LLYC Foundation is now the Fundación José Antonio Llorente

  • Sector
    Civil Society Organizations
  • Countries
    Global
Oct 8 2024

The LLYC Foundation has officially changed its name to Fundación José Antonio Llorente in honor of the firm’s founder. José Antonio was a visionary leader who recognized the transformative power of communication to drive social change. He believed in an intergenerational approach, championing young people as a driving force for progress and innovation. His embrace of technology wasn’t just for its novelty but for its potential to enhance capabilities, open new doors, and foster creative solutions.

Irene Rodríguez has been appointed the Foundation’s new President to carry on this legacy. Supporting her in this next phase are board members Francisco Sánchez-Rivas, Mara Llorente, Luisa García, Ibo Sanz, Luis Martín, Teresa Rey, Juan Eduardo Hernández, and María Claudia Gnecco.

“We will continue to create social value through Marketing and Corporate Affairs, driven by the belief that communication is a powerful tool for transformation,” says Irene Rodríguez, the new President. “José Antonio was certain that communication fosters understanding and trust between people, businesses, and institutions—all of which are essential for economic and social progress. His legacy reminds us that communication can help tackle society’s greatest challenges.”

As the Foundation enters this new chapter, it will center its three-year strategic plan on promoting technology among children and young people as a key driver of progress. Its projects will focus on digital literacy and the responsible use of technology.

“José Antonio always believed in this project. He created opportunities for young people, seeing them not only as the future of LLYC but as a constant source of innovation and energy for society,” added Alejandro Romero, Partner and Global CEO of LLYC. “He understood their immense potential as catalysts for change and progress. His leadership, foresight, and dedication to youth will continue to guide us in the future. He taught us that true success is measured by our positive impact on others and the world.”

José Antonio Llorente founded the LLYC Foundation in 2016 to generate social value by leveraging the talent and expertise of LLYC’s professionals. This initiative has become a reality thanks to the contributions of more than 1,300 employees across 13 countries, who apply their knowledge in creativity, influence, and innovation to projects that make a positive social impact and transform lives.

In 2023, the Foundation’s initiatives benefited 1,376 people from 38 organizations, representing nearly 60% growth from the previous year. These projects involved 22 super volunteers and 452 volunteers from all LLYC offices.

The Foundation’s Projects

Voces Futuras” is the Foundation’s global project, where LLYC volunteers help at-risk youth strengthen their communication and public speaking skills. The goal is to equip them with the tools they need to approach their personal and professional futures with confidence. Since 2019, the initiative has supported more than 1,500 young people in vulnerable situations, helping them complete their education and find employment to break the cycle of poverty.

Last year, the Foundation also launched “Puertas de Esperanza” in Mexico. This project aims to highlight the stories of individuals from the LGBTQ+ community, focusing on the metaphor of the closed doors they’ve left behind them and the ones they’ve opened in their journey toward authenticity. In collaboration with Galería Hilario Galguera, seven renowned artists reinterpreted these stories of resilience by using doors as canvases—symbolizing the obstacles they’ve overcome.

Transparentes“, created in collaboration with REDI (LGBTQ+ Business Network) for the Ambar Project of the December 26 Foundation, raises awareness about the employment barriers faced by the trans community in Spain and aims to promote their inclusion in the workforce.