Hispanic Women: Agents of Transformation

Dreaming big and working hard to achieve all the goals set are two of the fundamental pillars of Hispanic women in the United States.

The American soil is fertile for female entrepreneurship. In fact, until before the pandemic, there were around 1.5 million women-owned businesses, with revenues ranging from $ 78 billion to $ 97 billion. In addition, women’s businesses were the source of employment for more than half a million workers.

However, the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic brought with it an economic and social crisis.

According to the World Trade Organization, the pandemic negatively affected 87% of women-led businesses globally.

In the United States, the situation was no different, as twice as many companies led by women of Hispanic origin closed down compared to those led by men. In numbers, the representation would be 30% versus 16%. Given this scenario, anyone would have thought that the strength and determination of Latina entrepreneurs would be on the decline. Still, nothing could be further from the truth!

According to official data, 28 million Hispanic women live in the United States, representing 17% of the total number of women living in the country and 9% of the world’s population. Hispanic women actively participate in the economy and own 44% of the nation’s Latino businesses.

Their presence and influence go from coast to coast, from California to New York. They have achieved positions in the highest U.S. circles.

On the occasion of National Hispanic Heritage Month, it is essential to recognize the contribution Hispanic women make to the USA, one of the most powerful nations in the world.

We can proudly observe that women of Hispanic origin exercise the role of Latina ambassadors, demonstrating leadership and a quality that characterizes Latina women: perseverance to achieve success.

Isabel Guzman was the first Latina woman to be part of President Joe Biden’s cabinet, heading the Small Business Administration.

Like her, many other Hispanic women are running the world.

Hispanic women know how and like to work; we have the qualities to get ahead and are an engine of economic growth while driving the social development of our communities.

During National Hispanic Heritage Month, it is essential to give visibility to all the women in the United States.

They have turned their dreams into opportunities for success. They work every day to improve their quality of life and that of their families. They drive the development of the United States and their places of origin, and they strive to build a better future.

The pandemic represents the tipping point for advancing women’s empowerment. Now, more than ever, it is necessary to value the contribution of Hispanics to the United States and recognize the women who are part of this community.