On July 31, 2025, the Esperanza Arts Center in Philadelphia buzzed with energy, pride, and female leadership during the PA Latina Women Conference: Summer Soirée, an event dedicated to highlighting the power, resilience, and influence of Latina women in Pennsylvania.
Organized by the Pennsylvania Latino Convention, the program featured a festive atmosphere with food stations, artisan exhibits, mentoring sessions, and networking opportunities all in a bilingual space designed to empower Latina professionals, entrepreneurs, and activists.
Voices That Inspire
At the opening, Pennsylvania Latino Convention President Norman Bristol Colón expressed enthusiastically: “This gathering not only celebrates our roots but also builds bridges of opportunity and leadership for Latina women across the region.”
Esperanza’s founder and CEO, Reverend Luis Cortés, thanked attendees with an optimistic message: “Hardworking Latina women are the driving force of our communities. Today, we celebrate their strength and impact.”
Soon after, PECO CEO David Vahos was greeted with applause after warmly greeting in Spanish “¿Cómo están? ¿Todo bien?” He continued “It is an honor for me to celebrate Latinas. Where are the Latinas?” His words reinforced PECO’s commitment to female leadership and diversity.
Honors from the Heart
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards to women who have made significant differences in their communities:
PA Latina Trailblazer Award: Mia Mendoza, founder of Mendoza Group.
PA Latina Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Carmen Febo-San Miguel, former director of Taller Puertorriqueño, who humbly stated, “I receive this recognition with humility. The work for our community requires effort, commitment, and purpose.”
PA Latina Lifetime Achievement Award: Reverend Bonnie Camarda, who expressed, “Thank God for allowing me to serve the people.”
PA Latina Community Heart Award: Leticia Nixon, a community journalist with 37 years of experience and part of the Impacto Media team, said emotionally, “Being included among these Latina women is an honor I did not expect.”
PA Latina Legacy Award: Leity Rodríguez-Largo, recognized for her leadership and perseverance.
PA Latina Changemaker Award: Marjorie Paredes, who stated, “It is an honor to be recognized among women who inspire and uplift our community every day.”
Panels of Female Leadership
The conference featured two prominent panels of women leaders in diverse fields, moderated by Dr. Damary Bonilla-Rodríguez, an expert in leadership development:
Panel 1: Leadership from Experience
Panelists shared their journeys, challenges, and personal triumphs, delivering a unified message: it can be done.
Jesenia De Moya Correa: Communities and Engagement Journalist, Huellas Media Lab
Shawnick “SIR” Rodríguez: Visual artist, muralist, jewelry designer, educator, and Camden Art Commissioner
Ariane Datil: Emmy-winning TV host, journalist, and founder of a digital marketing agency
Dr. Bernarda Viteri Baquerizo: Assistant professor at UPenn’s Perelman School of Medicine and pediatric nephrologist at CHOP
Panel 2: From the Heart – Real Talk on Leadership & Life
This panel discussed leadership and life through the lens of Latina identity.
Lina Bono: Executive Director of Philly Family Media; co-founder of Pa’ La Radio; Vice President of Mujeres Que Inspiran. She commented, “It is an honor for me to share this panel. As a Latina, I feel powerful, and my message is clear: you can achieve what you want by working hard and together.”
Ivette Compean-Rodríguez: Executive Director of the Mexican Cultural Center in Philadelphia
Joana Plazas, MSHA: Senior facilitator at Trinity Health; member of Juntos and NAHSE
Dr. Karen Ramírez Suárez: Pediatric resident at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
A Celebration That Leaves a Mark
The event closed with artistic presentations, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere full of pride and inspiration. The PA Latina Women Conference reaffirms the commitment of community and business organizations to highlight, empower, and connect the Latinas who are transforming their communities every day.
The day ended with excitement for the next big gathering: the Pennsylvania Latino Convention, scheduled for September in Pittsburgh.
