From Data to Desk: How Latina-Led Research is Shaping Connecticut Policy

HARTFORD, Conn. – January 26, 2026 – A groundbreaking initiative in Connecticut is transforming the way community advocacy is conducted, moving from grassroots data collection directly to the desks of state legislators. The Latinas in Leadership Institute (LiLi), a Hartford-based non-profit, has released a comprehensive collection of sixteen research reports that shed light on the most pressing challenges facing the state's burgeoning Latino community. Developed in a unique partnership with the University of Connecticut's El Instituto|Puerto Rican Studies Initiative, these reports are now being marshaled into a powerful tool for legislative change.

This effort is not just about producing academic papers; it is a strategic move to influence public policy from the ground up. The reports, which are available on the Institute's website, are the culmination of a rigorous leadership program designed to empower Latinas to become advocates for their own communities.

A New Model for Advocacy: Research by the Community, for the Community

At the heart of the initiative is a unique and powerful methodology. The research isn't conducted by outside academics looking in; it's driven by the very women the program aims to empower. The Institute's six-month leadership and advocacy certificate program accepts cohorts of sixteen participants, who are then organized into research teams. Their capstone project is to produce one of these in-depth reports.

This model ensures that the research is deeply rooted in authentic, lived experiences. The topics are not arbitrary; they reflect the daily realities of the community, covering critical areas such as health inequality, educational disparities, financial literacy, and the significant underrepresentation of Latinas in political and corporate leadership roles. The methodology is robust, employing an Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved process, structured interviews with community members, and guidance from subject matter experts. This academic rigor is bolstered by the collaboration with UConn, which provides support from research graduate students.

"El Instituto/PRSI work aims to contribute meaningful data, from various sources including US Census data and specially tailored surveys, to discussions around civic engagement and community development," stated Dr. Venator Santiago, the Executive Director of the El Instituto/PRSI. This partnership bridges the gap between community narrative and academic validation, creating a body of work that is both personally resonant and empirically sound.

Unveiling Critical Disparities in Connecticut

The sixteen reports paint a detailed picture of the systemic hurdles confronting Connecticut's Latino population. According to 2020 census data, Latinos represent 18% of the state's population, a figure that grew by 30% in the preceding decade. Latinas alone constitute 16% of the female workforce. Yet, this growing demographic and economic force remains starkly underrepresented in corridors of power, holding less than 1% of executive roles and under 4% of management positions.

The Institute's research delves into the root causes and tangible effects of these disparities:

• Health Inequality: The reports examine barriers to healthcare access and disparate health outcomes that disproportionately affect Latino families.
• Education Disparities: The research investigates systemic issues within the educational system that limit opportunities and affect attainment for Latino students.
• Political Underrepresentation: A key focus is the glaring absence of Latinas on influential public and private boards, commissions, and in elected office.
• Voter Participation: The studies analyze the complex factors contributing to lower voter turnout, exploring the unrealized political power of the Latino electorate.
• Financial Literacy and Wealth Management: The research addresses the challenges and opportunities for economic empowerment, aiming to close the persistent wealth gap.

By capturing these issues through authentic narratives and structured data, the reports provide an invaluable resource for organizations, foundations, and government agencies seeking to inform their strategic planning and community engagement efforts.

The Path to Policy: Turning Research into Legislative Action

With a substantial body of research now established, the Latinas in Leadership Institute is embarking on its most ambitious phase: translating findings into law. The organization is systematically converting its sixteen reports into concise, actionable policy briefs designed for lawmakers.

"We are now transitioning these comprehensive findings into policy briefs, embarking on a crucial journey to partner with local legislators to integrate our research into new or existing bills, aiming to affect tangible and lasting policy change," said Marilyn Alverio, CEO of the Latinas in Leadership Institute. This direct-to-legislature approach is designed to bypass the traditional lag between academic research and policy implementation.

The Institute has already demonstrated its commitment to engaging at the state level, with representatives advocating for program funding before the Connecticut General Assembly. This proactive engagement signals a clear intent to ensure the research does not simply sit on a shelf but becomes a catalyst for concrete legislative solutions that address the documented disparities.

A Coalition of Support and a Look to the Future

The success and sustainability of this ambitious program are underpinned by a broad coalition of support. Funding has been provided by a diverse group of stakeholders, including The State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and a host of prominent foundations such as the VOYA Foundation, Liberty Bank Foundation, Connecticut Health Foundation, and M&T Bank Foundation, among others.

This widespread support from the public, private, and philanthropic sectors underscores a shared recognition of the program's value as a strategic investment in the state's economic and civic future. Corporations and agencies have also sponsored candidates from within their own ranks to participate, acknowledging the need to cultivate diverse leadership pipelines. The program offers a competitive tuition of $6,500, with financial aid available to ensure access for women from various sectors who may lack professional development budgets.

With a proven model for developing leaders and producing impactful research, the Latinas in Leadership Institute is looking ahead. Its mission—to build Latina leadership and create lasting impact—continues to gain momentum. As the organization prepares to influence the next legislative session, it is also building its next generation of advocates, with applications now open for the cohort scheduled to begin in March 2026.