However, despite the tremendous contributions made by Latina women to Colorado’s culture, economy and society, their voices are not always heard or recognized.

The Latino Community Foundation of Colorado’s Latinas LEAD Power Summit 2023 is a way to celebrate and empower the voices of Latina women by bringing them together with successful leaders in all areas of life. This year's full-day event is all about connecting the women from communities across Colorado, amplifying voices, and celebrating the power of Latina women.

Latinas are a significant and growing demographic in our state, with incredible economic, political, and social potential. Our state's Latino community has a purchasing power of $40 billion. This is not just a number - it means that Latino consumers are driving our state's economy and contributing to our collective prosperity.

However, we also recognize the many challenges and obstacles that Latinas face - from systemic discrimination and racism to unequal access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The Latina experience is diverse and complex, and yet too often ignored or marginalized in the broader narrative of our society.

Across the U.S., Latina women have long faced significant obstacles in achieving success and recognition. Studies have shown that Latina women are paid as little as 55 cents for every dollar earned by white non-Hispanic men and are nearly twice as likely to live in poverty compared to white women. Additionally, Latinas remain severely underrepresented in many industries and sectors. Even though Latinas on average make up 16 percent of the U.S. female workforce, they represent 3 percent of women-owned businesses, 1 percent of all board seats in Fortune 500 companies, and just about 3 percent of Congress.

That is why events like the Latinas LEAD Power Summit are more important than ever. This is a space to listen and learn from the stories, experiences, and wisdom of Latina women from all walks of life. It is an opportunity to connect, network, and build relationships with other Latinas who share our struggles, our dreams, and our goals.

Throughout the day, attendees will have the chance to learn from keynote speakers and panelists and participate in engaging discussions and activities and develop new relationships that can last a lifetime.

The summit is open to Latinas and allies of all ages, backgrounds, and professions. We believe that everyone has a voice worth hearing and that we can learn from each other's experiences. The speakers and panel we have lined up are thoughtful and designed to inspire and motivate the community.

The Latinas Lead Power Summit is not just about learning; it's about networking and building community. We understand the challenges we can face as Latinas and provide a safe and supportive environment to connect with individuals striving to achieve the same goals. We are passionate about connecting our community, creating lifelong relationships based on shared experiences and mutual respect. The goal is to empower one another to succeed and break through the obstacles preventing us from reaching our full potential.

The summit is also about celebrating the power of Latina women. We want to celebrate our culture, our strength, and our tenacity. We are making history and impacting communities all around the world. Our goal is to make sure the world knows just how powerful and important Latina women are.

The energy surrounding the Latinas Lead Power Summit is infectious, and we are beyond excited to share that energy with all participants. We know that when Latinas come together, powerful things happen. There is no limit to what we can achieve, and we are excited to see what our community can accomplish together.

We encourage all Latina women to attend the Latinas Lead Power Summit, whether you're a college student, entrepreneur, community leader/organizer, nonprofit executive director, or CEO. This summit is for you. This summit is for us. We can learn from each other, support each other, and celebrate each other's accomplishments.

Thank you to our incredible sponsors and partners. This event would not be possible without each and every one of you. We know that by coming together, we can make a difference, and we can show the world the power of Latina women. Get ready to be empowered, inspired, and connected! Vamos, a hacer la diferencia! Together, we can make a difference.

About

Launched in 2016, this annual summit was created to provide a platform for Latinas to come together and share their experiences, learn from each other, and empower each other to drive social change.

The first Latinas LEAD Power Summit was held in Denver, Colorado, and brought together over 150 Latinas from across the state. The summit featured keynote speakers, workshops, and panels on a range of topics, including leadership development, career advancement, and social justice.

Since then, the Latinas LEAD Power Summit has grown in size and impact. Each year, the summit attracts more attendees and features more diverse and dynamic presenters. The summit has also expanded beyond Denver to other parts of Colorado, providing Latinas from across the state with the opportunity to participate in this important event.