As the world watches Mexico under the leadership of its first female president beginning October frist, we face the real possibility of making history in our own country by electing the first female president in the United States.
This is a crucial moment for the female vote, and especially for Latinas, who have the power to transform the political landscape in this electoral cycle.
The power of the Latino vote is no secret, and in recent years, we have seen an increase in political participation in our community.
However, in this election, the role of Latina women is more critical than ever. Beyond the important role we have in our homes, we are the leaders of our communities, and now, we can be the catalysts of change in our country.
It fills me with pride to be part of this transformation. I started in community activism because the issue of immigration and social justice touched me in a personal way.
I am the daughter of Mexican immigrants who came undocumented, and I know first-hand how important it is to have health protections, education, job opportunities and, above all, guarantees from those who govern us to live a dignified life that leads us to progress. individual and collective.
Now, as executive director of Poder Latinx, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works to build political power in the Latino community, I have a responsibility to bequeath that same strength and vision to other young women, galvanizing them to be agents of change. for their communities and for democracy.
Poder Latinx is deeply committed to this empowerment of Latinas, which is why our Poderosas Fellowship program is dedicated to the development of leaders and this September we will hold the Poderosas Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. This event will bring together community leaders, legislators, and activists from across the country to discuss how Latinas can continue to be catalysts for political participation that benefits our families and communities.
At the Summit, we will address topics such as immigration, economic equity, reproductive rights and climate justice. These are issues that directly impact our communities, and it is vital that Latina voices are heard in these debates.
Our presence and participation can change the course of these discussions and ensure that our needs are a priority on the legislative agenda.
This is a moment of action for Latina women, to raise our voices and ensure that our daughters grow up in a country where they not only have the right to vote, but also the right to dream and be leaders, presidents and agents of change.
Our power as women – and Latina women – in this country is undeniable, and in these elections, we will show that we are ready to lead. It is time to continue making history, not only in Mexico, but in Washington and in every community here in the United States. The future of our country is in our hands, and together, we can lead it.
Yadira Sánchez is the Executive Director of Poder Latinx, whose mission is to build political power so that Latinx, migrant and people of color communities lead in decision-making in the United States democracy.
Yadira Sánchez is the Executive Director of Poder Latinx.
