March is Women’s History Month. It is a moment when America recognizes the important role that women have played in our communities and society.

Among our many achievements, women have been in the forefront of empowerment and social impact. That is why it was such a pleasure to be a panelist on the “Empowering Women of Color for Socioeconomic Justice” forum, held during the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute 40th National Conference, February 17-19, 2022.

The forum featured a group of dynamic women who are all dedicated to empowerment and social impact. Moderated by Jacquelyn Puente, Associate VP of External Affiars for Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo, panelists included Dr. Dilara Sayeed, Educator and President of the Illinois Muslim Civic Coalition, Peggy Carrera, Director of Linehaul Engineering at FedEx Ground, and Madelene Mielke, President and CEO of the Asian Pacific Islander Institute for Congressional Studies. These women are doing some outstanding work all over the country and shared a wealth of knowledge. Thank you to the United States Hispanic Insitute for showcasing such a passionate group of powerful and impactful women leaders.

Based in Chicago and led by Dr. Juan Andrade of Brownwood, Texas, the mission of United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) is to fulfill the promises and principles of democracy by promoting education and leadership development, by empowering Latinos and similarly disenfranchised groups through civic engagement and research, and by maximizing participation in the electoral process.

In my opinion, the USHLI National Conference is one of the premier collegiate student leadership conferences in the country. Notably, the most preeminent leaders in our nation attend the conference every year to inspire and challenge the next generation of Latino/a/x leadership to push America and the world forward. With the conference theme of “Re-Envisioning the Hispanicization of America,” this year USHLI continued to inspire its attendees through insightful and powerful programming.

Thank you, Dr. Juan Andrade, for your leadership and vision in creating such an impactful organization. I am so grateful and honored that you invite me every year to participate in USHLI’s national conference. Also, thank you to the small but committed USHLI staff for all of the incredible work that you do. Your efforts have truly transformed lives and communities.

Most of all, congratulations USHLI for 40 years of service to the Latino/a/x community as well as to our nation and world!