Pueblo Leadership
The Pueblo Leadership program is designed to foster new leaders in the Rio Grande Valley who will advocate and fight for their communities. Our core curriculum, facilitated by leaders in the social justice space, will introduce participants to case studies, technical training, and other leaders working to make the world a better place. Pueblo Leadership's goal is to invest in the political leadership of the Valley, training the next generation's organizers, campaign managers, and public officials.
Applications for our next Pueblo Leadership cohort are now open. The deadline to apply for the program is May 13, 2026.
What you will do as a Pueblo Leader
In this cohort, participants will focus on the role policy-making plays in South Texas, working with one another to help advance change through the Texas Legislature.
Assist in organizing LUPE's bi-annual Cumbre de Miembros
(for more information, click here)
Craft policy recommendations based on LUPE Votes policy priorities
Identify legislative opportunities based off of Texas 89th legislative Session
Present Policy Recommendations to the RGV Community
Meet and Connect with leaders in the social justice space
Become part of the next generation of pueblo leaders who will fight for working families in the RGV
Important Dates
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May 13
Applications Close
All initial program applications must be submitted by this date.
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May 18 - May 29
Candidate Interviews
Selected candidates will be invited for an interview with our panel.
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June 1
Acceptance Notifications & Next Steps
Final selections will be announced and accepted participants will receive cohort preparation materials.
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July 11
Program Begins
The Pueblo Leadership cohort officially kicks off.
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December 12
Program Graduation
We celebrate the culmination of the cohort's hard work and officially welcome them as alumni.
Note: This is an estimated timeline and is subject to change. Candidates will be notified immediately of any shift in dates.
Fall 2026 Schedule
July 2026 - December 2026
*Schedule Tentative, Course Content Subject to Change
July 11
| 9:30 - 11:00 am | Onboarding |
|---|---|
| 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Lecture — Dr. Leticia Zavala |
| 12:00 - 12:30 pm | Lunch |
| 12:30 - 2:30 pm | Story of Self |
| 2:30 - 2:45 pm | Reflections |
August 8
| 9:30 - 11:00 am | Local Policy Brief |
|---|---|
| 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Lecture — Dr. Leticia Zavala |
| 12:00 - 12:30 pm | Lunch |
| 12:30 - 2:00 pm | Texas Landscape |
| 2:00 - 2:45 pm | Op-Ed Brainstorm |
September 12
| 9:30 - 11:00 am | Local Policy Brief |
|---|---|
| 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Lecture — Dr. Leticia Zavala |
| 12:00 - 12:30 pm | Lunch |
| 12:30 - 2:00 pm | Grassroots Organizing |
| 2:00 - 2:45 pm | Asset-Mapping |
October 10
| 9:30 - 11:00 am | Local Policy Brief |
|---|---|
| 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Lecture — Dr. Leticia Zavala |
| 12:00 - 12:30 pm | Lunch |
| 12:30 - 2:00 pm | Lobbying |
| 2:00 - 2:45 pm | Accountability + Support |
November 14
| 9:30 - 11:00 am | Local Policy Brief |
|---|---|
| 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Lecture — Dr. Leticia Zavala |
| 12:00 - 12:30 pm | Lunch |
| 12:30 - 2:00 pm | Midterm Results |
| 2:00 - 2:45 pm | Wellness Check-in |
December 12
| 9:30 - 11:00 am | Local Policy Brief |
|---|---|
| 11:00 am - 12:00 pm | Lecture — Dr. Leticia Zavala |
| 12:00 - 12:30 pm | Lunch |
| 12:30 - 2:00 pm | Working the Legislature |
| 2:00 pm - End | Op-Ed Presentation |
Graduation Day (Tentative, Day TBA)
| Time TBA | Graduation Day Celebration Location: LUPE San Juan Office |
|---|
Alumni Spotlight: Michelle Ramirez
"Returning to the Rio Grande Valley after college in Austin, I joined the Pueblo Leadership Program to bridge my education with actionable community advocacy. Inspired by LUPE’s legacy of grassroots power, I developed my skills in addressing the complex, intersectional challenges facing underserved border communities. This experience fueled my transition to my current role as a Community Justice Worker with the Texas Immigration Law Council. Now, I directly bridge the gap between underserved patients and vital resources by partnering with the Texas A&M School of Law and Doctor's Hospital at Renaissance to provide free legal advocacy and make justice more accessible in the RGV."
Michelle Ramirez
Class of 2025
Alumni Spotlight: Caroline Benavidez
"I joined the Pueblo Leadership program during a moment of introspection. I kept expressing my frustration with our current political climate and our leadership. I often questioned how we had lost so many of our voters to a flawed message. I realized I couldn't keep waiting for someone else to fight for me and for my family. If I wanted change, I had to fight for it for us. This program was an opportunity to ask these questions in a group setting, to learn from others, their experiences, their expertise, and create community and build resources."
Caroline Benavidez
Class of 2025
Our Team
Apply now to become a Pueblo Leader
Applications for the next cohort are open. Join a community of dedicated advocates ready to reshape the future of South Texas.
Apply To The Cohort