Have you ever witnessed a gathering of the most exceptional and intelligent minds in New Mexico? This extraordinary event brings together enthusiastic and driven students from every corner of the state for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They will meet new people, form friendships, and establish a community themselves.

At NHI, we believe that true leadership goes beyond just having a title. It involves having the drive to bring out the best in others and the ability to inspire innovation. By focusing on celebrating the success of others rather than just personal recognition, you can fully embrace and unlock the true power of leadership.

During an 8-day residential program, students are taught to adopt an asset-based mindset and utilize NHI's community equity-based approach to build a strong community, establish support groups, and create plans to maximize their strengths and abilities. The LDZ program fosters personal growth in all participants, ensuring that no one leaves unchanged.

The experience of the journey leaves a profound impact on the hearts of all those involved, evoking a desire to relive it once more. As the week draws to a close, participants come to the realization that they have become part of a family that feels like home. By participating in this program, you will emerge as an empowered and improved leader of your community. Following your participation in an NHI program, you'll be forever changed.

Discover New Horizons

& Form Lifelong Bonds

True Leadership, Beyond Titles at NHI

At the National Hispanic Institute, we think real leadership is more than just a title. It's about helping others, having great ideas, and celebrating everyone's success. The LDZ program helps you become this kind of leader.

Go on an 8-Day Journey of Growth

This isn't just another workshop. It's a hands-on, immersive adventure. Delve deep into NHI's celebrated community equity approach. Build strong friendships. Strategize. Empower. By the end of this event, you won’t just gain skills; you'll experience a personal transformation.

A Journey that Resonates

The memories made here will  echo for a lifetime. The week ends not just in the realization of personal growth but in the discovery of a new family. A family rooted in shared experiences, dreams, and an unbeatable New Mexican spirit.

THE DIONISIO "DENNIS" CHAVEZ SCHOLARS

Our communities are home to many creative and talented young individuals who will undoubtedly shape the future of society. These young minds carry the responsibility of navigating a constantly evolving world and hold the potential to bring about significant influence and change. These exceptional individuals proudly bear the esteemed title of the Dionisio "Dennis" Chavez Scholars, paying homage to the notable Senator Dennis Chavez, who made history as the first Hispanic elected to a full term in the U.S. Senate from New Mexico. Just like Senator Dennis Chavez, these exceptional students embody the remarkable qualities of tenacity, courage, strength, and wisdom that the late senator possessed. They are poised to ignite transformative change that will not only uplift the Hispanic community but also leave a lasting impact on the entire world. The upcoming 2024 New Mexico LDZ participants are a talented group of young individuals who have been handpicked as the third cohort of U.S. Senator Dennis Chavez Scholars. As part of their responsibilities, these exceptional individuals will have the privilege of utilizing their skills and knowledge to embody the values and principles of community leadership in the great state of New Mexico.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL HISPANIC INSTITUTE

OUR FOUNDERS
In 1979, the National Hispanic Institute was established by Ernesto Nieto and Gloria deLeon with the objective of constructing a significant and sustained presence in the Latino community. Their vision was to empower the next generation of leaders by providing young Latinos with opportunities to envision and realize their value beyond conventional notions of success, such as college degrees and career goals. Through thoughtfully structured experiences, students are encouraged to analyze their beliefs, behaviors, and outlooks, in order to identify their inherent strengths and areas where they can grow. Additionally, students are taught to appreciate the importance of preserving and embracing their cultural and spiritual identities. This approach, based on the recognition and leveraging of assets, is the bedrock of NHI's equity-building strategy for cultivating community leaders. For more than 40 years, NHI has been unrelentingly committed to serving the community through its leadership initiatives. Our organization remains steadfast in our adherence to this mission and will always prioritize it as our guiding principle.