Dates

• Existence: 1981

Biography

From the MANA website:

“MANA, a National Latina Organization was founded in 1974 by Mexican-American women in Washington, DC and is headquartered in Washington, DC.

“MANA de Kansas City was chartered in 1981 with the focus of creating community leaders, engaging them in community service and educating and involving the membership on public policy issues important to Latinas and their families. MANA de Kansas City’s Mission is to empower Latinas through leadership development, community service and advocacy. MANA also seeks to increase the opportunities and education of all Latinas. We are informed activists and a support system for our members.

“We are dedicated to developing Latina leaders here in Kansas City, promoting the equal participation of Latinas in the community and working to create a better quality of life for all Latinas. MANA is an all volunteer organization that provides resources and dialogue and places a high value on contributing to the community. Our members come from all walks of life and from the entire Metro area. They have varied interests, careers and lifestyles. The common denominator is placing high value on the words Service, Advocacy and Leadership and Development. An important component of our Chapter is the Hermanita Program for the young Latinas.

“The first thing MANA did after its founding was to start recognizing Latinas for their community service [e.g., Community Service Awards]… MANA de Kansas City has presented numerous informative Seminars and has been a co-presenter of the Midwest Latina Conference with the Hispanic Chamber and … [held] its ¡Adelante Mujer! Symposium in the Fall of 2008. Since 1993, MANA has given scholarships to deserving Latinas. MANA continues its Pláticas Series with a leadership twist as well as networking. MANA also is the founder of Moda Latina … and continues to honor and showcase our Latinas for their involvement in the community. Since 1986, MANA has taken Christmas to Posada del Sol in December.”

“MANA members serve on various boards and commissions and will be found in the Hispanic leadership of the Kansas City Metro area. MANA serves as a contact point for those who want to be more informed about or are interested in distributing information to the Hispanic Community. As a Chapter of MANA National, we are part of a nation-wide network of Latinas throughout the United States. Since being chartered, we have had representation on the National Board of MANA.”

Source: MANA de Kansas City. “MANA de Kansas City – History.” Accessed December 2010. http://www.manadekc.com/history/index.htm.

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