Entrepreneurial Communities for Latinas Boost Careers and Business ---
"Today, more than ever, an entrepreneurial mindset is critical to achieve professional and business success," says Angelica Perez-Litwin, PhD – founder and CEO of Latinas Think Big.
Latinas Think Big is a global society of progressive Latinas, and a social innovation platform that helps women launch and grow successful careers and businesses.“We help women do work they love and run successful businesses while achieving prosperity and impact,” adds Perez-Litwin.
The organization supports ambitious Latinas through a unique model of traditional networking, social media, and online resources. Latinas Think Big has hosted five national innovation summits across the U.S. There are also bi-monthly gatherings that feature dynamic conversations with successful entrepreneurs and professionals. Presentations by local entrepreneurs receive feedback from peers, advisors, mentors and investors. Networking is naturally a vital part of the events.
Latinas Think Big has held three events in the Bay Area in the last two years, though most of the activity and resources are online. The organization has more than 12,000 members on its closed Facebook group.
“That's a dynamic group of women who meet there to exchange resources, peer mentoring and share information and articles says Perez-Litwin. “It is the largest group focused on professional and entrepreneurial Latinas.”
In addition to the online networking, members benefit from a virtual accelerator and an interactive member directory, which serves as a virtual marketplace to connect members to peers, employers, clients, mentors and career opportunities. The virtual accelerator features:
- Mentoring conference calls led by successful professionals and entrepreneurs who are leaders in their respective fields. The series addresses topics and areas that are relevant and valuable to the community’s goals around career and entrepreneurship.
- Webinars series of educational presentations or interviews featuring innovative women who share their strategies and advice in their respective fields.
- Affinity groups that interact virtually and meet monthly through phone sessions.
- Event video library featuring event videos and interviews with inspiring women.
The Latinas Think Big community in the Bay Area launched October 6, 2015, at Twitter’s head office in San Francisco.
The New York City community launched November 13th at New York Institute of Technology. Five new communities led by local entrepreneurs and professionals will launch in 2016, including Los Angeles and Puerto Rico. The Latinas Think Big communities welcome all women and men, and focus on both entrepreneurs and career professionals. Many professional Latinas are aspiring entrepreneurs and are creating businesses on the side. This inclusive community will be of benefit to them, as well as entrepreneurs who need the support of other professionals.
Beyond personal business success, the greater mission of Latinas Think Big is clearly focused on the impact for Latino families and communities. Business success is the means to more prosperous living, increased household wealth and, political influence.
For more information, visit www.latinasthinkbig.com.