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Wilma LopezTarleton State University, Human Resource Management
I have served on the education committee for several years and on the HWNT Board for two terms as Historian and Scholarship Chair. One of the main attractions for me personally to HWNT – Fort Worth was the strong Latinas in Progress mentorship program. Its emphasis on preparing young Latinas for a success college experience goes beyond what they learn in the sessions they are required to attend, it teaches the importance of seeking out strong mentors, the value of networking and the significance of giving back to the community. It is so important to prepare our Latinas in Progress students to have confidence in themselves and support their fellow Latinas. Fun fact: I love ballroom dancing! |
Irene Sanchez Ross
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The University of Texas in San Antonio, Bachelor's
St. Mary's University, MBA I am a retired educator with 30 years of experience and have worked in school districts in San Antonio and Arlington, Texas. I have dedicated most of my career in Bilingual and English as a Second Language Title 1 schools. My love was working with high risk and migrant children mastering the English language. . I also was a Pharmaceutical Representative for several Medical and Dental Supply Corporations before returning to Education. I am the Past President of Texas Latina List which helped me to promote Latinas at all levels of elected and appointed offices. I believe that by empowering Latinas, their families, and their communities this will benefit them on all levels including Education. My passion to help students complete a higher level education is why I am looking forward working with young Latina LIP students to complete their future goals. Fun Fact- Love Mariachi Music! |
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Patrisha Tijerina
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Trinity University - Class of 2002 with dual concentrations in International Business and Business Management, minor in Economics.
American University Washington College of Law. - Class of 2008 J.D. I am an attorney with the Federal Government focusing on enforcement, fair housing, and federal acquisition. After navigating college and career as a first-generation student, I decided to make a commitment to helping others not make the same mistakes as me. I've been a member of the education committee for several years and am passionate about helping future generations achieve their goals, especially through LIP where so many enthusiastic women contribute their talents and passion! Every year I look forward to fellowship and seeing students flourish into strong prepared women ready to conquer the next step in their lives. Fun fact about me is that I've made over 300 face masks during the pandemic. |
Amy Arriaga, HWNT HistorianOur Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) ‘09
BS in Early Childhood Education I am currently a pre-k teacher at MG Ellis Primary. I volunteer with LIP and the Education Committee because I want to help inspire young latinas to be the best they can be. As an educator I strongly believe they are our future and we need to nurture that. I think we are examples of leadership in the community for them and hope it shows them the importance of networking. I wish I had/knew an organization that had a program like LIP especially being a 1st generation college graduate. A fun fact about me is that I love karaoke. |
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Lety GomezUniversity of Phoenix, Accounting
After working as an accountant for many years, I pursued an opportunity to follow my passion and recently moved to Fort Worth area, where I am working as an Education Organizer for Rocketship Public Schools. I am also a blogger for La Comadre Network (lacomadre.org). I joined the education committee because I am passionate about advocating for equity in education. I also want to support and motivate young Latinas to attend higher education. I look forward to being part of the education committee and do my part to support the young Latinas in the LIP program! I received my bachelor's degree, while being a full-time mom and working full-time. |
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Branigan Contreras, HWNT Vice Chair of Membership 2019-2020Texas Wesleyan University, BBA ‘15
This is my third year of Latinas in Progress that I have served on the Education Committee. It has been an absolute joy and inspiration to watch young ladies go through this program and truly blossom into the powerful Latinas they are. I can’t thank the ladies of HWNT enough for believing in me and my leadership to serve on the 2019-2020 Board of Directors. I am a proud alumna and Ram of Texas Wesleyan University where I received my Bachelor of Business Administration. I always knew I wanted to go to college, but I didn’t know how under prepared I was for all that it entailed. I know now how valuable a program like LIP is for first generation Latinas like myself. I currently work at ACH Child and Family Service as the Community Outreach Coordinator in Development. Our mission is to protect children and preserve families.My job allows me to share stories and create advocates in the community to fight against child abuse and neglect. Fun fact about me is that I am a huge Elvis Presley fan. You might even call he his #1 fan! |
Sandy Martinez, Chair-ElectTCC 1999 -Associates of Arts—Legal Assistant Texas Wesleyan 2001-B.A. Early Childhood Bilingual Education University of Texas Arlington 2010- M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction -Reading Lamar University-Principal Certification I currently work as a student support interventionist in Arlington ISD. I have been a part of HWNT since 2013, and served on the Education Committee for many years as it is a passion of mine. I am a first-generation college student in my family. I’m a firm believer that education is powerful and can open up many doors. I love the LIP program, and the impact it has on so many young ladies is what inspires me. To be mentored and educated throughout the year excites me because I know we are investing in the future of many lives. Although our sessions may look a little bit different this year, I look forward to seeing the innovative changes come to life. A fun fact about me is that in my younger days, I went bungee jumping twice. |
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