Exploring Life & Business with Lillian Morales-Laster of Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lillian Morales-Laster

Hi Lillian, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Lillian. I am the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at United Midwest Savings Bank and the Executive Director of the Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy, also known as ELLA. My journey into the world of human resources and community advocacy has been a fulfilling blend of personal passion and professional growth.

I started my career in human resources over 20 years ago, driven by a desire to create positive, inclusive work environments where people can thrive. Over the years, I’ve developed expertise in organizational development, leadership development, and strategic HR planning. My role at United Midwest Savings Bank involves managing various HR responsibilities including matching organizational needs with potential candidates, fostering supportive work environments, and boosting organizational morale.

Beyond the corporate world, I am deeply involved in community advocacy, particularly through ELLA. I joined ELLA to support Latina women in advancing their careers through professional development and mentoring. The services we provide at ELLA include tailored mentorship programs, leadership training, and a supportive network that helps Latinas overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. At ELLA, we support Latina women in breaking down barriers, developing their careers, and building confidence and leadership skills.

What sets me apart in both my HR career and community work is my unwavering commitment to advocacy, equity, and inclusion. I strive to create environments where everyone feels valued and heard, whether in the workplace or the community. My approach is always people-centered, focusing on understanding and addressing the unique needs of individuals.

I am most proud of the impact I’ve had on the lives of the people I work with. Seeing employees thrive in their roles, witnessing the growth and success of the women at ELLA, and knowing that I’ve played a part in creating more inclusive and supportive environments is incredibly rewarding.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road. I have seen firsthand the gaps in mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional development resources available to Latina women. I feel a strong emotional pull to address these gaps, not just as an HR professional but as someone deeply committed to advocacy and social change.

I want my work through ELLA to provide the tools and skills I wish I had at the beginning of my career. The workplace can have so many unspoken rules and hidden challenges, and having a strong support network and access to a mentor (or several!) is critical in navigating these struggles.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The idea for the Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy (ELLA) was created fifteen years ago by the Hispanic Chamber of Columbus. They consistently saw the unique challenges faced by Latina women in the business and professional world—challenges that often went unaddressed by existing programs. This realization sparked a deep desire to create something meaningful that could make a real difference. Throughout the years the vision has expanded to meet the evolving needs of the community.

By providing tailored mentorship, professional development, and a supportive community, we can empower Latina women to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. We aren’t just solving a problem; we are creating a community where Latina women can thrive, lift each other up, and build lasting relationships. The potential for real, transformative impact was what made me certain that this is a worthwhile endeavor.

ELLA strives to provide what has often been lacking in existing programs: a focus on the specific needs of Latina women, delivered by people who understand their lived experiences. The journey has been incredibly rewarding, and seeing the growth and success of the women in our program reaffirms that this was the right path.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
We would love to connect with other organizations in and around Columbus. We firmly believe that we are better together and that working collaboratively furthers everyone’s impact. Please feel free to reach out through our social media channels or via email. We are happy to chat!

We have events planned through the upcoming year, with the first one being one of our favorites, I Heart Mi Hermana. This fundraising event is a lovely evening with friends where you will enjoy light bites, drinks, and activities that highlight friendship and self-care. We would love for the community to join us. Please see event following this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/i-heart-mi-hermana-tickets-1053014734417?aff=oddtdtcreator

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ellacolumbus.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellacolumbus__/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellacbus