Fort Worth Students Realize College Dreams with Help From Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas

For more than 35 years, The Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas (HWNT) has worked to advance the well-being of women across the state through educational, professional development and social programming. Serving the country’s second-largest Hispanic population, the group brings women together through events, conferences and programs to develop their social, cultural, legal and educational interests. The organization’s largest chapter, headquartered in Fort Worth, has created a one-of-a-kind education pipeline, Latinas in Progress (LIP), to connect students with their goals of a college degree and empower the next generation of Hispanic leaders.

Helping Students Take Pride in Their Achievements

Through the LIP program, HWNT mentors high school students during their senior year and throughout their college years. Through this program, the students are equipped with the necessary skills to be successful in college and beyond. HWNT’s biggest tenets include pride and collaboration, and these are just two of the skills Fort Worth high school students cultivate during the LIP education program. LIP students are also encouraged to develop a sense of pride, or “orgullo,” not only in their academic successes, but also in their culture and the skills they bring to educational and professional environments through their background and experiences.

Join the HWNT’s Community of Support

HWNT and LIP are run by dedicated volunteers who put in countless hours to provide opportunities for Hispanic women. Community and business involvement is vital to expand access to the LIP program to as many students as possible. There are several ways to get involved individually and on an organizational level:

• Volunteer or become a mentor: Many young women in the LIP program are the first in their family to attend college. As a mentor, you can offer shared experience and help students make the most of their time in college and build a path to professional development.
• Attend or host fundraising and networking events: LIP partners with local businesses to host networking socials that provide a supportive environment where female Hispanic students can connect with local women, business owners, artists, community leaders and professionals. Saber es Poder, Latinas Beyond! Annual Golf Tournament and Hasta Los Muertos Bailan are several of the events that raise funds to help HWNT serve students from over 100 Fort Worth-area high schools. Attending or sponsoring these events are great ways to help the organization and have fun at the same time!
• Support programming and scholarships: All financial support is directed toward getting LIP students to college. Over the program’s lifetime, it’s given more than $4.5 million in scholarships. Financial donations have enabled the program to help hundreds of students with plans for continued expansion to support the growing Hispanic community.

Honoring National Hispanic Heritage Month

Phelps is proud to join the celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Recognized from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 each year, it aims to promote and honor the influence of Hispanic American people and their cultural traditions.

Fort Worth Partner Regina Vasquez is proud to be a member of HWNT because it has been instrumental in helping so many students complete college and become leaders in their communities. Regina shared, “Every time that I hear an LIP graduate share her story of success, I become even more committed to help HWNT raise funds and awareness so that it can continue with the vital work of assisting young Hispanic women develop the skills necessary to become future leaders.”