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# Ladders For Leaders

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/?page_id=9978)

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/) - Ladders For Leaders gives students a unique opportunity to gain professional experience, develop work readiness skills and explore their interests.
- [About Us](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/about-us/) - MISSION Connect high school students to careers through education, training, and impactful internships. VISION A community of empowered students who are equipped to make successful decisions after high school. WHY LADDERS FOR LEADERS We have big news to extend our services to include students in Travis & Williamson County ISDs along with surrounding communities! Our
- [Scholarships](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/programs/scholarships/) - 2026 LAKISSA BRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP New for 2026!Ladders for Leaders is proud to introduce the LaKissa Bright Scholarship, established in honor of our founder, whose vision and dedication have helped connect thousands of students to careers through education, training, and impactful internships.What began as one mother’s determination to help students gain real-world experience has grown into
- [Partners](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/partners/) - HIRE A SUMMER INTERN!We are currently looking for businesses to provide internships during our 2025 program. We are interested in partnering with companies in any industry.Partnership Benefits• Cost-effective employees• High-caliber students who are eager to learn and contribute• Opportunity to give back to the community and train local youth• Gain fresh perspectives and new ideas
- [FAQ's](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/faqs/) - Who are our participants?Our participants are high school students aged 16 to 18.How are our participants selected?Ladders for Leaders participants are selected through a rigorous application, interview, and job training process.When are the applications due?Check the Programs page for current dates.Do the participants have work/ volunteer experience?It varies; we do not require prior experience, but
- [Summer Internship Program](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/summer-internship-program/) - We will be accepting applications for our 2026 Internships: January 12 - March 6 Summer Internship Program Ladders for Leaders will not only connect students with professional employment but will also provide job readiness training and guidance throughout the employment process. Students will learn how to obtain employment, conduct themselves in a professional manner, value
- [Annual Reports](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/annual-reports/) - 2022 Impact Report 2021 Impact Report 2018-2020 Report
- [SPONSORSHIPS](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/sponsorships/) - CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR Thank You Sponsors! Select a shortcode
- [Ladders for Leaders University](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/ladders-for-leaders-university/) - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
- [Home - Updated Menu](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/home-updated-menu/) - Ladders For Leaders gives students a unique opportunity to gain professional experience, develop work readiness skills and explore their interests.
- [Events](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/events-2/) - Bridging the Gap Between Education and Industry We are thrilled to present our four cornerstone events, each designed to inspire, celebrate, and enrich the internship experience. These events are not just milestones but stepping stones towards a brighter future for our young leaders. Join us in making each moment unforgettable. Signing DayJune 2, 2025This is
- [Internship Celebration](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/internship-celebration/) - Leadership Lift-Off: A Celebration of Growth and Achievement July 15, 2025Exchange ATX - Cedar Park, TXGet ready for an electrifying evening that marks the grand finale of our interns' journey, filled with skill enhancement and real-world job experiences! This event is a vibrant celebration, bringing together our brilliant high school interns, their proud families, our esteemed business partners, and supportive community members for a night to remember. The festivities begin with a lively cocktail/mocktail hour—perfect for our interns to mingle, network, and flaunt their newly polished skills. As the evening unfolds, we'll enjoy delicious food and move on to a ceremony where our interns will be honored with medals, and our business partners will receive well-deserved plaques. Listen to inspiring stories of their remarkable experiences. The climax of the night features the thrilling announcement of scholarships for some of our dedicated students advancing to college or trade schools. It's a memorable night celebrating the hard work, achievements, and bright futures of these exceptional students. Purchase a Ticket VENDOR/SPONSOR INFO 2024 PHOTO GALLERY THANK YOU SPONSORS
- [Programs](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/programs/) - WHY LADDERS for LEADERS? We have big news to extend our services to include students in Travis & Williamson County ISDs along with surrounding communities! Our area has a lot of successful businesses as well as a plethora of high-achieving high school students. What’s missing is the bridge to bring them together to ensure our
- [Testimonials](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/testimonials/)
- [Events-old](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/events/) - UPCOMING EVENTS Annual 5K: January 29th Brushy Creek Lake Park, 3300 Brushy Creek Rd, Cedar Park, TX 78613. Register, Sponsor, Volunteer, Vendor Sign-up Here: 5K Run for the Future Workforce
- [SIGNING DAY](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/signing-day/) - “Intern Signing Day is a pivotal and celebratory event designed to mark the official commitment of aspiring young professionals to their internship placements. This event symbolizes the start of an enriching journey for interns and their host organizations, where both parties come together to sign agreements, get headshots and celebrate the beginning of a mutually beneficial
- [Our Team](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/our-team/) - Ladders for Leaders Team Meet the team that’s bridging the gap between education and industry! Our Team Board Our Staff LaKissa Bright Founder/CEO Marvelia BarreraExecutive Director GENAIL MARTHOLPresident April GuerraTreasurer Esmeralda Mattke LongoriaSecretary Shymika StephensonBoard Member Helynn Nelson Board Member Brian HernandezBoard Member Laronica MoiseBoard Member Lakshmi SampathBOARD MEMBER YOLANDA OWENSBOARD MEMBER
