Gender inequalities remain robustly entrenched in society. Women encounter obstacles when trying to obtain respectable jobs, and they face workplace discrimination and a gender pay gap. Often, they cannot access basic education and medical care. Women suffer violence and discrimination all over the world. They are underrepresented in the decision-making of political and economic processes. The Latino population in the Minnesota metropolitan area does not escape this reality. Being a unique and rapidly growing community, it is often invisible to legislators, as well as to the agencies and organizations that serve women. This is why HACER created the Minnesota Latina Leadership Academy. The goal is to get more Latinas living in the Twin Cities area involved in leadership positions.
HACER’s mission for the Minnesota Latina Leadership Academy was for 20 Latinas to develop the confidence and skills needed to face challenges in their personal lives and actively participate in the organizations and institutions that influence their lives. These skills include financial education; self-defense; the resolution of conflicts; the ability to communicate and negotiate effectively; knowledge about the role of neighborhood associations, school boards, town halls, advisory committees and other entities that influence the quality of life of individuals and groups in the metropolitan area; and knowledge about how to get involved with relevant entities through participation in neighborhood associations, economic development organizations, schools, advisory boards, and commissions.