A National Nexus for Legislative Excellence
The Legislative Leadership Center is a historic, ongoing convocation that brings together legislative leaders of color from across the country alongside policy experts, analysts, authors, and academicians to rethink and reconceptualize policy approaches to the nation’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.
This initiative is designed to strengthen leadership at the highest levels of state government by providing a comprehensive ecosystem of support. Through immersive trainings, leadership exercises, peer-to-peer exchange, and curated resources, the Center equips leaders with the tools and relationships needed to lead effectively in complex political environments.
Transforming Leadership Across State Lines
The Legislative Leadership Center provides the structural foundation for lawmakers of color to excel, innovate, and drive meaningful national policy.
Leadership Development
We offer intensive professional development programs tailored to the unique challenges faced by legislative leaders of color, focusing on executive strategy and coalition building.
Policy Advocacy
Our center serves as a nonpartisan research hub, providing evidence-based policy briefs and innovative legislative frameworks to drive systemic impact at the state level.
National Collaboration
We facilitate bipartisan convenings that bridge geographic divides, allowing leaders to share best practices and forge powerful partnerships for collective national influence.
Why This Work Matters
State legislatures are the backbone of American democracy, shaping policies that directly impact the lives of millions. Today, a historic number of legislative leaders of color are serving in positions of power across the country, guiding policymaking for the vast majority of Americans.
Yet despite this unprecedented moment, these leaders have rarely had the opportunity to come together as a collective.
The Legislative Leadership Center was created to change that.
36
States leaders of color hold power
84%
of population supported by policymakers
100+
Leaders supported
1st
of its kind initiative
* As of August 2023
Strategic Partnerships & National Funders
The Legislative Leadership Center operates in conjunction with national organizations committed to strengthening state governance and amplifying the voices of legislative leaders of color.
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“What a fabulous conference you put together! Thank you for all of the time and thoughtfulness you all put into making the gathering timely, pertinent, and interesting.”
Senator Mary Kunesh | MN
“Thank you for your amazing organizational and outreach skills. The LLC Convening was truly amazing.”
Senator James Manning | or
“It was such a wonderful opportunity to meet and talk with these legislative leaders across the country and seek support from one another.”
Senator Priya Sundareshan | Az