Avanzar Board Leadership Academy

Are you a Latino professional interested in making a difference in Orange County?

Have you considered supporting a local nonprofit organization with your talents? The Avanzar Board Leadership Academy may be for you!

Avanzar is a 3-month training program designed to provide foundational skills to Latino professionals who live or work in Orange County and are interested in nonprofit board service. The program introduces participants to the nonprofit ecosystem in Orange County and equips them with the skills to become an effective board member. The program has been created for Orange County community members who are interested in learning about nonprofit board service and are thinking about joining a nonprofit board.

Looking for new board members?

Are you interested in diversifying your board? Consider connecting with the Avanzar Graduates! The Avanzar Board Leadership Academy can help connect you with Avanzar Graduates through our Avanzar Mixers, hosted three times a year. Fill out the interest form below to stay connected and learn about upcoming events.
Info Webinar Session 1

Thursday, January 16 from 6-7pm

Info Webinar Session 2

Tuesday, January 21 from 6-7pm

WATCH THE VIDEO

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should apply for this program?

The program has been created for Latino professionals who are interested in learning about nonprofit board service and are thinking about joining a nonprofit board in the next 1-2 years. Applicants must live or be a working professional in Orange County, be interested in joining an Orange County nonprofit board within the next year, and be open to exploring a potential board match with a nonprofit in Orange County.

How much does it cost to participate in the program?

The program is free of charge, made possible through a grant from the Orange County Community Foundation. Participants are responsible for the cost of transportation to/from in-person events (all in Orange County).

What is the time commitment to participate in the program?

The program will host 10 sessions, with alternating Zoom virtual sessions and in-person sessions held in Orange County. Program participants are required to attend the in-person Welcome & Orientation session. Participants may miss up to two sessions for the duration of the 3-month program with prior notice to the Avanzar team to successfully complete the program. See the 2025 program schedule below:

Session Format Date Time
Session 1: Welcome & Orientation In-Person Saturday, March 1, 2025 9:00am – 2:00pm
Session 2: Board Governance 101 Virtual Tuesday, March 4, 2025 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Session 3: Board Culture + Panel In-Person Saturday, March 15, 2025 9:00am – 1:00pm
Session 4: Board Prospecting & Personal Branding Pt.1 Virtual Tuesday, March 18, 2025 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Session 5: Sustainability & Nonprofit Financials Pt. 1 + Nonprofit Mixer  In-Person Saturday, April 5, 2025 9:00am – 2:00pm
Session 6: Leadership + Alumni Panel Virtual Tuesday, April 8, 2025 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Session 7: Nonprofit Financials Pt. 2 + Fundraising In-Person Saturday, April 19, 2025 9:00am – 1:00pm
Session 8: Board Prospecting & Personal Branding Pt.2 Virtual Tuesday, April 29, 2025 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Session 9:Joint Training: Different Forms of Capital + Nonprofit Mixer In-Person Saturday, May 17, 2025 9:00am – 2:00pm
Session 10: Avanzar Celebration In-Person Saturday, May 31, 2025 9:00am – 2:00pm

What knowledge and skills will I gain from the program?

During the sessions, subject-matter experts will present on various aspects of nonprofit board service, and participants will engage in small group activities and large group discussions around board service themes and topics. The learning goals for the program include: a history of the nonprofit sector, nonprofit board member roles and responsibilities, effective nonprofit board practices, and how to navigate being a BIPOC nonprofit board member. Topics discussed during each session are meant to deepen understanding of the basics of nonprofit board services, roles, responsibilities, trends, and best practices. You will also have access to an extended network with opportunities for continued collaboration.

Who can I contact with questions?

Please contact Mayra Chavez at mchavez@oc-cf.org or (949) 553-4202 ext. 237

Interested in learning more about the program?

Participants

Click the link below to express your interest in participating in a future program!

Nonprofits

Looking for Latino board members? Express your interest via the link below.

PROGRAM PARTNER

We are proud to partner with Adelante Partners Inc. in the development and management of this program.
Adelante Partners is a mission-driven company that provides consulting services to nonprofit organizations.
For more information about Adelante Partners, click here.