Corporate Executive Development Program

The Corporate Executive Development Program (CEDP) is a one-of-a-kind, immersive leadership experience designed exclusively for high potential Latinos who are mid-level managers and directors preparing for executive levels of responsibilities.

CEDP provides participants with the knowledge, skills and resources they need to accelerate their progress into executive positions and achieve superior business results—highlighting the advantages Latino executives bring to corporate America. Simply put, CEDP is strategically created to address the Latino talent pipeline. CEDP is guided by a distinguished advisory board of executives from nationally recognized organizations and exceptional faculty who are dedicated to the high-impact advancement of Latino managers

The Business Case
The U.S. Hispanic market is the nation's largest ethnic minority with 63.7 million people. However, gaps in representation continue to exist within U.S. companies and Hispanic managers and directors are significantly underrepresented in executive and senior executive positions. Research shows that while Hispanic managers and directors reach mid-level management positions faster than their peers, they are slower to climb to higher levels within their companies.

Course feature	Course detail
Dates:	February 24, 2025 – September 11, 2025
Topic:	Diversity and Inclusion
Format:	On Campus
Location:	��˾��Cox School of Business
Credentialing:	Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive a certificate.
Price:	Please contact us at 214.768.8232 or SMUCoxLLI@smu.edu for pricing information.
Questions?	To learn more about the program, contact us at 214.768.8232 or SMUCoxLLI@smu.edu

Topics & Program Details

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

Objectives

Accelerate Hispanic middle managers' progress into executive positions

Prepare Latino leaders for sustained success at high levels

Achieved Through

Practical, interactive, and hands-on learning experiences
Awareness of cultural barriers and opportunities for advancement
Individual development plans based on proven competencies of successful leadership
Support for application of program experience: executive class advisers, individual executive mentors, participant sponsors, peer groups of participants and past participants
Successful Hispanic corporate leader role models as guest speakers
Network with experienced Latino senior managers

Delivered in three instructional phases over six months, CEDP highlights the advantages Latino executives bring to corporate America. Each phase will kick off with an in person multiday module and continue with virtual team project meetings and continuing education sessions.

Phase 1: Leading with Authenticity (Leading Self)

This phase is devoted to developing ‘self’ and understanding the power of culture in executive development. Participants will gain insights to intentionally use culture— individual, corporate and national—in service of optimum individual and business performance.

Phase 2: Leading High Performing Teams (Leading Others)

In the second phase participants learn to leverage cultural diversity in others to maximize the performance of work units and teams and to work effectively across borders. Participants learn to use coaching and mentoring tools to develop talent and gain institutional knowledge.

Phase 3: Becoming a Corporate Leader (Leading the Organization)

Participants learn to apply heightened cultural awareness and develop social capital needed to lead strategic thinking, innovation, and change at enterprise levels. They gain an understanding of roles and behaviors associated with the highest levels of corporate leadership, including the relevance of active community engagement.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive a certificate and join the ��˾��Cox Latino Leadership Initiative alumni community.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

360 Assessments

Each participant will complete a 360 degree feedback assessment of the competencies identified with successful executive leadership prior to Phase 1. Results of this self-awareness tool guides the development of an individualized development plan and form the foundation of the mentoring relationship that continues through the programs.

Mentors

Participants are assigned executive mentors with significant leadership experience within Fortune 1000 companies. These seasoned professionals assist in preparing and implementing personal leadership development plans.

Executive Speakers and Advisors

Participants will learn and interact with world-renowned experts in leadership and business. Our Latino executive advisors share practical insights, tools, and tips with participants in the classroom.

Team Project

Throughout the program, participants work in small teams applying new tools and concepts to create an entrepreneurial solution to a current social problem. At the end of the program, teams present their business plans to instructors, advisors, mentors, and corporate advisory board members.

Who Should Attend?

Mid-level Latino managers and directors with the demonstrated track records and potential to ascend to executive positions.
Engaged leaders who are committed to developing their managerial skills and approaches to optimize team performance
Leaders who are supported by high level executives in their organization who are responsible for developing talent in their organizations. These executives should be visionaries committed to meeting the emerging needs of their global markets.

Time Commitment

CEDP requires significant commitments from participants. It is important that individual’s participation is supported by their organization. To acknowledge this, participants will provide names and contact information of their managers and senior leaders who will be updated regarding the program and invited to participate in key elements.

LEARN MORE

Contact Ana Rodriguez, Executive Director for the Latino Leadership Initiative, at airodriguez@smu.edu or 214.768.8232 to learn more about the Corporate Executive Development Program

Schedule

The six-month program is delivered in three phases with two cohort options. Each phase begins with a multiday, in-person module on the ��˾��campus and continues with virtual team project work and individual development activities until the start of the next phase.

Phase 1: Leading with Authenticity
Phase 2: Leading High-Performance Teams
Phase 3: Becoming a Valued Corporate Leader

Module	Red Cohort	Blue Cohort
Phase 1*	February 24-26, 2025	February 25-27, 2025
Phase 2*	May 12-14, 2025	May 13-15, 2025
Phase 3*	September 8-10, 2025	September 9-11, 2025

*Virtual team project work and continuing education sessions follow the in-person module. For an entirely online-only option, contact the team at SMUCoxLLI@smu.edu if interested in virtual dates.

Carolina Roa, Sr. Land & Facilities Development Manager, DFW International Airport

"CEDP was an eye-opener: deeper self-awareness creates the space for intentional, authentic leadership. It was a rich experience that has shaped my professional life."

Delivered in three phases over seven months, this will offer training and networking opportunities to high-potential Hispanic managers and directors preparing for executive levels of responsibilities.

Hettie Tabor, Academic Director, ��˾��Cox School of Business

"Data-driven companies are harnessing the power of advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to make smarter decisions, optimize service and streamline operations. Where does your organization stand in its evolution?"

This course will help you embrace the imperatives of digital transformation, envision where your teams and organization need to be in 10 years—and how to get them there.

Participant, 2018

"This has been a fantastic program. It made me so much more intentional in how I approach my job and managing. The speakers were excellent and gave real, practical advice on how to manage and lead successfully. I would recommend this course to anyone."

If you're already a front-line manager or a leader moving into management for the first time, this powerful management course will arm you with what's needed to handle the toughest tests.

Jay Ortiz, AT&T Conexion

The Rising Latino Leader Program equips you with all the tools needed to climb the corporate ladder, but more importantly, become a better version of yourself while doing so... this course will help you realize your full potential.

This innovative four-and-a-half day experience prepares participants for success in their first managerial positions and equips them to progress into higher levels of responsibility.

Participant, 2019

"I enjoyed having different instructors, each knowledgeable in a specific area. The course was filled with very practical and insightful lessons to become a better leader... it was an amazing program that helped tie all the leadership skills together."

In 10 challenging sessions, this leadership course for mid-level and experienced leaders will transform your leadership vision and approach from the inside out.

Ana Rodriguez, Academic Director

"We couldn't resist the opportunity to provide a more mindful and intentional offering that creates a safe environment for women."

This three-day immersive learning experience is designed to equip women leaders with actionable strategies to overcome the hurdles women often face in the workplace.

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Next Steps

Questions? Not sure which program fits your needs? Reach out to our team.

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