MANA, A National Latina Organization

MANA, A National Latina Organization, headquartered in Washington, DC, is a comprehensive grassroots membership organization dedicated to empowering Latinas through strategic leadership development, community service, and advocacy. Since its founding in 1974, MANA has established a robust national network of chapters, individual members, and affiliates across the country, positioning itself as a leading voice on critical issues affecting Latina women, youth, and families. The organization specializes in addressing education, health and well-being, financial literacy, equal and civil rights, and immigration reform—areas where MANA actively shapes public policy and community discourse. MANA delivers its mission through two premiere initiatives: The AvanZamos Initiatives, which provide adult Latina leadership training programs including the Hermana Conference, Latina Savings Project, and Las Primeras Awards; and The HERMANITAS Initiative, designed for young Latinas ages 11-18, featuring one-on-one and group mentoring opportunities alongside the HERMANITAS REACH Conference. Operating from its Washington, DC headquarters, MANA's chapters and affiliates provide localized programming designed to educate and empower communities nationwide. The organization's core values center on leadership development, educational workshops, mentoring the next generation of leaders, and building sustainable structures that support continued Latina success. With members ranging from age 11 to 70-plus, including over 80 percent holding university degrees and approximately 30 percent with advanced degrees, MANA's membership demonstrates exceptional commitment, with members volunteering an average of 10-15 hours monthly. Through its integrated approach combining capacity building, service, and advocacy, MANA continues to advance its national goals of strengthening Latinas as community leaders, creating vital Hispanic communities, and advancing public policy for an equal and just society.