Lights, energy, and inspiration filled the room on March 11th as Latinas Leading Tomorrow (LLT) hosted an unforgettable event celebrating leadership, culture, and resilience in the Latino community. Organized by Carol, an LLT member since 9th grade, and Ritchell, the mastermind who made it happen, the event brought together powerhouse speakers who proved that Latinos are not just part of America—we are America!

Ritchell shared that the inspiration came from a social worker who once spoke to her LLT group. “Seeing someone who looked like me succeed made my vision clearer and my goals feel more attainable,” she said. With that fire, she set out to create this event, and thanks to incredible mentors and dedicated LLT members, it went exactly as planned!

Meet the Game-Changers

Carmen Romero: The daughter of Colombian immigrants, Carmen grew up in Queens, NY, in a tight-knit family that cherished their culture. When someone doubted her Latina identity, she spent the night reflecting and came back stronger: “How dare people try to take away from us? We’ve worked our whole lives for our families, our jobs, and our communities!” She urged everyone to put themselves out there, find their “yes,” and step up as leaders.

Sindy Benavides: A proud immigrant and CEO, Sindy comes from a long line of strong women. Her family’s kitchen was always open, a symbol of Latinos’ generosity and resilience. She spoke about the struggles of undocumented workers during the pandemic and how she fought for their rights. She reminded us, “Latinos bring 3.4 trillion dollars to this country—we could be the fifth richest nation in the world!”

Nuria: An Afrolatina leader, Nuria grew up in a diverse family and faced assumptions that her mother was a nanny because of her skin color. She turned those experiences into fuel for change, supporting families in San Antonio through education and activism. Her message? “Own your identity, rise above doubt, and make an impact!”

Throughout the night, the energy in the room was undeniable. The speakers’ stories of overcoming adversity and embracing their identities were a powerful reminder that Latinos are a vital part of America’s past, present, and future. The event was a celebration of leadership, unity, and the unwavering spirit of the Latino community. As Carmen put it, “Don’t sit by the sidelines—your generation can solve this problem.”

The event was a call to action for everyone to rise, embrace their identity, and make their voices heard. We are America, and it’s time to show the world the incredible value the Latino community brings. So, the next time someone doubts you, remember the words shared that night: “Find your ‘yes’” and keep pushing forward. You have the power to make a difference. 

Now go out there and make some noise!