LATINA SUCCESS VIRTUAL SYMPOSIUM SET FOR TODAY

MANA de San Diego hosts a free Latina Success Virtual Symposium from 911:30 a.m. today to help Latinas achieve their goals using practical strategies.

MANA de San Diego is a branch of a national Latina nonprofit that aims to empower Latinas through education, leadership development, advocacy and community service. MANA de San Diego is the largest and most active MANA chapter, according to the website.

Today’s free event features panels, videos and keynote speakers, including Venus Molina and Dr. Inez Gonzalez-Perezchica, president and executive director, respectively, of MANA de San Diego; Elsa Sevilla, award-winning journalist and filmmaker; State Assembly Member Lorena GonzalezFletcher, 80th District; Mary Casillas Salas, mayor of Chula Vista; Nora E. Vargas, board president, Southwestern Community College; and Isela Reyes, MANA de San Diego scholarship recipient.

Latinas make up more than 7 percent of the U.S. workforce, but still face structural barriers to entry and success in the labor market, according to a 2017 study by the Center for American Progress. The study found that Latinas have lower employment rates and are more likely to work in lower-paying positions. Another study found that on average, Latinas are paid nearly 50 percent less than

White men and 31 percent less than White women for the same job.

Topics for the symposium include:

El Grito de Cambio: Kim Guerra, founder of the Brown Badass Bonita Movement, on being an agent of change.

Advocacy for Self and Country Panel: Local and state leaders on their leadership paths and perspectives.

Action, Advancement and Advocacy — Sí Se Puede: Consuelo Martinez, deputy mayor of Escondido, on the importance of self-advocating.

VOTE — You Make A Difference: California State Secretary Alex Padilla on early voting, voting rights, general voting and the importance of being heard in the November election.

Consider Yourself a Candidate — Find Your Voice: National City Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis on being an elected official, finding and using your voice, and seeing yourself as the right candidate in multiple settings.

Beyond Racism — Advocate for Change: Leticia Cazares, board chair for San Diego and Imperial counties of the ACLU, on how to respond to racist situations in personal and professional life.

Register at https:// bit.ly/3jZ3z7j; to join by computer, visit the MANA de San Diego YouTube Channel at https:// bit.ly/377MXXG. Visit manasd.org.