Feliz Cumpleaños LATINA Style Magazine!
By Marisa Rivera
Ican’t believe it has been 25 years! When I reflect on the past two
and a half decades, of not only LATINA Style Magazine but on the
progress of Latinas in this country, my heart swells with
pride, admiration, and enthusiasm.
I met founder, Anna Maria Arias,
in 1998, as I began my tenure
¡Las Jefas!
as President of the National Hispana
Leadership Institute (NHLI), in
Washington D.C. 21 years ago and we
began a partnership that has lasted
until the present.
I am very proud of the work that
LATINA Style Magazine, Robert Bard,
and now Lupita Colmenero and the
entire staff have done to continue Anna
Maria’s Legacy. For the past 25 years
LATINA Style Magazine has been a
voice and a platform for Latinas to
speak-up, to be showcased, to learn
and to be respected and catapulted to
new heights.
LATINA Style has been covering
Marisa Rivera is
president of
Mpowerment Works,
a motivational
speaker, executive
coach and
leadership and
empowerment
consultant. Marisa@
MpowermentWorks.
com.
the rapid growth of Latinas as leaders, as highly successful entrepreneurs and
corporate executives, as elected officials, as government appointees and
employees. Also, as members of the armed forces, heads of our households and
as activists contributing to the future of this country.
Politically, 25 years ago, there were four Latinas serving in Congress. Today
we have 13! LATINA Style Magazine has covered it all and they have also held
accountable those who have benefited from the social, political and economic
growth and innovation of Latinas in America.
We must celebrate the many accomplishments of Latinas and at the same
time continue to push forward. We must continue to demand equality, fairness,
respect, and recognition for the many contributions Latinas and Latinos have
provided to this great nation.
The fight for gender equality has been an uphill battle for centuries. Whether
it was the right to vote or the right to an education, the right to bear arms, or the
right for equal pay, women have struggled to be recognized and respected in the
same way their male counterparts.
In a recent article by Lydia DePillis, CNN titled: “The Future of American
economy is Hispanic and Female,” she highlights that although Hispanic women
are the lowest paid group in America, making 63 cents for every dollar a white
male makes doing the same job, many are now entering higher-paying careers.
Many are completing higher education, starting small businesses and entering
the workforce at a higher and faster rate than general populations. Also, Latinas
are almost a decade younger than the average U.S. woman with a median age
of 29 years. Latinas earning power has a lot of room to grow. As Latinas, we are
being shortchanged over $18K a year in pay. Imagine putting all of that cash into
Marisa Rivera.
the U.S. economy. The contributions from the Latina community could increase
dramatically if the pay gap is closed. McKinsey Global Institute recently reported
that “closing the gender gap in the workforce could add $28 trillion to the global
GDP.” I say: Let’s do it – everyone will benefit!
One thing is for sure, Latinas have enriched the American landscape,
experience, and economy with their brilliance, boldness, and hard work.
Latinas provide unselfish dedication and sweat equity into everything they do.
Thank you LATINA Style Magazine for pioneering the way, showcasing,
enriching, and continually supporting our brilliant community. Let’s roll up our
sleeves for another 25 years of leading the American social and economic
Future! Happy 25th Anniversary LATINA Style Magazine!
LS
Want to comment or have any questions on this article? Email us at
info@latinastyle.com
40 www.latinastyle.com LATINAStyle Vol. 25, No. 5, 2019
/www.latinastyle.com
link
