“You can make a difference.” That was the message at last week’s luncheon of the Central California Latina Network (CCLN), called “The Next Wave of Influence in California—Latinas.”
Speaking from her policy and governance experience, special guest Carrie Lopez of California Forward inspired CCLN members to engage in the political process and understand the power and influence they can wield, not only the democratic process, but also in the general marketplace.
Lopez’s current position as the Chair of the HOPE leadership Institute, a statewide network of Latinas actively influencing policy issues and community improvement throughout California, set the stage for her to share her own passion for the importance of civic engagement and leadership.
Many CCLN members are also graduates of the HOPE Leadership Institute and are powerful Latina leaders in their own rights.
The resounding response from CCLN event attendees was overwhelmingly positive, as members indicated a renewed sense of urgency to further the California Forward message and move the needle to influence political change through their roles as distinguished professionals, pillars of their communities, and centers of their families.
California Forward encourages all Californians to get more involved in their communities in an effort to hold their elected leaders more accountable and make government more open and focused on results.
Natalie Chavez is director of educational services and grants at Valley PBS.
