Sindy Marisol Benavides, a Honduran immigrant who came to the United States at the age of one and grew up to become a life-long champion of social justice and civil rights has been named Chief Executive Officer of the League of United Latin American Citizens, the first Latina woman to hold that position in the organization’s 89-year history. Among her notable career achievements, Benavides served on the Democratic National Committee as Director of National Community Outreach, a role she performed as the only Latina senior staff member at the DNC. She also held key positions for Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, who was later selected as the Democratic Vice-Presidential Candidate in 2016. Her grassroots experience began by leading community organizing, voter registration, civic engagement, and advocating for social justice and civil rights in Virginia and then carrying her experience to neighborhoods throughout the nation. Benavides is not a stranger to LULAC. She was the Founder and President of LULAC Council 4611 (Richmond). Benavides’ academic background includes a bachelor’s from Virginia State University graduating as Valedictorian with a focus on Political Science. Additional studies include Executive Management and Leadership at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and the Center for Creative Leadership. Benavides is an alumna of the Sorenson Political Leadership Program through the University of Virginia; the Virginia Executive Institute and Minority Political Leadership Institute through Virginia Commonwealth University; and alumna of the National Hispana Leadership Institute. She resides in Virginia with her husband and two children, three-year old Victor Hughes and one-year old America Westfield.
