th, 2024

    October 12th, 2024: Graduation!

  • Prospective young Latinx individuals keen on joining the Axis Leadership Program must attend all sessions and can only miss one monthly meeting. By submitting the application, applicants commit to attending all scheduled dates. Punctuality and full participation throughout the sessions are mandatory. Failing to meet these requirements may impact the individual's graduation and alumni status.

    Contact us at axis@indianalatinoexpo.org

  • The concept of the Axis Leadership Program began as part of Mayor Hogsett’s Latino Advisory Council as a significant lack of Latino leadership was noted within the Indianapolis community.

    This program was a dream of many long-standing Latino leaders, including Former Advisory Council member, Carmen DeRusha, whose unrelenting leadership to see a leadership program come to fruition inspired the leadership team to develop the Axis Leadership Program. 

  • November 14th, 2024: Program Launch (Evening Welcoming & Introduction) 

    December 14th, 2024

    January 11th, 2025

    February 8th, 2025

    March 8th, 2025

    April 12th, 2025

    May 3rd, 2025

    June 21st, 2025: Graduation!


Axis Leadership Program 5th Anniversary Video

In 2023, we proudly commemorate Axis' remarkable achievement of nurturing and transforming young adults into adept and skilled young professionals. Marking a significant milestone as we reach our 5th year of dedicated service and impact in the community.

Make an impact today

Support our mission by contributing a donation.

Concepts that have become the founding core principals of the program.

“Real leaders represent the needs of people first. They are concerned about the wellbeing of their community and are less worried about acquiring power”

— DeRusha

“Investing in the next generation of Latinx leaders is vital for the future success of our city,”

— Mayor Joe Hogsett