National Hispanic Heritage Month is the period from September 15 to October 15 in the United States, when people recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the country’s history, heritage and culture. 

The purpose of the celebratory month is to recognize the contributions and vital presence of both Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and to observe their native heritage and contributing culture. 

In Florida, Latinos represent 25% of the state’s population. 

The unstoppable growth of the U.S. Hispanic population is well documented. Hispanics are the nation’s largest ethnic group, making up 18 percent of the population. More and more, Hispanics are redefining American culture as we embrace both our Latino and American identities. And our influence on the American mainstream will increase. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost a third of Americans will have Latino heritage by 2060.

I have the honor of being the President of the Board of Directors of The Latinas Empowerment group of the Women’s Resource Center. We enrich and empower our lives in a friendly environment every Monday at The WRC in Manatee. With over 100 members, this group is growing so fast since was created by Maria Zavala. Click here to learn more about our fabulous Latina group. 

Hispanic women, in particular, are outpacing Hispanic men in education, career growth, and financial decision-making. The Floridian Latina is becoming more and more influential.

She is career-oriented, She is socially ambitious: 40 percent say high social status is important. She, in general, is also a powerful figure in the home, and therefore likely to have a powerful influence over fellow Latinas and Latinos. We are family-oriented, culturally connected individuals, stepping out into the public arena as never before. 

Latinas are also super-social, and boldly. That means whatever she does — she does it more! And her voice is being heard. The Latino voice is being heard and is shaping the world around us!

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

-Amalia Flores, President of the Board of Directors of The Latinas Empowerment group of WRC