HECFAA Professional Development

HECFAA Leadership Initiative (HLI) Program

Cohort 2 begins January 2025

APPLICATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 8, 2024

Must be in OpenNet

We are proud to announce the second cohort of the HECFAA Leaders Initiative (HLI).

What is HLI?

The HECFAA Leadership Initiative (HLI) is a leadership development program launched in 2024 by the Hispanic and Latin Employee Council for the Foreign Affairs Agency (HECFAA) at the U.S. Department of State. HLI seeks to enhance and accelerate racial and ethnic diversity within the senior ranks of the State Department. It equips mid-level professionals with the skills and confidence needed to successfully compete for and excel in senior leadership roles. 

This is a highly interactive virtual program aiming to strengthen participants’ leadership ability, expand their professional networks and relationship-building skills, and increase their effectiveness as champions of diversity, equity inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). 

What is the HLI Program focus?

The program rests on three pillars:

  1. Relationship Building: Providing networking opportunities, access to mentors and potential sponsors, peer support, and managerial training.

  2. Skill Development: Emphasizing leadership development, cross-cutting job skills, and practical sessions on topics such as bidding and performance evaluations.

  3. Culture: Exploring the challenges and advantages of Hispanic/Latin cultural backgrounds within the State Department environment.

Who is eligible to apply to participate HLI?

Applicants must:

  • Be current Department of State career employees for at least one year.
  • Be FS-01s and FS-02s.  Open to Generalists and Specialists. 
  • Be GS-14s and GS-15s.   
  • Be a HECFAA member in good standing, see HECFAA Membership  
  • Demonstrate progressively strong leadership skills and potential to serve successfully in senior government positions.
  • Exhibit sustained commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).    
  • Be able to join program launch on January 14 and 16 and a minimum of 80 percent of program sessions rotating monthly between 7- 9 am EST and 9-11 am EST.  Please note the sessions will be held Eastern Standard Time. Total commitment is an eight-hour launch and five-six hours per month between February to May and September to December.    

How competitive is the HLI program?

HLI is recognized as a highly competitive leadership development program, attracting a diverse and accomplished pool of applicants. The selection process for the 2025 cohort is particularly rigorous, with only 20 candidates being offered the opportunity to participate. This exclusivity underscores the program’s commitment to nurturing exceptional talent, as it seeks individuals who not only demonstrate strong academic and professional credentials but also possess the potential to drive impactful leadership in their fields. The challenging nature of the application process ensures that only the most qualified and driven candidates will join this prestigious program, making it a sought-after opportunity for aspiring leaders. Early applications are encouraged!

NOTE: 
HECFAA does not make participant selections based on any legally protected
EEO
category.
 

 

What does the HLI Program application require?

The application must submit a HECFAA Leaders Initiative application form (must be in OpenNet) including the following:

  • Employee’s supervisor must allow the applicant to participate in the program and understand the required time commitment of an 8-hour launch in January and 5-6 hours per month from February to May and September to December.    
  • A one-page letter of recommendation from a State Department employee (leader, supervisor, peer, or subordinate) addressing the applicant’s leadership potential, highlighting demonstrated commitment to DEIA, and any experience mentoring and developing others.    
  • One-page statement of interest highlighting how the HECFAA Leaders Initiative, will support the applicant’s long-term career goals at the State Department and discussing the applicant’s potential for promotion to senior leadership positions.  Format: One page with Calibri font, size 12.  
  • One to two-page resume as a PDF.  This should include your employment history, education, honors, and awards.  
What are the HLI Program Requirements?
HECFAA Leaders Initiative (HLI) 2025 will kick off with two half-days of virtual sessions on January 14, 7-11 am EST and January 16, 9 am-1 pm EST.  The launch will focus on building relationships among program organizers, participants, and mentors. Additional key dates are listed below.
The nine-month HLI program:
  • Runs through December 2025, with a break from June- August;
  • Includes monthly virtual sessions for 4 hours on leadership development topics, practical skill-building exercises, and peer group sessions;
  • Requires participants' commitment to attend monthly 2-hour virtual sessions rotating between 7- 9 am EST and 9-11 am EST. 
  • Requires participants' commitment to developing a plan to mentor/sponsor others to be implemented after the completion of the program.   
  • May require an additional one-two hours per month to complete read ahead material, preparation for mentorship meeting, small group meetings (1 hour mentorship pod, and 1 hour PEG), etc. 
Applicant's Supervisor Requirements:


Employee’s supervisor must allow the applicant to participate in the program and understand the required time commitment of an 8-hour launch in January and 5-6 hours per month from February to May and September to December.    

Key Dates:

  • November 8, 2024: Deadline for application submission
  • December 13, 2024: Candidates informed of selection decision
  • January 15: Deadline for candidates to confirm their participation
  • January 14, 2025: Program Launch / 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM EST
  • January 16, 2025: Program Launch / 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST
  • February 11, 2025: Virtual Module 1 / 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM EST
  • March 13, 2025: Virtual Module 2 / 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST
  • April 8, 2025: Virtual Module 3  / 7:00 AM - 9AM EST
  • May 8, 2025: Virtual Module 4 / 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST
  • June/July/August 2025: Summer Break - No sessions
  • September 9, 2025: Virtual Module 5  / 7:00 AM - 9AM EST
  • October 9, 2025: Virtual Module 6 / 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST
  • November 4, 2025: Virtual Module 7  / 7:00 AM - 9AM EST
  • December 4, 2025: Virtual Module 8 / 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 8, 2024

Must be in OpenNet

For addtional questions, email: HLIProgram@hecfaa.org