Over the course of my tenure as President, I have set ambitious yet achievable goals to ensure that HLAA not only thrives but flourishes. First and foremost, we will work to increase the visibility of our members and the organization itself throughout the broader Harvard community and beyond. It is vital that the world sees the contributions of Latino leaders who are reshaping industries, advancing innovation, and championing causes that affect global change. By elevating the voices and achievements of our alumni, we reaffirm our place as thought leaders and innovators across sectors.

Equally important is the growth of our membership. HLAA is a powerful network, but to sustain and expand that influence, we need to bring more alumni into our fold. This means increasing membership levels and ensuring that every Harvard Latino graduate knows they have a home within HLAA—a home where they can connect, grow, and contribute to our shared mission. Membership in HLAA is more than just belonging to an organization; it is an entry point into an exclusive, vibrant community of changemakers, thought leaders, and innovators.

To sustain this growth and ensure HLAA’s future, financial sustainability will be key. We must strengthen our financial support mechanisms, securing a model that not only keeps us moving forward but enables us to expand our programs, events, and outreach efforts. This will require both increased funding and strategic partnerships that align with our mission and values.

As we look toward the future, fostering deeper connections among our members remains central to our strategy. To this end, we will prioritize providing more in-person networking opportunities, spaces where alumni can forge meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, and collaborate on ventures that transcend industries and sectors. These gatherings will serve not only as touchpoints for professional growth but as moments to reconnect with the Harvard Latino community and reaffirm the strength of our collective.

Alongside networking, we aim to expand professional development opportunities, giving our members the tools and resources they need to continue excelling in their careers and giving back to their communities. Whether through mentorship programs, skills workshops, or leadership forums, HLAA will remain a hub for ongoing professional enrichment.

Perhaps the most exciting endeavor on the horizon is the planning of our first-ever university-wide Latino alumni conference, to be held in Cambridge in the fall of 2025. This conference will be a marquee event—one that celebrates our heritage, our achievements, and our future. It will be a platform to unite Latinos from all walks of life, showcasing the strength of our alumni network and the undeniable impact we have had, and continue to have, on the world.

I invite you all to join me in making these visions a reality. HLAA is not just an organization—it is a powerful network of influential leaders and innovators. Together, we have the ability to shape industries, redefine norms, and leave a lasting imprint on future generations of Harvard Latinos. Let us unite in our shared mission, support one another, and demonstrate the profound influence that our community wields.

With your help, we can ensure that HLAA continues to grow, thrive, and empower Latino alumni for years to come. This is our moment to elevate one another, build stronger connections, and leave an enduring legacy for those who come after us.

I look forward to working with each of you in this journey.

Con gratitud y esperanza,

Aldo M. Martinez, MPA-MBA ‘20
President
Harvard Latino Alumni Alliance