Latinas on the Rise is a mentorship and educational program started by State Representative Jessica Farrar in 1998. Representative Farrar noticed a lack of Latinas in several professions and felt the need to mentor young women to help them create their own paths both professionally and personally.

Today, the program has evolved into an educational and mentorship program for Latina college students. The educational component of the program involves five weekly seminars in which participants challenge themselves to explore topics such as healthy relationships, sexual harassment, diversity issues, and more. The mentorship component of the program involves matching a young woman with a Latina in her profession of interest. This helps the young women in our program learn professional skills, gain information about the professions they are interested in, as well as allow them to begin building a professional support network.

The program lasts one long semester following the traditional university calendar. Students from UH, UH-D, Rice, University of St. Thomas, the Art Institute, and Houston Community College have participated in the past.

Latinas on the Rise is run solely by volunteers who serve on its board. We rely on mentors who graciously volunteer their time.

Application deadline for Spring 2007 is March 5, 2007

For more information on Latinas on the Rise,

email latinas@latinasontherise.org