Meet Lillian Morales-Laster | Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lillian Morales-Laster and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lillian, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Empowering Latina Leadership Academy (ELLA) helps Latinas boost their careers by giving them the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to be rock stars in their chosen fields. And this isn’t just about personal growth; it’s a ripple effect that spreads through the community, making it more skilled and confident.

ELLA’s program covers a wide range of essential topics, from personal branding to financial wellness, and from leadership skills to salary negotiation. We combine this with mentoring and networking events. The mentorship and networking opportunities that ELLA offers are like gold. They not only help Latinas move up in their careers and break down barriers but also create a strong sense of unity and support in our community.

ELLA is the cheerleader for Latinas’ voices in crucial decision-making. We make sure our community’s unique perspectives and concerns are heard loud and clear in important discussions. We do this by focusing on increasing leadership and board representation for Latinas, this is a crucial aspect of community betterment. Having diverse leaders makes sure that decisions are well-rounded and represent everyone’s needs.

One standout thing about ELLA is that we offer our program for free to mentees. How? Thanks to the commitment of local businesses, small companies, nonprofits, and individuals who believe in our mission. When companies step up as sponsors, they’re not just giving a hand—they’re saying, “We’re in this together,” and it’s a win-win for Latinas and the community.

What should our readers know about your business?
I joined ELLA seven years ago wanting to invest in my professional growth while connecting with my roots. To say that this program has been life-changing is an understatement. Shortly after completing the program, I joined the ELLA team as their Program Director. In this role, I assisted in the creation of the sessions we would be providing for each cycle. Last year I was honored to take over the organization as their Executive Director. I am extremely passionate and committed to grow our reach and continue to support our community.

Being a non-profit leader isn’t easy. You wear a lot of hats and spend countless hours working. I have learned early on that I can’t do this alone. I lean heavily on my support staff, volunteers, and friends.

ELLA is unique in that while our mission is empowerment through programming and mentoring, we also offer a sisterhood. In many places we occupy we are all too often the only ones. We provide a space where Latinas can come together and feel like a community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Columbus is an amazing place with so many wonderful things to do. Below are just a few of my favorite spots.

Bottoms Up Coffee (coffee/pastries)
Kitchen Social (brunch)
Marvin’s Restaurant (brunch)
Union Cafe (brunch)

Jibarito Latin Food Truck
Sidebar
Lalibela
La Fogata Grill

Stories on High (rooftop/drink)
The Sacred Palm (speakeasy)
Columbus Cocktail Party (mixology)

Sur La Table (cooking class)
Shadowbox (show)
Columbus Museum of Arts
Otherworld (Art Museum)
Sofar Columbus (music)

Replenish (yoga)
The Book Loft

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To my amazing husband Brian,

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support, love, and encouragement that have been instrumental in my success. From day one, you’ve been my rock and greatest cheerleader, believing in me when I doubted myself, offering guidance, and providing steadfast love. Your mentorship and sacrifices have empowered my personal and professional growth, and I can’t thank you enough for being my partner in life and my endless source of inspiration.

And to my wonderful hermanas,

Thank you for your constant support and the sisterhood we share. Your dedication, willingness to pay it forward, and the community of empowered women we’ve created have motivated me to be the best version of myself. I’m grateful for the memories, laughter, and solidarity we’ve shared, and I cherish each one of you. Thank you for being a vital part of my success story, and I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you by my side.

Website: https://ellacolumbus.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellacolumbus__/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ellacbus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellacbus

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Jen Murillo & Rae Holloway-Collins