Global Competitiveness Leadership Program

🎉 Congratulations to the GCL Cohort 2026! 🎉

35 outstanding emerging leaders from 12 countries, committed to driving meaningful regional change, have successfully completed the program. Throughout this transformative journey, enriched by top-tier academic sessions and strategic site visits, 29 alumni mentors also guided them, highlighting the strength, connections, and enduring influence of the LALP community.

This edition also marks 20 years of impact of Georgetown University's Latin America Leadership Program programs! 🎉 At graduation, LALP Executive Director Dr. Ricardo Ernst celebrated the cohort’s innovative, scalable projects.

To learn more about this edition, check out:
English article: https://bit.ly/48oNWRR
Spanish article: https://bit.ly/4tdOJgo

A huge thanks to faculty, guest speakers, mentors, partners and the LALP team. We can’t wait to see these leaders drive positive change across the region! 🚀

Learn more & apply for GCL 2027: https://bit.ly/GUGCL
🗓 Applications: June 15 – Aug 14, 2026 | Program: Jan 19 – Mar 26, 2027. Spread the word!

🏆 Congratulations to the 2026 LALP Impact Award Winners!

We are thrilled to announce the two alumni being honored for the impact and multiplier effect of their initiatives, their personal leadership, and their active engagement within the alumni network.

Join us in congratulating and celebrating them:

⭐ Ledénika Méndez, ILG 2023 from Mexico has been recognized with the 2026 ILG Impact Award for her strategic vision and innovative public leadership in the project Smart Villages, Sustainable Wellbeing. A fundamental part of this success has been fostering collaboration among government, civil society organizations, and the private sector through the establishment of agreements and legal instruments benefiting historically marginalized rural communities. Free Internet access has transformed geographic isolation into connectivity, empowering communities to strengthen their digital skills, economy, and overall well-being: https://bit.ly/470YLJb

⭐ Pedro Alejandro Urruchurtu Noselli, GCL 2016 from Venezuela, has been selected by his peers to be honored with the 2026 GCL Impact Award in recognition of his leadership and courage in the service of freedom and democracy in Venezuela, even at the risk of his own life. Through his project Ethos, later applied in practice within the movement Vente Venezuela, he has promoted political education and civic action with a multiplier effect. He has helped bring international visibility to the reality of his country and is an active member of the LALP alumni network. His GCL 2016 cohort brought forward this nomination: https://bit.ly/4rFsKPj

The GCL Alumni Board of Directors invites GCL Alumni to the GCL Alumni Townhall, where they will feature Pedro Urruchurtu live and share upcoming activities for the Alumni community.

Tuesday, March 3rd at 5:00 PM EST!
Register to the zoom webinar here: https://bit.ly/4bbM2Wv

Congratulations Ledénika and Pedro! 🎉

🌎🎉 Milestone Moment!
We’re excited to kick off the 20th edition of the Global and Competitiveness Leadership (GCL) program, celebrating 20 years of impact through educating, connecting, and empowering leaders across Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond.

This year’s cohort brings together 35 changemakers from 18 countries, tackling major challenges in innovation, education, health, entrepreneurship, democracy, media, and economic development.

Highlights from Day 1:
✨ Dr. Ricardo Ernst, Executive Director of the Latin America Leadership Program (LALP) welcomed participants, emphasizing curiosity, engagement, and commitment as keys to making the most of this experience.
✨ Elizabeth Alhondra Arredon Mier, President of the GCL Alumni Network, encouraged the cohort to stay connected and bring fresh ideas to the community.
✨ We began with an inspiring Design Thinking session led by Georgetown professor Evelyn Williams, setting the stage for creative leadership.

With more virtual and in-person sessions on a variety of topics ahead, we’re excited to support this new generation of changemakers.

We can’t wait to see the impact these 35 leaders will create! ✨

GCL Program Alumni Georgetown University's Latin America Leadership Program

🏆 LALP Impact Awards 2026 — Nominations Now Open!

