In Montclair: ‘Power Of Latinas: Strengthening Our Legacy Conference’

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of LUPE Fund Inc. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

LUPE Fund, Inc., New Jersey's oldest Latina-run organization, proudly announces its upcoming event, “Power of Latinas: Strengthening Our Legacy.” This highly anticipated conference and fundraiser will occur on Oct. 17, 2024 from 3 to 9 p.m. at Montclair State University’s Conference Center. We are honored to collaborate with Montclair, New Jersey's largest Hispanic-serving institution, in bringing this event to our local community.

LUPE Fund, Inc. has a 21-year history of empowering, educating, and engaging Latina women. The event will feature dynamic panels, networking opportunities, and a showcase of Latino brands and businesses, all while aligning with LUPE Fund’s core values – Engaging, Educating, Empowering, and Civic Engagement.

Each panel will feature leading Latinas from various fields, offering insights into health & wellness, business, education and politics.

The keynote speaker for this event will be First Lady Tammy Murphy, who will also be honored with the Amiga Award for her advocacy and support of women and children’s health.

"Our 'Power of Latinas: Strengthening Our Legacy' event is a celebration of the incredible achievements of Latinas across various fields and a testament to our collective strength and resilience," said Rosemarie Moyeno Matos, President of LUPE Fund, Inc. "We are excited to bring together these remarkable women to share their stories, inspire others, and foster a community of empowerment and growth."

"Hosting the 'Power of Latinas: Strengthening Our Legacy' Conference aligns perfectly with Montclair State University's dedication to community engagement and support for historically underrepresented voices, " said Lady Jimenez Torres, Assistant Director of Government Relations and Community Affairs at Montclair State University. "This event provides a platform to celebrate the significant contributions of Latina women, and we are thrilled to support LUPE Fund, Inc. in their inspiring work."

Featured Panels:

Latinas at the Forefront of Health: Connecting Communities to Vital Resources
● Dr. Tanya Pagán Raggio-Ashley: Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Acting Chief Medical Officer
● Sara Diaz, LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker and CEO of The First Gen Madrina, LLC
● Andrea G. Martinez-Mejia, MPA, MA: Executive Director, Greater Newark HealthCare Coalition
● Ammie Salom, MHA: Director, Center of Excellence for Latino Health, Clara Mass Medical Center
● Moderator: Priscilla Garces: Disability Advocate, Climate Reality Leader, & Founder of Always
Forward

Bridging Cultures and Classrooms: Latinas on Equity, Access, and Student Success
● Dr. Katia Paz Goldfarb: Associate Provost for Hispanic Initiatives and International Programs, MSU
● Elizabeth Rose Moyeno, MA: Student Counselor & Peer Mentor/Advisor Program Coordinator,
Rutgers University - Newark
● Maria J. Andrade: Site Director, NJ Gear Up/College Bound
● Moderator: Dr. Melissa Baralt: President, SheCaucus and Bee Better Than Me, LLC

Crafting Success: Launching and Growing a Latina Business
● Dr. Alyza Brevard Rodriguez: Founder, The Other Side Dispensary & Podcast Host
● Tannia Ospina, Esq.: Intellectual Property Attorney and Founder, The Ospina Law Firm
● Cari Fais, J.D.: Acting Director, New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
● Elisa Charters, MA: Founder of Juego.Juegos Software & AI Development Company
● Moderator: Grace Sibilia: Founder, Graceful Skin & Body Spa

Breaking the Glass Ceiling – How Latinas are Shaping Politics and Policy
● Honorable Zoila Cassanova: Passaic County Surrogate Judge
● Sara Sooy: Somerset County Commissioner
● Annette Chaparro: Former NJ Assemblywoman, 33rd Legislative District
● Laura Bustamante: Statewide Political Director at Andy Kim for NJ
● Moderator: Maria Rodriguez-Gregg: Director of Government Relations and Community Affairs,
Montclair State University

Keynote Speaker: First Lady Tammy Murphy

Awardees:
● Amiga Award: First Lady Tammy Murphy
● Amigo Award: Antonio “Tonio” Burgos
● Power of Latinas Award: Dr. Tanya Pagán Raggio-Ashley
● Lifetime Achievement Award: NJ State Senator Nellie Pou
Vendors Include:
Resources/Organizations:

● New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
● New Jersey Small Business Administration
● New Jersey Puerto Rico Commission
● League of Women Voters
● Compass ABA
● The First Gen Madrina

Brands/Small Businesses:
● From Love and God
● Book Haven Books
● Hermanitas Design
● Nothing Better Than Chocolate
● Leila’s Plants
● Tutú's Designs
● Lissa Marte Studio
● Biuchic
● Kenny Pie Co.
● Charmed Forever
● Embellished Ribbon
● A2 Interior Home Decor

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/power-of-latinas-strengthening-our-legacy-tickets-946621078127

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