The Latina Initiative dedicated to cultivating, supporting and maintaining the civic involvement of Latinas across Colorado, has announced that Dusti Gurule, its Executive Director since 2004, will be leaving her position at the end of August.

During her tenure, Gurule has led LI to a national leadership position among non-profit organizations dedicated to Latino civic engagement. She has received national and local recognition for her work and was named one of 21 Leaders for the 21st Century by Womens ENews and Mujer de Impacto by the Latina Chamber.

“Dusti has brought the national, regional and local spotlights on the important role Latinas can play in the decision making affecting their lives. She has been a tireless advocate on behalf of the Latina community – creating strong partnerships throughout the country – to ensure their voices are heard. We will remain forever grateful for her leadership, vision and commitment to our mission,” said Janet Lopez, President of the LI Board of Directors.

LI is proud to welcome Juanita Chacon as its new Interim Executive Director. Chacon has a long history of working on behalf of the Latino community, a passion for working with non-profit organizations and a deep commitment to civic engagement. She is a co-founder of Denver’s Latina Chamber and has been involved with more than 25 political and nonprofit organizations in the past 20 years. She was instrumental in the expansion of Family Star, a nonprofit Montessori education center for young children in northwest and northeast Denver. Her board leadership and experience includes the Colorado State Housing Board and the Denver Urban Renewal Authority. She served as a member of the RTD Board of Directors from 2006 to 2010.

Chacon joins the Latina Initiative on Sept. 1, 2010. She will replace Executive Director, Gurule, who is stepping down to pursue other interests. Chacon will serve as the Interim Director through 2010 as LI selects a permanent Executive Director for the organization