🎉 Start the year by celebrating your achievements! We invite all GCL & ILG alumni to step forward and:

🔹 Be recognized for your leadership and impact
🔹 Inspire a global community
🔹 Celebrate alongside visionary changemakers

🗓 Application deadline: February 1, 2026
🖊 Submit your nomination: https://lalp-app.melian.me
❓ Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

🌎 Let’s honor the leadership, innovation, and lasting impact of LALP alumni across Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond.

Your story matters—apply today! ✨

SAVE THE DATE! ✨ Celebrating 20 Years of Impact ✨

Please join us in celebrating 20 years of program’s impact of Georgetown University’s Latin America Leadership Program (LALP) at McDonough School of Business (MSB)!

Mark your calendars:

📅 November 5–9, 2026
📍 Georgetown University, Hilltop Campus – Washington, D.C.

Through our flagship Global Competitiveness Leadership (GCL), Innovation and Leadership in Government (ILG), and Global Business Executive Leadership (GBEL) programs, LALP has been educating, connecting, and inspiring regional leaders to build impact networks with a positive multiplier effect across the region and beyond; advancing the University’s mission of teaching and service for the common good.

We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with you and honoring the people, partnerships, and purpose that have defined the LALP programs' impact. Together, these efforts continue to shape leaders and ideas across the hemisphere!

More information coming soon.

📚✨ What do our alumni think about GCL?

“GCL is a powerful platform that deeply connects you with values-aligned people who, like you, are committed to leaving a lasting legacy. Through thoughtful conversations with expert faculty and guest speakers, and the opportunity to build genuine bonds with fellow participants, the experience has a profound and enduring impact. Years later, my cohort remains closely connected, offering each other real support, both professionally and personally, in a safe and authentic space. If you have the opportunity to apply to the GCL program, I highly recommend it. It’s not just an experience; it’s a lifelong community of purpose and impact.”

— Lorena Rios, Paraguay, GCL 2022 Alumna

Apply to GCL by August 15, 2025

🔗 Apply or complete your application: http://bit.ly/applygcl
🏛️ Learn more about GCL: bit.ly/314n6MB
🎓 Scholarships available
📅 Application period: June 2 – August 15, 2025

Requirements:
✅ Age between 26 and 35 at the time of application
✅ A Latin American or Caribbean country of origin, Spain, or Portugal
✅ Currently working on a project that generates positive and lasting regional impact
✅ College degree from an accredited institution and excellent academic record
✅ Proven English proficiency (reading, writing, and speaking)
✅ At least one year of professional or volunteer experience working on social impact projects
✅ Commitment to return to the country of origin to apply the knowledge acquired

10-Week Hybrid Program – Location and Duration:
💻 Live virtual, part-time module: January 10 – February 13, 2026
✈️ In-person sessions at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.: February 16 – March 27, 2026

❓Questions? Contact us at: [email protected]

Just one month left until the call for applications for the 20th edition of GCL 2026 closes!

Apply before August 15, 2025 on http://bit.ly/applygcl

Questions? Write to us at [email protected]

This 20th edition marks two decades of successfully developing young leaders and fostering networks with a multiplier effect across Latin America and the Caribbean ✨

🚀 Join a new generation of emerging changemakers equipped with tools to promote competitiveness, progress, and development throughout the region.

🔗 Apply here: http://bit.ly/applygcl
🎓 Scholarships available
📅 Application period: June 2 – August 15, 2025

Requirements:
✅ Age between 26 and 35 at the time of application
✅ A Latin American or Caribbean country of origin, Spain, or Portugal
✅ Currently working on a project that generates positive and lasting regional impact
✅ College degree from an accredited institution and excellent academic record
✅ Proven English proficiency (reading, writing, and speaking)
✅ At least one year of professional or volunteer experience working on social impact projects
✅ Commitment to return to the country of origin to apply the knowledge acquired

10-Week Hybrid Program – Location and Duration:
💻 Live virtual, part-time module: January 10 – February 13, 2026
✈️ In-person sessions at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.: February 16 – March 27, 2026

❓Questions? Contact us at: [email protected]
🏛️ Learn more about GCL: bit.ly/314n6MB

Help us spread the word! 📢🌟

GCL Program Alumni