Elevating Latino Leadership
Association Latinos is committed to increasing access to professional credentialing opportunities within the association community to help strengthen representation in executive leadership roles, build professional credibility, and create new pathways for career advancement.
The Certified Association Executive (CAE) is the highest professional credential in the association management field, demonstrating a commitment to excellence, continuous learning, and the specialized knowledge required to lead and serve member-based organizations effectively. For Latino association professionals, earning the CAE credential represents an important step toward professional growth, industry recognition, and expanded leadership opportunities.
The CAE Se Puede program will continue to grow in the coming months.
Avanza Scholarship
Establishment and support: The Avanza CAE Scholarship was established in 2026 and is graciously supported by Dr. Michael Tatonetti. View Press Release below.
Award purpose
The Avanza CAE Scholarship recognizes and supports individuals who demonstrate strong potential for continued success and a clear commitment to advancing the association profession. The scholarship is designed to empower emerging leaders by providing funding to pursue the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential. Recipients may receive up to $1,000 in reimbursement toward the CAE exam fee and/or exam preparation costs.
Eligibility
Nominees for the Avanza CAE Scholarship must demonstrate strong potential for continued professional growth and a clear commitment to advancing the association profession. Applicants must be currently employed by an association, nonprofit organization, or association management company.
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Applications must be submitted through the online form by August 1. Late submissions will not be considered.
Applicant contact information
Applicant resume or cv
What organizations are you a member of?
Short-Answer prompts of up to 250 words offering evidence of the following:
Outline the total amount of funds you are requesting and their purpose.
Describe your career goals within the association profession and explain how earning the CAE credential will help you achieve them.
Provide examples of how you have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the association profession through your current work, volunteer activities, or leadership roles.
Acknowledgement of AI Tools.
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Application Window: July – August
Notification of Selection: September
Awards Ceremony: Date to be determined
CAE Stories
We're collecting CAE stories from across our community for CAE Se Puede, launching this spring to help make the credential more accessible for Latino association professionals. Tell us about your journey — costs, challenges, retakes, wins — in a short survey.
Your story helps us understand what earning the CAE really looks like for our community, and what support the next generation of Latino leaders will need to get there.
Questions? Email awards@associationlatinos.org