On May 6, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) hosted its annual Latina Action Day in Sacramento. UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute (LPPI) staff, faculty experts and policy fellows were in attendance, joining over 300 Latinas from different professions and backgrounds at the state’s capital to advocate for policies impacting Latinas in education, economic empowerment and health care. 

This event was kicked off with a Latina advocacy training where LPPI fellows Yina Marin, Xalma Palomino, Vivian Vanessa Cruz, Miriam Torres Sanchez, Alondra Cervantes, and faculty expert Dr. G. Cristina Mora learned about multiple bills impacting the Latina community and gained valuable skills in advocacy. 

Following the training, Latina Action Day held three panel discussions, where attendees had the opportunity to hear from leaders advancing work in education, maternal health, and economic empowerment of Latinas. These leaders shared about their work, the critical role Latinas play in education, healthcare, and the economy, and the persistent barriers that make it difficult for our community to advance. One panel in particular, “Powering Progress: How Latinas Are Shaping the Future Economy”, featured the Director of the California Office of the Small Business Advocate, Dr. Tara Lynn Gray, who shared the important contribution of Black and Latina-owned small businesses in our communities and the growth of our state. This panel discussion echoed LPPI’s The Economic Recovery and Entrepreneurship Project (TEREP) findings on minority-owned businesses being the backbone of California’s and the US economy, yet they face multiple challenges, like access to capital. 

LPPI staff and fellows wrapped up the day with legislative visits where the policy fellows had the opportunity to meet with Assemblymember Mark González, to discuss bills that are important to them. Assemblymember González closed the meeting with insightful feedback, sharing that it is important that women of color share their experiences and advocate for what’s important to them. 

For policy fellow Miriam Torres Sanchez, Latina Action Day was an empowering experience. 

“Being at the state capitol with so many passionate Latinas was inspiring. We came together to share stories about how policies impact our lives, our families, and our communities. Now more than ever, it’s important that we unite our voices—because together, we are stronger, and we can create meaningful change.”