By: Haley Berley
SPRINGDALE, Ark. — A local non-profit organization founded in 1999, brings together Latinx women and others of minorities to excel in various areas of life.
The Hispanic Women’s Organization of Arkansas is located in Downtown Springdale and holds free classes in subjects like Computer Science and Parenting. Their goal is to help women acquire marketable job skills and learn to navigate the system to find opportunities for self-development, education and employment.
With a growth of 22 percent in the Latinx population in Northwest Arkansas in just two years, more participation and commitment from residents is vital. While predominantly Hispanic, members come from many other backgrounds, creeds and cultures. Their mission is to, “Envision an America where economic, political, and social advancements are a reality for all Latinos.”
“Our goal is to promote higher-level education involvement but also graduation. We want more Latino students attending and graduating from a higher-level institution, whether that is a two, four or a technical school education,” said Berenice Alcala, who is the Office and Event Coordinator.
One of these helping programs they have built is called Guiding, Empowering and Mentoring, or GEM. This is where you can learn marketable job skills, take classes and understand how to get involved with Northwest Arkansas.
Margarita Solorzano, Director of the Hispanic Women’s Organization and also a founding member said, “We also have the scholarship program, it has supported 448 students. We have seen those students now be professional.”
If you are interested in participating in the organization or learning about upcoming events, you can visit their website here.