Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE)- a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to ensuring political and economic parity for Latinas through leadership, advocacy, and education to benefit all communities– mobilized hundreds of Latinas to lobby in Sacramento earlier this month.
This year marks HOPE’s 30th Annual Latina Action Day, where Latinas from across California convene at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center and the state capitol to advocate for policies that support the Latino community.
Advocacy in Action
Advocacy requires practice and the 30th Annual Latina Action Day provided a safe space for over three hundred Latinas to practice. The Comcast California team had the opportunity to attend this year’s event, which began with an overview of the policies that support the Latino community in education, healthcare, and economic prosperity.
During this day of empowerment, special remarks were given by elected leaders, including Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, to share why advocacy is vital for creating impact in California. Lennies Guiterrez, Director of Government Affairs at Comcast, provided remarks and encouraged attendees to network and meet new people, use their voices for good, and show gratitude to those who support you along the way. Lennies’ mom was also in attendance and received a special shoutout during her speech. Not a dry eye was in the house.
The inspiring event included panel discussions featuring key leaders throughout the state. Topics centered on efforts to uplift Latino communities and increase representation and access to education, women’s health, and financial security. After lunch, attendees made their way to the Capitol Annex Swing Space to meet with legislators and make an impact during the peak of the legislative session. Attendees used their voices to tell their stories and lived experiences in several meetings with elected officials and staff.
Meet the 2024 Latina Advocates
The 30th Annual Latina Action Day concluded with group photos on the west steps of the capitol and a reception to honor Latina advocates and local leaders nominated by Legislators for their contributions to their communities.
Azucena Maldonado
Founder, Latina Golfers Association
Nominated by Assemblymember Blanca Rubio
Diana Alfaro
Associate Executive Director, Central City Neighborhood Partners Associative
Nominated by Senator Maria Elena Durazo
Gaby Hernandez
Executive Director, ÓRALE: Organizing Rooted in Abolition, Liberation, and Empowerment
Nominated by Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez
Graciela Moran
Associate Director of Policy and Community Engagement, Inland Empire Community Foundation
Nominated by Assembly Majority Leader Emerita Eloise Gomez Reyes
Kristie Hernandez
President, Maravilla Community Advisory Committee
Nominated by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo
Maria Pacheco
Mayor, City of Kerman
Nominated by Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria
Maribel Delgado
Vice President & Deputy General Counsel, GALLO
Nominated by Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil
Ruby Dueñas
District Director, Office of Assemblymember Lisa Calderon
Nominated by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon
Comcast NBCUniversal is proud to be a long-standing supporter of HOPE, with funding benefiting professional development programs. To learn more about HOPE, visit https://www.latinas.org/