- [Volunteer](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/volunteer/) - Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Ladders for Leaders! Our organization cannot thrive without the support of our community, so we appreciate you sharing your time and talents with us! We have several volunteer opportunities available. Please click link below to submit form request and one of our staff members will be in touch with
- [Spirit Night](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/spirit-night-leanderthal-distilling-10-19-2023/) - COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER: SUPPORTING LADDERS FOR LEADERS >RSVP FREE - Join our scary fun evening sippin' with friends to support our mission!
- [Youth Job Placement](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/youth-job-placement/) - JOB MATCH PORTAL COMPANIES HIRE STUDENTS AND STUDENTS FIND EMPLOYMENT!Register NOW – where students and great companies connect! FREE for all students and FREE 30-Day Trial for EMPLOYERS! STUDENTS: CLICK FIND JOBS TO APPLY – Completing this application registers you for both our job portal and future career fairs. EMPLOYERS: CLICK HIRE TALENT – Completing
- [Terms & Conditions](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/terms-conditions/) - Pivacy Statement Welcome to Ladders for Leaders! These terms and conditions outline the rules and regulations for the use of LADDERS FOR LEADERS’s Website, located at https://www.laddersforleaders.org/. By accessing this website we assume you accept these terms and conditions. Do not continue to use Ladders for Leaders if you do not agree to take all
- [User Login](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/user-login/) - Completing this form will register you for both our future job portal and job fair. You are well on your way to finding summer employment!
- [Youth Job Listings](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/youth-job-listings/)
- [Post New Job](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/post-job/) - [jobsearch_user_job title="Post New Job"] [/jobsearch_user_job]
- [Contact Us](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/contact-us/) - Contact Us We are Available! Want To Get In Touch? Here is how you can connect with us. Please feel free to email or call us with questions. You can also fill out the form below. Mailing Address:P.O Box 1204 Round Rock, TX 78681 E-Mail Us:info@laddersforleaders.org Phone Us:+1 (512) 817-4322 CONTACT US! Send Us Message
- [FAQ’s - Job Search](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/faqs-job/) - FAQ’s Employment Opportunities What can we help you find? Search Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur notted adipisicing elit sed do eiusmod. Employment Opportunities Frequently Asked Questions General FAQ’s Donation FAQ’S Charity FAQ’S General FAQ’s How do I apply to get a charity bib? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur notted adipisicing elit sed do
- [Become A Volunteer](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/become-a-volunteer/) - Become A Volunteer Employment Opportunities Choose the place you want to volunteer Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur notted adipisicing elit sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et simply free text dolore magna aliqua lonm andhn. Volunteer Abroad Volunteer IN YOUR COUNTRY Volunteer Online Calculate your entitlements as a Volunteer Country Select Option American
- [User Dashboard](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/user-dashboard/)
- [Staff](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/staff/) - Shelly Hatch - Executive Director Shelly has over 30 years of administrative support, sales management, and business operational experience and is excited to maximize the impact of our mission by further developing our organizational structure and financial sustainability strategy. She credits her success to the devoted managers over the years who recognized her potential, mentored,
- [Get Involved](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/get-involved/)
- [Gallery Grid](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/gallery-grid/) - Gallery Grid Engine Submission Health Records to UK Charity Engine Submission Health Records to UK Children Engine Submission Health Records to UK Charity Engine Submission Health Records to UK Charity Engine Submission Health Records to UK Children Engine Submission Health Records to UK Foundation Engine Submission Health Records to UK Children Engine Submission Health Records
- [Gallery Justified](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/gallery-justified/) - Gallery Justified Engine Submission Health Records to UK Charity Engine Submission Health Records to UK Children Engine Submission Health Records to UK Homeless Engine Submission Health Records to UK Charity Engine Submission Health Records to UK Charity Engine Submission Health Records to UK Children Engine Submission Health Records to UK Foundation Engine Submission Health Records
- [Gallery Masonry](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/gallery-masonry/) - Gallery Masonry Engine Submission Health Records to UK Charity Engine Submission Health Records to UK Children Engine Submission Health Records to UK Foundation Engine Submission Health Records to UK Charity Engine Submission Health Records to UK Charity Engine Submission Health Records to UK Children Engine Submission Health Records to UK Homeless Engine Submission Health Records
- [Our Priorites](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/our-priorites/) - Our Priorites Employment Opportunities Our Funding Priorities Areas Water Climate Change Food Sovereignty Health Education Indigenous People Get Involved Now, it’s your turn. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur notted adipisicing elit sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et simply free text dolore magna aliqua lonm andhn. Take Action
- [Our Priorites Details](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/our-priorites-details/) - Employment Opportunities 100% of your donation funds clean water. Donate Now 785 million people lack basic access to clean and safe drinking water. We’re on a mission to change that. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur notted adipisicing elit sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et simply free text dolore magna aliqua lonm andhn.We
- [Donation History](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/donation-history-2/) - [donation_history]
- [Give Shortcodes](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/give-shortcodes/) - [give_donor_wall]
- [Shop](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/shop/)
- [Donation Failed](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/donation-failed/) - We're sorry, your donation failed to process. Please try again or contact site support.

