Empowering Latina Women: Uniting Communities for Success

By Johanna-Rosalye Luna

PHOENIX, AZ – Local community leaders and organizations gathered on Thursday in Downtown Phoenix for an evening dedicated to women empowerment. 

March marks Women’s Empowerment month, the State Forty Eight Foundation in collaboration with E.L.L.A and Amor Amigas, partnered with OneAZ Credit Union to host the Beyond Business event. The event aimed to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in our community and spotlight local female business owners in honor of Women’s History month.

Liza Buchanan, Senior Vice President of Marketing Operations at OneAZ Credit Union, emphasized the evolving landscape of Arizona and the increasing significance of Latina culture. “This state is evolving in many ways, and our demographics are changing rapidly, with the face of Arizona’s culture soon to be predominantly Latina. When you see that 93% of Arizona’s businesses are small businesses, and a growing number shifting towards Latino ownership, it underscores the importance of supporting our small business community,” she said. “This is where we aim to be – a place that fosters a supportive environment for Arizona’s small business sector, stimulating economic growth, job creation, and the realization of countless entrepreneurial dreams. The prospect of women […] taking charge in the business realm is profoundly inspiring and motivational.”

The evening began with ‘The Amor Experience’, a curated mercado showcasing over 15 women-owned businesses and State Forty Eight Foundation grant recipients. “As we commemorate International Women’s Month, let us commit to amplifying the voices and opportunities for Latinas, recognizing their integral role in driving progress and prosperity,” said Stephanie Vasquez, Founder of E.L.L.A. (Empowering Latina Leaders in Arizona). 

The main event featured the premier of ‘The Funky Latina’, a short film following Elyssa Bustamante’s inspirational journey as an Afro-Latina music blogger producing Arizona’s first Latin indie music festival. As the keynote speaker of the night, Bustamante delivered a motivational speech. Part of The Funky Latina’s speech included ‘Tracks of Inspiration’ and advice to her fellow entrepreneurial Latina’s along with moving, tearful reminders of inspiration and success. 

Elyssa Bustamante continued with the ‘Fireside Chats’ which included Latina entrepreneur’s, Kathy Cano-Murillo, Founder of The Crafty Chica, Veronica Aguilar, Founder of Young & Empowered Women, and Daniela Varela, Founder of Style & Co. Boutique. Discussions revolved around finding passion, leveraging culture for branding, and fostering community connections.

Veronica Aguilar, Founder of Young & Empowered Women expressed that it was an incredible opportunity to be part of this empowering evening along with other organizations and community members, stating “we know right now of course the wage gap there is a disparity, especially for a woman of color and so that’s why I’m so excited to be in the space, so we can make sure that everyone has the resources, the networks and the feeling of connection that they need to overcome any systemic barriers that are happening in our community. That is why I wanted to immediately be at this event not just as a person, but also with our organization, Young & Empowered Women, and as a Latina”. 

The night was full of fun, inspiration, vulnerability, with a power of community. The event’s mission  was to provide a space where Latina women could feel included, supported, and connected on their journey. Events such as these serve to strengthened bonds within the community and inspire collective action.

The State Forty Eight Foundation is in it’s fourth year bringing their mission to life by driving Arizona dreams in supports of Arizona entrepreneurship. “We’re incredibly grateful to be involved in [it] … witnessing the strength and drive of these women who are determined to pursue their passions,” said Mike Spangeberg, CEO and Co-Founder of State Forty Eight and Board Chairman of State Forty Eight Foundation. He explained that is the impact of these types of events and is what gets him excited, and the reason for establishing the foundation. “This exemplifies the beauty of collaboration—something that holds immense power and should be embraced not just in Arizona, but worldwide. There’s plenty of knowledge to share and support for everyone,” Spangeberg added.

In essence, events like Beyond Business exemplify the transformative power of collaboration and community support, driving positive change and fostering a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.