Grant earmarked for new women’s resources center at SDSU-IV

CALEXICO – A $2,500 grant from Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) to MANA de Imperial Valley will be applied toward the establishment of a women’s resource center at San Diego State University-Imperial Valley’s campus here.

The check presentation was made Oct. 28, according to a news release from MANA. The release explained the center will offer services and promote programs for women on campus. The goal is to offer a safe space, programs and staff to serve women at SDSU-IV and in the community as a whole, it added.

“MANA de Imperial Valley has witnessed the disproportional impact of the pandemic on women socially, academically, and in the workplace,” said MANA President Rosyo Ramirez. “We applaud the efforts of SDSU-IV to offer a Women’s Resource Center at the Imperial Valley Campus to support local women as they seek to meet their personal and professional goals. As an organization that supports and empowers women, MANA is grateful to SoCalGas for championing these efforts and supporting all women in our community.”

SDSU-IV Interim Dean Mark Wheeler observed most of the campus’ students are women. “We want to help them realize their academic and professional goals,” he said. “A Women’s Resource Center on campus will provide needed resources and a safe space within which to build community, networks, and power. We are grateful to partner with SoCalGas and MANA to promote the interests of women in the Valley.”

“This grant will assist in launching a safe space where women can find resources to live more fulfilling lives,” said Deborah McGarrey at SoCalGas. “SoCalGas is proud to partner with MANA de Imperial Valley and SDSU-IV to support students and women.”

A national Latina organization. MANA is a non-profit, advocacy organization established in 1974. The Imperial Valley chapter has been in existence for more than 25 years.