## Projects

- [Organize fundraising activities for charity Annual](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/project/organize-fundraising-activities-for-charity-annual/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat
- [Help: disabled children integrate into the community](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/project/help-disabled-children-integrate-into-the-community/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat
- [Activity: Periodic health examinations at nursing homes](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/project/activity-periodic-health-examinations-at-nursing-homes/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat
- [Building a scholarship fund for poor and studious children](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/project/building-a-scholarship-fund-for-poor-and-studious-children/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat
- [Helping old people in difficult circumstances](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/project/helping-old-people-in-difficult-circumstances/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat
- [Blood donation activities are held annually](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/project/blood-donation-activities-are-held-annually/) - Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat

## Teams

- [YOLANDA OWENS](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/team/yolanda-owens/) - Yolanda Owens, SPHR, is an experienced HR professional and certified Mediator with extensive experience in employee relations. Most recently, Yolanda was a member of the Corporate Functions HR leadership team at Salesforce as an Employee Success Business Partner, Director. She has held executive-level Human Resources roles where she is charged with building organizational capability through
- [Lakshmi Sampath](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/team/lakshmi-sampath/) - Lakshmi Sampath is currently a Master Principal Solution Engineer at Oracle. She is a Recognized Thought Leader, Author, Speaker, Blogger, Innovator and Implementer with over 25 years of Professional Industry Experience. She is the President of the “Oracle Speaks” Club with Toastmasters International and a Martial Artist with a Second-Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo.
- [Laronica Moise](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/team/laronica-moise/) - Laronica Moise is an accomplished healthcare professional with over 14 years of leadership experience, specializing in operations, supply chain & logistics. She currently serves as an Assistant Chief Operating Officer at Ascension Seton, where she manages daily operations and oversees all ancillary and support departments. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to
- [Brian Hernandez](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/team/brian-hernandez/) - Brian Hernandez is the founder and chief storyteller at Phalanx Outreach Solutions, a creative marketing agency specializing in targeted storytelling strategies to amplify brand engagement. He is also the co-founder of Radar Hill Media, where he crafts compelling multimedia content. With over five years as Chief Storytelling Officer at Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area and
- [Helynn Nelson](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/team/helynn-nelson/) - With over 20 years of experience, Helynn Nelson bridges the worlds of recruiting, development, and workplace litigation. She's been a Googler for nearly a decade and currently leads US Accommodations. She is also an angel investor with the Black Angel Group, which invests in ethical, high-growth technology companies. In addition to her full-time career in
- [Esmeralda Mattke Longoria](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/team/esmeralda-mattke-longoria/) - Esmeralda Mattke Longoria is a native Texan. She has worked for Dell Technologies for 16 years as a Business Architect. Esme also spends her time serving on her local city council in Leander, Texas. Esme is on the executive committee of CAPCOG (Capital Area Council of Governments). She is part of the Clean Air Coalition
- [April Guerra](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/team/april-guerra/) - April Guerra is a proud Texan native, financial analyst, and passionate advocate dedicated to building stronger communities by investing in youth and prioritizing education. As a first-generation college graduate and single mother, April embodies resilience, determination, and a commitment to creating opportunities for others. Her mission is to inspire individuals to lead intentionally, build confidence,
- [GENAIL MARTHOL](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/team/genail-marthol/) - Genail Marthol is an Accountant/Finance guru by training, but currently works at Loram Technologies, Inc. as the Sr. Technical Project Manager, overseeing all engineering projects. Loram Technologies leverages its innovative culture to deliver data-driven technology products and services to global rail partners, facilitating the safe and efficient movement of freight and passengers. Prior to joining
- [Marvelia Barrera](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/team/marvelia-barrera/) - Marvelia Barrera is a passionate educational leader committed to helping students discover their strengths and prepare for bright futures. With more than 20 years of experience, she has served as a Principal, Senior Executive Director, and Instructional Leadership Coach, supporting schools in creating meaningful learning opportunities for all students. Marvelia has worked closely with nonprofits
- [LaKissa Bright](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/team/lakissa-bright/) - LaKissa Bright’s passion for helping children get a good start in life motivated her to start Ladders For Leaders in 2018, the second non-profit she has founded. In 2007, she created the Helping Hands-Austin organization to provide back-to-school clothes and shoes to children in need. Her years of experience there led LaKissa to recognize that
- [Shymika Stephenson](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/team/shymika-stephens/)

