The Latina Network of West Michigan Celebrates Their 5th Anniversary.

It was a lovely fall afternoon in 2014 when a group of dedicated Latinas met to explore the possibilities of a new initiative to offer culturally-responsive professional development in West Michigan region. This initial gathering transformed into a movement to lift up Latinas into leadership and to reclaim the Latina narrative. 

Four friends, founders of the informal group, had discussed the challenges that they faced as Latina professionals, and saw the need to create a reliable network of support and referrals for the many opportunities in the community; whether it was a job vacancy or board seat, an award nomination or special project, these Latinas wanted to make sure others felt connected and included in order to advance their professional and personal goals. 

That first meeting hosted about 40 Latinas who felt eager to learn more and take action. ​Through the years, the Latina Network of West Michigan (name was collectively chosen amongst those first members involved) organized numerous workshops and networking opportunities to cater to the needs of more Latinas seeking professional advancement with topics such as interviewing skills and negotiation, financial freedom, health and self-care, addressing racism, and many more topics that emerge as a need. 

With that greater visibility, the Network quickly started to receive inquires for financial support, but not being an entity, they could only accept space and food donations, sponsorship for their talented speakers, but never monies to run the volunteer-lead group. Last fall the executive committee filed for 501(C)(3) status. Today, the newly formed non-profit connects over 400 people via their online community platform and holds multiple engagement and learning opportunities ​throughout the year. 

The ​five-year ​​anniversary ​​celebration will be held on Wednesday, October 2nd at the Goei Center. Guests will enjoy a fun "progressive" dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with local Latinx owned restaurants serving Haitian, Dominican, Mexican, Salvadorian and Puerto Rican dishes. The program is 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will include a special dessert by a local Latina owned bakery. ​During the program​ ​members, partners and community supporters will hear the Executive committee share what the future holds for the organization and well as the meaning behind the new logo and brand. A celebration with networking, dancing, and ​a ​​​cash bar​ will end the night​!  For more info and to purchase tickets, please follow this link.