Leadership Laredo was established in 1986 through the collaborative efforts of Leadership Texas, including The Honorable Judge Elma Salinas Ender, Minita Freeman, Dianne Mendoza Galaviz, Ph.D. Linda Howland, Andrey Plotkin and the Laredo Chamber of Commerce.  Leadership Laredo is one of the most prominent not-for-profit organizations in the Gateway City.

Its purpose is to:
1) identify proven leaders and those with leadership potential in the Laredo community.   
2) Expose those leaders to the workings of our urban system and to enable them to broaden their knowledge of it beyond particular fields of expertise.
3) improve communications among present and future leaders who represent a broad range of our community.

More than 400 individuals representing financial institutions, educational institutions, healthcare institutions, religious affiliations, local, state and federal government agencies, retail industry, transportation companies, private corporations, and numerous other local businesses have participated in Leadership Laredo. The organization boasts many alumni considered to be some of Laredo’s most prominent and successful professionals including Former Mayor Elizabeth Flores, the Most Reverend Bishop James Tamayo, Zapata County ISD Superintendent Romeo Rodriguez, Jr., Laredo Chamber of Commerce Chairman  Elect John Villarreal, former Laredo ISD Board Members Leroy Morin and Bebe Zuniga, 341^st District Court Judge Elma Salinas Ender, Dr. Pedro Castaneda, former United ISD Board Member Tina Trevino, County Court at Law #2 Judge Jesus Garza, District Attorney Joe Rubio, and U. S. Congressman Dr. Henry Cuellar.

It is leaders such as these who have helped transform Laredo into one of the most successful cities in Texas and in the nation.   These and numerous other Leadership Laredo alumni continue to place Laredo on the forefront of educational excellence and economic prosperity.

Current local issues and concerns are the focus of Leadership Laredo.   Through a series of seminars conducted between October and June of each year, participants are given the opportunity to personally network with local professionals and experts, attain specialized knowledge on a variety of subjects, and develop unique perspectives on issues affecting the community. Ultimately, the goal of Leadership Laredo, with the support of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce, is to educate and empower tomorrow’s leaders.

We are now in the process of selecting the 24th Class of Leadership Laredo.   If you are interested in learning more about the organization, please call John Kelley (956) 235-9961, President elect for this class.

It is our strong intention and desire to continue the longstanding tradition of this organization and vow to work diligently to ensure that we, in some way, positively impact the quality of life in Laredo.    

We truly care about our city and its future, and hope that you too, will share our enthusiasm.

As Bill Pollard said, "It is the responsibility of leadership to provide opportunity, and the responsibility of individuals to contribute."