Happy International Women’s Day

"The Latina in me is an ember that blazes forever."
- Sonia Sotomayor

Join Sociedad Latina in celebrating International Women's Day: a day to pause, reflect, and celebrate the amazing achievements and feats women have accomplished. The 21st-century has been an extraordinary period for Latinas. They have raised their high school graduation rate by 14% and increased their presence in teaching, law, medicine, and other professional fields by 35%. Their power has always been present, but with growing opportunities and resources, their intellect, drive, and finesse are breaking into all levels of society. The women we wish to acknowledge this year include strong leaders in our youth programs, the important women in our staff's lives, and Board of Directors.

Youth Leaders

Arianna R., Youth Community Organizer (2019-2020)

In the near future, I see myself as a college student focusing on a 6-year obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) track. Alongside my profession, I want to make positive changes by being an active member of the communities I am in. I want to make sure that people’s voices are being heard and empower others to speak-up.

In my community, leaders in the City Council are not creating change. I would like see more diverse leaders and be one of them, in order to better represent the diverse backgrounds of the people who live in my community.

I have been a Youth Leader in the Youth Community Organizers program for two years now. This year, I have felt like a true leader because I have the opportunity to help my peers become leaders by teaching them to be confident when we testify. I help them to break out of their shells and not be followers, instead I encourage them to become the people they want to see in the world.

Agnessa L., Youth Community Organizer (2019-2020)

In the near future, I would love to see myself having a family and graduating from college with a Ph.D in Psychology and a minor in something creative, like Literature or the Arts. I would like to work to create a society where social status and class does not affect your ego and your power in this world.

Being a leader in the Youth Community Organizers program makes me feel empowered as a youth. I can be a part of creating beneficial changes in my community, and I am heard regardless of my age.

If I could give advice to another young girl, I would tell her to never change for anybody and to be herself. Whatever struggle you are going through will pass, and you will get through it. Don’t be afraid to speak-up for who you are, your needs, and your human rights.

“Real feminism is about being all that you are without have to trade one thing or another on your way up.”

- Gina Torres

Ariana R., Health Educator (2019-2020)

I want to become a nurse at the new Natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). I was inspired to pursue this career because my cousin was born premature and was in the NICU. I’ve had this dream since I was seven. Helping people is my passion, and I want to include that into whatever I do. My mom has a nurse that helps her, and seeing how much she helps inspires me to do the same. I think about the day when I can come home and help my mom in a professional way by becoming a nurse. It’s funny, because I see myself as the friend who everyone can come to when they need anything.

To young girls, I say: try your best and don't let anyone bring you down. For the Health Educators, I will be leading the sexual health workshops to promote safe sexual practices among teens who have high rates of STIs. I feel proud that our coordinator saw me as capable and skilled enough to lead.

Ashly L., Youth Artist (2019-2020)

My dream is to be a lawyer or a social worker because I want to help people in my community who are struggling. Being in the Youth Artists Mastery Program lets me learn about music so deeply. It reminds me why creativity and self expression is essential in becoming a well-rounded person.

As a leader in the classroom, I feel good helping others progress and grow as people and musicians. If I could say anything to young girls who have dreams that they want to achieve, do it! Focus on school, stay after school, get support and learn more to become a leader in whatever you do.

“To appreciate the present, one must have a knowledge of the past…to know where we go, we must know from where we came.”

- Pura Belpré

Board Spotlight

Cecilia M

éndez-Ortiz, Clerk

I've been a part of the Sociedad Latina family for nearly ten years, and I’ve had the pleasure of serving on the Board for about seven. I was first drawn to Sociedad Latina as a partner through MassArt’s Center for Art and Community Partnerships, where I work. I believe it's so important for us as people, communities, and organizations to collaborate and share resources, so we can create something bigger than the sum of all our parts.

As a Latina, I wish I had a Sociedad Latina growing up! To anyone wanting to bring to life a dream or a vision, I would say: love yourself, your community, and your dreams fully and abundantly. I would encourage you to share your vision: visualize it, talk about it, give it oxygen, and room to grow. When we plant these seeds out in the world, we are better equipped to bring them into reality, and to connect with those who share our visions and goals - there is so much power and life in community!

