NALEO Educational Fund Virtual Learning Lab

Welcome to the NALEO Educational Fund Virtual Learning Lab — your dedicated space for leadership growth, governance excellence, and community impact. Whether you are stepping into office for the first time or deepening your service, our courses are built for leaders like you.

Explore our learning tracks and take the next step in your journey.

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Our programs

The NALEO Educational Fund Virtual Learning Lab offers interactive, on-demand training designed for Latino elected and appointed officials at every stage of their public service career. Our courses are organized into three focused learning tracks.

Latina Leadership Series

Empowering Latina officials with the skills, strategies, and networks to lead with confidence and purpose.

Newly Elected 

Foundational training to help new officials hit the ground running and govern effectively from day one.

Second Term & Beyond

Advanced leadership development for experienced officials ready to deepen their impact and take on new challenges.

Learn and grow

The Virtual Learning Lab is one of many benefits available to NALEO members. Join a national network of Latino elected and appointed officials dedicated to effective governance and community impact. 

Meet our team

Erica Bernal-Martinez

Chief Executive Officer
Erica Bernal-Martinez is the Chief Executive Officer of NALEO and NALEO Educational Fund, bringing over two decades of organizational leadership to her role. A recognized expert on Latino political participation and civic empowerment, she has held leadership roles across the organization's civic engagement, development, and communications departments throughout her tenure. Prior to becoming CEO, she served as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing all programming and membership services for the organization

Dr. Rosita Ramirez

National Director of Constituency Services
Dr. Rosita Ramirez serves as National Director of Constituency Services at NALEO Educational Fund, leading professional development and programmatic initiatives that strengthen the governance capacity of Latino elected and appointed officials. She brings experience spanning education research, student affairs, and policy leadership, and holds a Ph.D. in Education from UC Santa Barbara.

Diana Maldonado

Course Creator
Diana Maldonado, an award-winning leadership consultant and former Texas State Representative, is the founder of Candidate School, a program that empowers first-time political candidates to launch successful campaigns. Drawing on her experience in public service and strategic coaching, she combines real-world insight with heartfelt leadership. As the first Latina elected to her district, she now trains a new generation of diverse leaders to run for office and win.

Rosa Segura

Associate Director of Constituency Services – Impact
Rosa Segura serves as Associate Director of Constituency Services at NALEO Educational Fund. She supports the implementation of in-person and virtual professional development and programmatic initiatives for Latino elected and appointed officials. Additionally, she connects with policymakers and conducts outcome assessments to ensure that program offerings are timely, relevant, and impactful for Latino elected and appointed officials and their constituents.

Contact us

For questions about the NALEO Educational Fund Virtual Learning Lab, please contact Rosa Segura, Associate Director of Constituency Services – Impact at rsegura@naleo.org. 

Have questions about the Virtual Learning Lab? We're here to help. Send us a message and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.

Join the Virtual Learning Lab!

The Virtual Learning Lab is one of many benefits available to NALEO members. Join a national network of Latino elected and appointed officials dedicated to effective governance and community impact.