November 20, 2024
Celebrating 50 Years of MANA: Empowering Latinas and Building a Future of Equity and Leadership
By Paula Valle
At the MANA 50th Anniversary Reception hosted by Latina Futures 2050 Lab and LIDERAMOS in Milwaukee, Amy Hinojosa highlighted the organization’s pivotal role in shaping policy and providing resources to uplift Latinas. Hinojosa spoke powerfully about the importance of centering Latinas in policy conversations, noting that “Latinas in the United States, one in five women today, will make up one in three by 2060. These are the women who will be raising families and making decisions for the future. And that’s where we need to be—in the middle of policy conversations.” The event highlighted the critical work of MANA affiliates nationwide, with Midwest chapters playing a key role in fostering leadership and advocacy at the local level.
Despite the growth of the Latina demographic, economic disparities persist. Latinas still face a stark wage gap, earning just 64 cents for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men. Additionally, 25% of Latinas live in poverty during retirement. Hinojosa emphasized the urgent need for systemic reform, particularly in civic engagement, stating, “For us, not only is policy change important, but we want to make sure we’re down in the community educating women.”
MANA’s efforts extend far beyond just policy advocacy. Through programs like the Hermanitas® Program, a national mentoring initiative, MANA nurtures the next generation of Latina leaders. As Hinojosa explains, “The Hermanitas in our community are so above and beyond anything that you can imagine. It really gives me great pleasure to go out to our chapters and affiliates and meet these young women and see what they’re interested in.” The Hermanitas program, designed specifically for Latinas ages 11-18, offers educational and skill-building opportunities, leadership development, and peer support. This decade, the program has been particularly crucial in addressing the mental health challenges faced by young Latinas, exacerbated by the pandemic. By focusing on the cultural and emotional needs of Latina youth, MANA is ensuring that the future of Latina leadership is bright, resilient, and empowered.
One of the most powerful moments of the reception came from Illinois State Representative Norma Hernandez and Midwest Regional Administrator of the U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau Gina Rodriguez. Both speakers emphasized the importance of supporting Latina-led initiatives and their role in advancing gender equity. Their remarks underscored the collaborative effort needed from civil society, government, and philanthropy to close the gender gap and empower Latinas in all sectors.
Hinojosa’s call to action during the event was clear: “The buying power of the Latino community in the United States is $4 trillion. If the Latino community were its own country, it would be a G5 nation. We’re not asking for anything that’s not ours. When we say ‘Pagame,’ we are also saying ‘Respetame.’”
This bold declaration encapsulates the essence of MANA’s mission—a call for respect, equity, and recognition of the power and contributions of Latinas. MANA’s work is not just about addressing economic disparities; it’s about creating a more inclusive society where Latina voices are central to the decision-making processes that shape our communities and our nation.
As we celebrate MANA’s incredible achievements over the past 50 years, we are reminded that the work is far from done. Latina Futures is playing a crucial role in supporting Latina-serving organizations like MANA by convening and spotlighting the critical initiatives led by and for women and girls. This advances cross-sectoral action toward achieving gender equity, recognizing that organizational capacity building and strengthening Latina-serving infrastructure are essential to creating lasting change, no matter what party is in power.
MANA was founded in Washington, D.C., by a group of Mexican American women who recognized the lack of representation and inclusion for Latinas in policy discussions and decision-making spaces. Determined to address this gap, they created MANA as a platform to amplify Latina voices and secure their place at the table. Over the past five decades, MANA has become the oldest and largest Latina serving organization, which continues to advocate for the Latina community, stepping in to address the gaps left by governmental neglect across presidential administrations. This enduring mission ensures that Latinas are not only represented but also equipped to lead.
