The Latina Hope Program was launched in Starr County in October. The United Way of South TX Board, staff and community thank Wells Fargo for their continued support and investment in the development of home based businesses, that help create financial independence opportunities for women and their families. The City of Roma and Roma ISD are also working with United Way to provide space and speakers for the sessions. Mrs. Delia Perez and Ms. Blanca Ruiz, City of Roma, will coordinate the two-year program.
The City of Roma’s leadership has been extremely supportive, including Mayor Jaime Escobar, Jr., who shared that “the Latina Hope Program, through United Way, empowers women in rural communities like ours by providing them with countless opportunities to build on their entrepreneurial spirit through a series of business workshops and the creation of a regional network of likeminded leaders who work to improve themselves and their communities through hard-work, innovation and the power of positive thinking.”
Wells Fargo representatives are leading financial literacy trainings, which will be accompanied by learning opportunities on topics that include marketing, digital literacy and mental health awareness. Latina Hope participants will learn a skill at each session that may be used in the development or expansion of their existing business. Local entrepreneurs will share important details about their businesses, including their launch, challenges and success. The first guest speaker, Mrs. Lupita Villarreal, Mary Kay Director, conducted an exciting demonstration and shared details about her successful and fulfilling business.
The Latina Hope Program was developed and successfully facilitated by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce staff throughout a twelve-year period. Over 700 women learned important business design and marketing skills that helped them expand and create home based businesses. They also offered critical online e-commerce tips, that helped participants generate sales during the pandemic.
About United Way:
United Way of South Texas invests in programs that address critical services in the areas of Health, Education, Financial Stability, and Safety Net. The organization supports over 21 non-profit agencies in Hidalgo and Starr Counties that serve a minimum of 178,500 local residents annually. Services provided by United Way of South Texas through Partner Agencies include emergency shelter, family violence counseling, character building programs, child victim advocacy, and infant stimulation classes. To learn more, visit https://unitedwayofsotx.org/. If you would like to support United Way programs with a monetary donation, you may mail a tax deductible check to United Way of South Texas at P.O. Box 187, McAllen, TX 78505-0187 or pledge online at https://unitedwayofsotx.org/ways-to-support/donate-now/. For volunteer opportunities, visit volunteersotx.org.