Latina Voices, Lasting Impact: Celebrating Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month is a time to honor the remarkable contributions of women throughout history, and for many of us, it’s also a moment to reflect on the women in our own lives who inspire, guide, and uplift us.

For Latinas, these stories often carry the weight of resilience, faith, and hard work values passed down through generations.

We celebrate the women who have shaped the lives of our team members, from grandmothers and mothers to mentors and community leaders. Their influence goes beyond family and workplace; they embody strength, perseverance, and grace, showing us what it means to lead, care, and create meaningful impact in the world around us.

This Woman’ s History Month, we talked with some of the women from our team about what this month means to them and what role models shaped their lives.

Sandra Benitez, Executive Director.

1. Who is a Latina who has influenced your life personally or professionally, and what impact did she have on you?

My grandmother, who immigrated to this country nearly 40 years ago, has profoundly influenced me. She taught me the importance of faith, family, and hard work. My grandmother continues to shape my daily life.

2. What does celebrating Women’s History Month mean to you personally?

I grew up in an all-women household with my mother, grandmother, and three sisters. For me, this month highlights how women are strong leaders and deserve to be celebrated every day.

3. If you could have coffee with any Latina leader, past or present, who would it be and why?

I’ve had several mentors in Washington, D.C., whom I’ve known for over ten years. I catchup with them to talk about their careers and lives, so for me, it’s not really about choosing just one leader, but valuing the opportunity to connect with them.

Judy Pino, Marketing Manager

1.Who is a Latina who has influenced your life personally or professionally, and what impact did she have on you?

My mother is my greatest influence. She was a nurse who embodied resilience, compassion, and discipline. She left Cuba and came to the U.S. with me as a young child, starting over completely. Despite her training, she worked below her skill level while learning English and earning her nursing license again.

I often think about the courage that took leaving everything behind for a better future. She instilled in me the value of education and independence, always reminding me never to rely on anyone else to get by. That mindset has shaped my career, my decisions, and how I raise my children today. Her strength and sacrifice continue to guide me every day.

2.What does celebrating Women’s History Month mean to you personally?

I love being a woman because of our ability to nurture, lead, and influence in so many ways. Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the strength and contributions of women, especially those whose stories aren’t always told.

For me, it’s about honoring the women who shaped my life and setting an example for my children. It’s not just reflection, but action. I’m passionate about advocating for women’s issues and building a better future for the next generation, including my 17-year-old daughter, Sofia.

3. If you could have coffee with any Latina leader, past or present, who would it be and why?

Without hesitation, my mother. While she wasn’t a public-facing leader, she led every day through her career, her resilience, and the home she built for our family.

She has passed away, and I often wish I could sit with her and ask for her advice. As a mom balancing a teenager, a young child, marriage, and a career, I know she would have so much wisdom to share. More than anything, I’d want to thank her and show her the life she helped make possible. Having one more conversation with her would mean everything.

Andrea Costacamps, Digital Communications Manager.

1.Who is a Latina who has influenced your life personally or professionally, and what impact did she have on you?

My mom, Lourdes Costacamps, has taught me the value of integrity and hard work. From her, I learned that it’s better to do things right the first time even if it takes a bit more time, because a lazy approach often requires double the effort later.

2. What does celebrating Women’s History Month mean to you personally?

It represents the freedom to pursue my dreams. As a single mom balancing her career and raising her daughter, I see this month as a reminder of the blessings of being able to manage multiple roles successfully.

3. If you could have coffee with any Latina leader, past or present, who would it be and why?

Margaret Thatcher. I respect her as a woman who spoke the truth in the face of massive resistance and stood strong in a male-dominated political world. I also think we would share a lot of laughs together.

Patricia Turner, Project Manager.

1. Who is a Latina who has influenced your life personally or professionally, and what impact did she have on you?

My mom has had a profound impact on my life. Now that I’m a mom myself, I understand how my mother taught me about true love, creating a safe space, and caring for someone’s best interests. I now strive to bring that same support and safety to others.

2. What does celebrating Women’s History Month mean to you personally?

It’s about having grace. Women wear many hats, as mothers, daughters, wives, sisters, and coworkers. This month is a reminder to show grace to ourselves and to other women for all that we do.

3. If you could have coffee with any Latina leader, past or present, who would it be and why?

Eva Mendes,I admire her humor and her movies. As someone in a bicultural marriage like Eva, I value how Mendes raises her children while preserving her culture. It would also be a fun conversation.

Emily Romero, Communications Associate.

1. Who is a Latina who has influenced your life personally or professionally, and what impact did she have on you?

My mother, who came to the United States from Honduras, is the hardest-working woman I know. Her and my father raised me and my two sisters, inspiring me to become the strong headed and independent woman I am today. This influence has shaped me both personally and professionally to be the first person in her family to graduate from the University of Maryland.

2. What does celebrating Women’s History Month mean to you personally?

It’s a time to honor the women who have shaped my life: my mom, grandmom, and two sisters. As the youngest, I’ve seen my mother become a grandmother, my sisters become mothers, and my grandmother, affectionately become “old grandma” to my nephews and niece. These women continue to influence my life from a young girl to an adult. This month celebrates the women in my life who have become my best friends for life!

3. If you could have coffee with any Latina leader, past or present, who would it be and why?

I would have coffee with my grandmother to hear her stories of overcoming hardship as an immigrant. At 86, my grandmother’s experiences and wisdom are deeply inspiring, and I cherish every moment with her.