Mujeres Poderosas Program
Through interactions with Hispanic community members, and community groups at large, Conexion Latina Newport has discovered that the Hispanic Women of Newport are lacking opportunities for self care and nurturing, social network building, and stress relief, as well as empowerment and the development of civic muscle.
We have heard many times from women in our community how they feel isolated, lonely, overburdened and under involved, and they want to do something about it.
In response, in 2024 we started a monthly Mujeres Poderosas (Powerful Women) group that is a semi-casual opportunity for them to meet, vent, network, practice self care, participate in experiences they would never try on their own, and build that civic-muscle that they so want. These monthly meetings have a theme, a speaker or presenter, and an activity, as well as dinner.
Some examples of activities we have done:
- Each group has attended a formal gala that supports a Latino institution
- We have had Latina politicians and professionals come and speak about their roads to success and what they currently do
- Massages and makeup lessons
- Expressive art projects and vision boards
- Yoga on Rose Island and Meditation on the lawn of the Newport Art Museum
- Professional image coaching and collective impact coaching
- 2 years of Mujeres Latinas Poderosas gathering at Rough Point for professional and social networking and exposure to powerful Latinas from across the state
Outcomes
At the end of the 10 month program, participants graduate and are invited to become ambassadors, not only for Conexión Latina, but also to represent their community when and where it is needed, particularly using the skills and connections they have made during the program. For Conexión Latina they serve as volunteers, as well as they eyes and ears of the community, and help to disseminate information, talk about programs and opportunities, serve as local advocates, as well as act as a feedback conduit between Conexión Latina and the greater community. As of summer 2026 we have 29 ambassadors and growing.
Testimony
“You can feel the threads weaving together to build and strengthen our community. THANK YOU to the powerful women of @conexionlatinanewport for making this possible. Your voices, your strength, and your care deeply nourish our sense of belonging. I feel so lucky to be a part of this. And I continue to be amazed by the immense creative energy that is unleashed when we all come together.”
“What a beautiful gathering to recognize and celebrate one another, but above all to discuss the challenges we face: for some, representing our community as a senator in a state where crucial decisions about our rights are made; for others, the challenge of learning to drive, to think and express themselves in another language. For others still, preserving our culture, caring for our children, or simply getting up every day to rebuild our self-esteem. We will press on with unwavering determination.”
If you would like to know more about Mujeres Poderosas, or be a candidate for the next session, please call our office at 401-585-8165.
