Latinas Represent

Year Founded:  2014

Latinas Represent is working to remedy the severe underrepresentation of Latinas in public service through a holistic four-pillar approach centered around capacity building, research, storytelling, and support to prop up Latina leaders and create an ecosystem more receptive to supporting Latina public service leaders. Their targeted capacity-building programs are designed to support individuals at various stages of their political journeys, whether they are seeking greater civic engagement, considering a run for office, or are already in leadership positions and looking to gain news skills. Their research includes conducting and disseminating data focused on the unique barriers and opportunities for Latina candidates. This data-driven approach helps organizations, academics, and policymakers understand the landscape, identify gaps, and develop targeted strategies to support Latina candidates. Through storytelling, Latinas Represent showcases the journeys and achievements of Latinas who have successfully navigated the political landscape to inspire other women to see themselves as potential candidates and provide them with role models who reflect their experiences and aspirations. The organization provides continuous support for elected officials through policy training, leadership development, coaching, and community building. Latinas Represent helps elected officials navigate institutions that were not created by or for them, enhancing their effectiveness and ensuring they have the resources and guidance needed to thrive in their roles. This integrated approach aims to boost Latina candidacies, raise public awareness, and foster a strong network of Latina leaders working to transform their communities.

Latinas Represent is a Latine-led, founded, and operated organization established in 2014 as a program of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda and Political Parity. It was created to address the significant political underrepresentation of Latinas, who constitute nearly 10 percent of the U.S. population but hold less than 3 percent of elected positions nationwide. In 2022, Latinas Represent refined its strategy and branding and transitioned to being a fiscally sponsored project of Moore Impact. Over its decade of existence, the organization has collaborated closely with Latina communities and maintains strong partnerships with current and former elected officials, community advocates, writers, scholars, journalists, philanthropists, and political organizations.