Diversity Spotlight: Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas Opens Doors Through Networking and Educational Programming

The Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas (HWNT) is a state-wide organization aimed at advancing the well-being of women through educational and social programming. They operate with a sense of pride or “orgullo” honoring and celebrating their culture pulling from their inherent diversity to respect all cultures.

Formed over 35 years ago to address issues unique to those in the Hispanic and Latinx community, HWNT cites collaboration as the key to their success. Their educational and professional development programs have been instrumental in the advancement of women in Texas, which hosts the country’s second biggest Hispanic population.

On a state-wide level the organization focuses on professional development designed to cultivate the social, cultural, legal and educational interest of Hispanic women through programs like the State Conference or ongoing programs called Platicas Poderosas. The group’s state and chapter leaders work on a volunteer basis, tirelessly put in hours in the hopes that HWNT can continue to be a premier women’s organization leading as an agent of change.

Building a Pipeline of Hispanic Leaders

The Fort Worth Chapter of HWNT is the largest, serving a community where 31.5% of the population is Hispanic. Their education series, Latinas in Progress (LIP), collaborates with area universities and colleges to motivate graduating high school Latinas toward achieving their dreams of a college degree. The program:

• • acclimates participants and their parents with the rigors of college
  • engages them in workshops such as College 101, Writing Skills, Life Skills, Assertiveness Training and Civic Engagement.
  • helps develop social skills, confidence and increase their community involvement by volunteering at community events
  • the program culminates in scholarship opportunities for students

In 2021, the program awarded $386,000 to 62 students – creating a cumulative of $4.5 million in scholarships awarded throughout the life of the program. This competitive program expects to graduate 108 students this year with plans for continued expansion to support the growing Hispanic community.

Exploring the Diversity in our Community

Through networking and professional development, HWNT-FW helps its members reach goals, promotes businesses and offers support and resources to elevate the Hispanic community. Their monthly Café con Leche meetings provide opportunities for everyone in the community to support each other.

The focus of the Café con Leche meetings for 2022, is “ Re-discover Fort Worth,” an initiative aimed at collaborating with businesses and organizations who have not traditionally worked with the Hispanic community. Sandy Martinez, chair of the Fort Worth chapter states, “The Hispanic community comes from many different countries and cultures but traditionally we have been a bit insular. We want to honor and celebrate our culture while respecting and learning about other cultures.”

Expanding Horizons and Celebrating Traditions

Dedicated to advancement, the HWNT-FW continues to push their members to achieve their personal and professional best and by example challenges the community to learn about all cultures through involvement and education. They offer a variety of ways that individuals and businesses can get involved and support the Hispanic community in Texas. Want to support the organization? Here are ways to get involved.

• • Mentorship - Be a pathway of knowledge by volunteering as a mentor. Many young women in the LIP education program do not have family members who have shared the college experience. By becoming a mentor you can help young women navigate the path to professional advancement.
  • Attend Signature Events – Join in a celebration of festive and new traditions by attending or sponsoring HWNT-FW signature events. The annual iHasta Los Muertos Bailan! Gala, which translates to “Even the Dead Dance,” celebrates the Day of the Dead holiday. The gala on Nov. 5 is the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year and showcases festive traditions. For the second year, HWNT-FW hosted a golf tournament in May. The golf event introduces the Hispanic population to a sport not often associated with Latinx culture while raising money to support scholarships for the 2023 LIP class.
  • Financial Support – With an all-volunteer staff and board, all money raised goes directly into the scholarship fund and community programming. Through direct financial support you can help provide enriching learning experiences and access to opportunities for young Hispanic women.
  • Awareness – The power of networking has been an important tool for the organization as well as a fundamental goal of HWNT. Let friends, colleagues and your community know about HWNT and the opportunities they provide. Awareness will open doors not only for students but also for members of the organization, especially when it comes to job opportunities.

Professional and career advancement is a focus for the organization especially as many businesses seek to diversify their workforce. The most recent grant received by HWNT-FW will introduce their community to job opportunities in STEM for women.

Communication is key to personal growth. Not only does the organization put on programming for professional development, they also offer important informational resources for the community in both English and Spanish. Follow the organization on Facebook to keep up with and share resources in the Fort Worth area.

National Hispanic Heritage Month

“It’s nice to know that people are taking time to learn about where we come from – our history – our battles – things we’ve overcome,” said Sandy Martinez. “We are a culture of resiliency and diversity. I’m proud to see our culture highlighted on this national level.”

 Phelps is proud to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, the month-long appreciation from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, aimed at recognizing the influences of Hispanic American people and their cultural traditions.

Phelps Partner, Regina Vasquez was introduced to HWNT by a law school classmate who is a leader in the San Antonio chapter of the organization. Through her network she learned about the work of HWNT and that the LIP mentorship program and scholarship fund were instrumental in the ability for so many young women to attend college. Many of these women are now leaders in their community.

As a daughter of a Peruvian immigrant, she has seen first-hand how education can open opportunities and how important it is to see someone that looks like you in positions of leadership. “After learning about this organization, I knew this was something that I wanted to become involved with in a great part due to the LIP program.” Regina said, “Mentoring is incredibly important to me.  I want to be able to support and encourage young women like the LIP students, my daughter and her friends so that they learn that there is no limit to what they can accomplish if they put in the work.  I look forward to continuing to get even more involved with this organization that does so much for the Hispanic community.”