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PODER

PODER CLASS OF 2027

Thank you for your interest in the PODER Program!

Please complete the PODER application  if you wish to apply for membership in the 2027 GC Ready Class of PODER, commencing on December 11, 2026. 

This application (including the supplemental materials requested) is due on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST. Applications will not be accepted if submitted after this deadline. Attendance at Open House is encouraged but not required to be considered for membership.

If you have questions about the application process or the program, please contact Julia Lopez at poder@hnba.com.  Please do not contact PODER about the status of your application (other than a request for confirmation that materials were received) unless you do not receive an email by November 23, 2026, indicating our admission decision.

Note that all current and continuing PODER program participants must also be members in good standing of the Hispanic National Bar Association (HNBA) as of September 25, 2026. 

Please visit poder25.org for more information about our recent programming. We look forward to hearing from you!

Best regards,

Julia López, HNBA/VIA Vice Chair of Programs & Poder Chair

 

Apply Here

PODER is a highly selective program and the GC Ready class size is limited. To apply for 2027 class, you must meet the minimum criteria, and submit an application and reference by September 25, 2026. Member expectations include robust participation, mentoring and support of the PODER mission.  The minimum criteria below are strongly encouraged.  

Minimum Criteria to Apply:

  • Current member of the Hispanic National Bar Association as of application deadline;
  • Minimum of 15 years of legal experience; 
  • In-house counsel with strong desire to become a Fortune 500, Fortune 1000, or other prominent General Counsel role in a private company (The ideal applicant should be directly reporting to the GC, should be a divisional GC, or a GC of a public company other than Fortune 1000 company); 
  • Highly developed expertise and executive competencies and poised to hold a Fortune 500, Fortune 1000, or other prominent General Counsel role in a private company;
  • Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated ability to lead legal functions and manage legal professionals who manages at least 3-5 direct or indirect reports;
  • Commitment to attend and participate in PODER competency development programming, including periodic virtual learning sessions, and the in-person meetings at HNBA Corporate Counsel Conference, the General Counsel Boot Camp, the HNBA Annual Convention and various Regional Meetings of PODER members; and
  • Commitment to collaborate with fellow participants, lead or facilitate events and serve as mentors to grow the talent pipeline of Hispanic National Bar Association members (including those who may be a good fit for the program in the future).
  • High Preference for members who are able to relocate for a GC or other senior level role. 

 

Annual Cost Upon Acceptance: $1,500

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Key Dates in the Application Process

AUGUST 7, 2026
Applications Available Online

AUGUST 24, 2026
Last day to RSVP for Open House
Zoom details to be emailed on 8/25

AUGUST 26, 2026
5:00 pm EST
Virtual Open House for Prospective Members

SEPTEMBER 25, 2026
Applications Due

NOVEMBER 23, 2026
Admission Decisions (via e-mail)

FOR MORE INFORMATION

RSVP FOR OPEN HOUSE
Email poder@hnba.com

APPLICATIONS / WEBPAGE
www.poder25.org/apply

LINKEDIN PAGE
linkedin.com/company/hnba-poder/

 

QUESTIONS?

Email poder@hnba.com 

 

 

PODER LEADERSHIP TEAM

Julia A. López, HNBA/VIA Vice Chair of Programs & Poder Chair
poder@hnba.com

Angel Gomez, Facilitator & Executive Coach

José Ramón González, Advisory Council Chair and Steering Committee Chair 

Marcela Kirberger, Circulo Chair

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Application Requirements

To apply to PODER GC Ready class of 2027, you must submit the following  by Friday, September 25, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST via this link.

  • PODER Application (all questions answered)
  • Copy of Current Resume (in Word or PDF)
  • LinkedIn Profile URL (click here to find your profile URL).
  • One (1) Letter of reference (from an individual who knows you professionally and is not related to you) supporting your expertise, team leadership, business acumen, judgment, stated career goals, mentorship experience and/or any other relevant professional or personal information from a current Board member, senior executive, business leader or General Counsel of any organization, region, business unit or department with annual revenues preferably in the range of $1B or more (or a similarly situated organization, if revenues are not publicly reported).

Additionally, we reserve the right to contact any applicant to schedule and conduct a Zoom interview with our selection committee.  

Note that acceptance into the program will be contingent upon an applicant providing the following no later than December 11, 2026:

(1) a professional bio;

(2) a high-resolution photo; 

(3) a publicity release (which may have a carve-out for compliance obligations, but only if required by applicant’s current employer);

(4) consent to release your information to search firms, other members and partners in the program; 

(5) certain representations (covering confidentiality, participation, commitment to the PODER mission and other relevant matters); and 

(6) payment of membership fees.