50 Years of Leadership Dallas: ‘You’ll walk away with a lifelong network’

By Morgan Scruggs, Coordinator, Leadership Programs

To celebrate 50 years of Leadership Dallas (LD), presented by Grant Thornton, the Dallas Regional Chamber’s (DRC) premier leadership development program, we are highlighting a series of alumni to learn more about the LD experience.

Florencia Velasco Fortner, President and CEO of The Concilio, shared how valuable she found the educational aspect of the program, Class Days.

“Every class provided a deep dive into key areas that influence our city’s success, offering a comprehensive understanding of how interconnected systems shape Dallas. This experience broadened my perspective and helped me develop a more inclusive vision of the challenges and opportunities across our region.”

As a member of the LD Class of 2010, Fortner was inspired by the program to continue supporting communities in the Dallas Region.

“The idea of engaging with leaders from diverse industries and backgrounds aligned with my personal and professional mission to build bridges across communities and sectors. I knew LD would expand my perspective and help me grow as a leader committed to driving systemic change for families through The Concilio’s work.”

The broad range of backgrounds and experiences in Fortner’s class were significant to her career growth and current role at The Concilio, an organization serving the North Texas area for more than 40 years by offering gold-standard programs that drive both educational and socioeconomic advancement for Latino families.

“LD deepened my appreciation for the diversity of thought, experiences, and perspectives that great leaders bring to the table,” she said. “I connected with individuals vastly different from me—in industry, ethnicity, and thought—but united by a common goal: to improve our city and make it thrive. It reinforced the importance of listening to diverse voices and stepping outside of familiar circles to gain fresh insights. This inclusive mindset is at the heart of The Concilio’s work, where collaboration across sectors is essential to our success.”

Participating in LD also allowed Fortner to grow her professional network.

“Before LD, I was working with a smaller network and focusing on localized impact. LD expanded my reach in extraordinary ways,” Fortner shared. “Seven of my colleagues joined our board of directors, and about ten others became engaged as volunteers and supporters. Their involvement not only strengthened our mission but also opened doors to partnerships and resources that propelled The Concilio to a new level of impact, allowing us to serve even more families and address critical systemic barriers.”

In addition to expanding her network, Fortner fostered meaningful friendships from her cohort that have endured past her time in LD.

“The friendships I developed have been the most impactful. These connections have gone beyond professional relationships to become deeply meaningful personal bonds. [My] classmates have celebrated milestones with me, like my daughter’s quinceañera, and supported me during both highs and lows.”

LD has also elevated Fortner’s recognition in the community.

“Many LD graduates have contributed to The Concilio as volunteers and donors, supporting our mission to empower Latino families. Being part of LD has enhanced my visibility as a leader, opening doors to awards, recognitions, and new opportunities that have elevated The Concilio’s platform. These tangible benefits have strengthened our ability to expand our reach in the Dallas community.”

Fortner encourages leaders to join LD and learn from others around the region.

“LD is a must for professionals who want to make a meaningful impact. It’s a transformative experience that broadens your perspective, enriches your network, and sharpens your leadership skills. For me, LD was not just about personal growth but also about finding ways to align my work at The Concilio with a larger vision for Dallas. If you fully engage in the classes, volunteer opportunities, and networking events, you’ll walk away with a lifelong network and a deeper understanding of how to create change that benefits the entire community.”