“Growing up, I didn’t see Latinas in decision-making roles, but I was surrounded by powerful women who were leading in quiet, impactful ways. Creating these programs felt like building the resources I wished had existed for them — and for all of us. Watching Latinas step into their power, launch campaigns, and govern with intention is the best kind of full-circle moment.”  

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re featuring Latinas Represent in this #ProblemSolver Spotlight. A partner of The Ascend Fund, Latinas Represent is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the number and diversity of Latinas in public service. Learn more about Latinas Represent’s important and timely work in this Q&A with Stephanie Lopez, Executive Director of Latinas Represent.  

Women’s History Month, recognized every year in March, celebrates progress made in women’s rights and representation — and highlights how far there still is to go. This year, the theme is Women Who Advocate for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).

GAIN Power is proud to spotlight Stephanie Lopez, the Executive Director of Latinas Represent.

Women make up just over half of the U.S. population, but only a quarter of federal lawmakers identify as female. Melinda French Gates is financing efforts to change the tide on these “unacceptable” statistics and get more women elected— through her company, Pivotal Ventures.

A new report shows Latinas make up about 9-percent of the U.S. population but less than 3-percent of political leaders.

Latinas are serving in elected official positions across the U.S. in record numbers in 2022, but are still vastly underrepresented compared to their total population according to a new report from Latinas Represent in partnership with the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP).

The races are being run at a time when Latina political underrepresentation persists at all levels of public office, according to a new report from the Center for American Women and Politics and Latinas Represent released Wednesday. Despite making up about 9.3% of the U.S. population, Latinas make up less than 3% of officials elected to statewide executive offices, state legislatures and Congress.

Many incredible Latinas joined the Latinas Represent Summit on October 8th, a one-day virtual event where Latino culture, political identity, colorism, and more were discussed. Through this event, they were able to remind the world that there’s nothing like Latinas empowering other Latinas.

Latinas are exploring the world of politics more than ever before. The field traditionally dominated by men has seen a shift over the last few years.  In Illinois – there are now six Latinas in the House and four in the Senate.

Stephanie Lopez, program director for LatinasRepresent, a national, nonpartisan organization focused on increasing the number and diversity of Latinas in public office, said many Latina candidates are still fighting off outdated assumptions about their electability.  

“There are these classist, racist and sexist ideas of who can and should be a leader in this country,” said LatinasRepresent program director Stephanie Lopez. “And women of color have the additional burden of tackling those three issues head on. I think the media does play a significant role in the narratives that are created around these particular individuals.”