The Pennsylvania Latino Convention (PALC) announced today the 2024
PA Latina Women Conference (PLWC) will be held at The Ware Center, 42 N. Prince
Street on March 26-27 during National Women’s History Month.
PLWC is a component of the Pennsylvania Latino Convention aiming to advance the status of women by addressing and championing critical issues, amplifying the Latina narrative, capacity building, leadership development, and policy priorities for women and girls.
The conference will feature a VIP reception sponsored by national partner Latino
Victory Foundation on March 26 to celebrate vibrant Hispanic cultures, contributions and Latina leadership in the state. Followed by a full day of workshops, networking, and inspirational speakers leading seminars on issues that matter to all: health, civic engagement, small business and entrepreneurship, leadership, tech, education, and policy on March 27. The public is invited to be a part of these engaging discussions and experience the power of comunidad.
According to Pew Research Center, the U.S. population grew by 24.5 million from 2010 to 2022, and Hispanics accounted for 53% of this increase – a greater share than any other racial or ethnic group. Recent Census data suggests there are more than 1.1 million Latinos in Pennsylvania.
“We are thrilled to bring the PA Latina Women Conference to the city of Lancaster. This event serves as a platform for awareness, education, and action. Latina women policy priorities are not included in numerous public and private systems. Latinas represent 20% of all women in our nation, neglecting to include their issues is detrimental and unacceptable,” said Norman Bristol Colón, PALC chairman.
“Latinas have historically trailblazed in defending this country; enhanced American culture in the arts, fashion and music industry; created companies and led businesses; held high level positions in government and have fought for civil rights. However, we continue to face many challenges and barriers in the workplace and community. By organizing this conference, we are hoping to create an opportunity to leverage knowledge and experiences from Latina leaders in our society. It is our goal that attendees will utilize this experience to create and expand their social and professional networks,” said Wilmarie González, event planning committee and Harrisburg Latina leader.
For more information and to register, visit www.palatinoconvention.com.
Latinas play a significant role in shaping economic growth and development when as a demographic they open more small businesses than any other group. The conference will feature regional leadership coming together to discuss the future of Latinas in the commonwealth. The dialogue will include critical topics such as: Advocate for Pay Equality, Support Latina Entrepreneurs, Fight Systemic Barriers, The Power of Collective Voice, and Provide Access to Financial Education and Resources. As Latinas seamlessly blend traditional roles with modern entrepreneurship, embodying the spirit of resilience and innovation, a strong strategic and intentional approach is needed to sustain local, regional, and state development.
“There are almost 75 million women in the U.S. workforce of which almost 13 million are Latinas. Latinas and women deserve a seat at the highest levels of leadership across sectors, so they can represent that segment of workers and bring their lens to important leadership decisions. This conference will serve as a platform to prepare Pennsylvania Latinas and women to embrace the mentality that they belong in such roles,” said Dr. Damary Rodriguez Bonilla, event planning committee and The Poconos Latina leader.
“According to the 2023 McKinsey’s Women in the Workplace Report, “Latinas often don’t see themselves in leadership.” The goal of this conference is to change this mindset and offer Latinas, in every stage of their careers, the support, encouragement and resources to reach the C-suite of their organizations or lead their own businesses. Si se puede!,” said Michele Torres, event planning committee and Harrisburg Latina leader.
For more information and to register, visit www.palatinoconvention.com.
PA LATINA WOMEN LEADERSHIP NETWORK
The PA Latina Women Leadership Network will be launched at PLWC. The network is for individuals to be connected to a greater support system of mentors, including dynamic businesswomen, transformative changemakers, and visionary leaders, as well as inspiring mamás, supportive hermanas, caring tías, and wise abuelas — a vital backbone of the Latino community’s strength.
The PA Latino Convention is action-driven and has a long history of empowering Latinas, creating impactful results for diverse populations, and connecting communities to greater opportunities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The network is not just for Latinas. It is for a brave space of inclusivity celebrating women’s varied experiences and creating a community that empowers one another. It is about connecting a network of dynamic businesswomen and creating a greater support system of mentors, building long-lasting relationships, and creating opportunities and actions that impact Latinas across the state.
Organizers encourage diverse individuals, businesses and organizations to support this statewide leadership event where everyone is welcome. For more information and to register, visit www.palatinoconvention.com.