The Women That Inspire Our Staff

Maria Güell

,

Alessandra Sangurima’s Grandmother

My grandmother, or “Tita” as I call her, emigrated from Costa Rica to the United States in 1963 at age 21 with a friend from home. She lived in Queens, New York, where she still lives today. At the time, she spoke the little English she learned at school in Costa Rica.

Back in her home country, she had taken some Engineering classes at the university and had been working as a Receptionist in an architectural office. When she came to the United States, however, it was harder for her to find a job, and she took a position working at an eyeglasses factory. While she was working there, she started taking correspondence classes on drafting and engineering. She used to go to a local deli at lunch and take out her books to study.

One day, an older man saw her studying and took an interest in her work. As it turns out, he worked for an engineering firm and set her up for some interviews. Soon she was working as a Mechanical Drafter. In a department of about 80 people, she was one of about five women and one of about four Spanish speakers at the time. She stayed at that company for 12 years, all the while learning English “a la fuerza,” watching TV, reading a lot, talking to coworkers, and listening to others as much as she could. She continued taking engineering classes at NYU and learning on the job. She eventually moved onto another firm, where she stayed for about 35 years until she retired in 2015 as a Mechanical Engineer.

Having such a strong, independent, and hardworking woman in my life who broke the glass ceiling never allowed me to doubt my own potential. I believe she instilled in me and my mother a love of learning and a deep value for education.

Her advice for young women: “School is very, very important and so is learning anywhere you can. Always pay attention and learn from others, even if they aren’t teaching you directly. So much learning comes from observation and experience.”

“The People are the only ones capable of transforming society.” 

- Rigoberta Menchu

Nelva Flores,

Jose Coronado-Flores’ Mom

If you want to talk about hard work and struggles, I have to mention my mom. Born in Chiquimula, Guatemala, she grew up in a relatively rural community where her family had livestock and a small farm. She lived all over Guatemala and worked small jobs.

Her life changed drastically when she gave birth to my younger brother who was born with cerebral palsy. She refused to let him live an unfulfilling life in Guatemala, which is the unfortunate fate of many kids who are born with disabilities. She moved us to the US where she struggled to put clothes on our back, food in our stomachs, and a roof over our heads. Living in Tampa, FL and Washington DC, Nelva confronted many obstacles including low-paying jobs and the constant fear that comes with living in low-income communities, but she never lost hope and always kept her head up.

Today, she works as a Caregiver in Maryland and continues to put in 100+ hour work weeks just to advance herself and assure that my younger brother is taken care of. She is now a proud homeowner

The advice she would give to young girls is “you can do anything you want. Don’t wait for any men, because you will waste your time. Also, don’t give up hope, even when life gets hard.”

Patricia Grande (far left),

Maria Grande’s Sister

Never address my older sister as “Pat” or “Patty” or “Tricia”, she prefers Patricia. My sister Patricia Francis Grande - named after both of my parents - has always been the toughest person that I know. She started playing tackle football at ten years old, being one of only a few girls on the team at the time. She dominated the field and was never afraid to tackle or be tackled. Her “no nonsense” attitude made her a natural born leader, which she demonstrated in school and at home with my brother and I. Through high school, Patricia consistently met high honor roll and was a Varsity athlete in Cheerleading all four years - being named Captain her senior year. It was by no surprise that when high school graduation came around she was in the top ten percent of her class and accepted to the University of Miami.

Always having an appreciation, love, and talent for working with children, Patricia studied Education, with a double major in Psychology, from the University of Miami. After college, she moved to Maryland to teach in the public school system, starting out as a second grade teacher and eventually becoming the Special Education and Testing Coordinator. Deciding that she one day wanted to go into school administration, Patricia received her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University. This past year, she was promoted to Primary Talent Development Coach, leading professional development for teachers across the district.

Every day, my sister demonstrates to me what a strong Latina looks like - someone who works hard, stays true to themselves, and works to accomplish their dreams and what makes them happy. I have looked up to her my whole life, and she has always been an inspiration in standing up for myself and being a leader - I am a stronger person because of her leadership. They say that you cannot choose your family, but sometimes you get lucky enough to have a sister like Patricia.

“We as women should shine light on our accomplishments and not feel egotistical when we do. It's a way to let the world know that we as women can accomplish great things!”

- Dolores Huerta