By Ally Duffy —
Saturday, December 6th marked the end of a chapter and a new beginning for the 2025 graduating class of the Latina Entrepreneur Academy (LEA). Gathered at the Miami Regionals Voice of America Learning Center in West Chester, graduates and families celebrated the completion of their 20-hour training that will empower and guide them to build andmaintain their own businesses. Founded in 2017 by Karla Boldery, the Latina Entrepreneur Academy has inspired and empowered 215 Latina(o) entrepreneurs and contributed over five million dollars in revenue to the local economy.
Following the agenda, the event began with Karla Boldery delivering opening remarks and providing background concerning the creation of the program. With the goal to propel and empower Latina(o) business owners, LEA focuses on providing support, resources, and expertise to the students who wish to establish themselves as successful entrepreneurs.
Following the opening statements by Boldery, speakers from the graduating class gave insight to their experience throughout the LEA program, as well as their future aspirations.
Among the guests, sponsors of the LEA joined the graduates to offer their congratulations and future support as the graduates move on to the next stage of their entrepreneurship. LEA sponsors include Citywide Facility Solutions, Ohio Small Business Development Centers, First Financial Bank, SBA and Miami University. The LEA training program is free to participants due to contributions by its sponsors, providing opportunities for all members of the Latina(o) community.
After students accepted their certificates, each graduate was encouraged to speak on their current or future business plans, allowing the students to network and show pride in their ideas.
To close the ceremony, Samantha Rangel, 2025 LEA graduate, reflected on the growth and impact of the program. With the help of two other graduates, Rangel presented Boldery with a gift of appreciation for her inspiration and support in the student’s success.
Students returned to the front of the auditorium to complete the age-old tradition of throwing their caps and bringing this chapter to an end, clearly exuding joy and excitement for the future.
As the graduation ceremony came to an end, guests were informed of food and refreshments and encouraged to visit the tables and stands that were set up by some of the graduates. The stands showcased the recent graduate’s businesses and allowed opportunities for the entrepreneurs to network. Holding true to the underlying goal of the program, it allowed for further connections and the building of relationships within the Latina(o) community.
The Latina Entrepreneur Academy is currently accepting applicants for the 2026 course. Any individual within the Latina(o) community who is interested in signing up for this course is encouraged to do so on the academy’s official website. Latina Entrepreneur Academy website: https://latinaentrepreneuracademy.com
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2025!
What an incredible article and an outstanding program. It’s an honor to be part of the 2025 graduating class of the Latina Entrepreneur Academy.
Thank you very much for attending and for the great article you wrote about our graduation!
Excellent story! I had no idea this existed. Thanks for getting the word out about this. I’ll be sure to share this info with all my Latino students at Miami.