## Testimonials

- [Thank You LL!](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/testimonial/thank-you-ll/) - My internship experience has been very valuable. Without LL's support, I wouldn't have gotten the chance to actually be in an internship that matches my future career choice. I've learned a lot about how the actual work field flows which I think is very important to learn now before I've actually gotten a full time
- [This Experience was a Game Changer](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/testimonial/this-experience-was-a-game-changer/) - Participating in the Ladders for Leaders program has been a game-changer for me. The program provided invaluable career readiness workshops and connected me with a fantastic internship that matched my interests. The support and mentorship I received helped me develop professional skills and gain confidence in the workplace. I'm grateful for this opportunity and the
- [2021 Intern](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/testimonial/2021-intern/) - I just wish I had known about this program sooner so I could have taken more advantage of it. Any contributions are going to be super helpful in order to spread the word and also to continue to help this program grow and reach even more people.
- [Amazing!](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/testimonial/2022-intern/) - Ladders for Leaders is an AMAZING program for students who want to add to their resumes using internships and gain professional experience! They really made the entire internship process easier for a student looking to boost their resume for college or jobs, and they take charge in finding great internships (some even paid) that help
- [This is a Game Changing Program!](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/testimonial/this-is-a-game-changing-program/) - During college, I participated in a national college internship program called Inroads. They provided professional development training, mentorship, and connected students with internships. I was quite impressed when I learned that Ladders for Leaders was providing a similar experience for high school students. Our oldest daughter, Jaya, had a great experience last summer; and now
- [Austin Urban Technology Initiative](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/testimonial/austin-urban-technology-initiative/) - We have enjoyed the interns this year. They were very professional and worked well with the team. They provided some great insight on some of the tech initiatives that we have been working on and were very flexible in the process. We appreciated all their work and them having a great attitude while doing it.
- [Chesnut Publishing House](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/testimonial/chesnut-publishing-house/) - I am very grateful for the opportunity to partner with the organization and all of the wonderful work you’re doing in the community!
- [Resibrands](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/testimonial/resibrands/) - We absolutely loved LL! Our intern was such a great addition to the team this summer and look forward to having her back next year!
- [The Tyrex Group](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/testimonial/the-tyrex-group/) - The way that Ladders for Leaders takes that extra time to prepare the students really means the world for us, as employers, that means we don’t have to babysit, we don’t have to teach the basics because they [the interns] walk in and they already have the basics on day one, so that’s what sets
- [Going Above and Beyond](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/testimonial/going-above-and-beyond/) - Ladders for Leaders: Going Above and Beyond Ladders For Leaders has been extremely accommodating when my child had difficulty fitting in with the first company for her internship. They worked promptly to find a better fit for her, and everything eventually turned out well. The transformation was remarkable. My daughter now loves her work, eagerly
- [2024 Intern at Tyrex](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/testimonial/2024-intern-at-tyrex/) - I came in wanting to learn more about engineering because that’s what I’m looking to study in college and I didn’t have a lot of experience with anything engineering based, but coming to Tyrex, they put me on the path toward learning a lot about it and strengthening my love for engineering.
- [Quote from Beth Vaughn, St David's Healthcare](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/testimonial/quote-from-beth-vaughn-st-davids-healthcare/) - Our future is our Youth and Ladders for Leaders has a fantastic pipeline in getting the youth into passionate areas. And one of the things I loved about LaKissa and her vision, is that we were able to take her vision and her passion and align those individuals and their interest in Healthcare.

## Tags

- [5K](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/tag/5k/)
- [Run](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/tag/run/)
- [Applications](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/tag/applications/)

## Categories

- [Helping](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/project-category/helping/)
- [Education](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/project-category/education/)
- [Health](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/project-category/health/)
- [Activity](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/project-category/activity/)

## Categories

- [Board](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/team-category/board/)
- [Our Staff](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/team-category/our-staff/)

## Testimonial Categories

- [Business](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/testimonial-category/business/)
- [Student](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/testimonial-category/student/)
- [Parent](https://www.laddersforleaders.org/testimonial-category/parent/)