About HWNT
The Hispanic Women's Network of Texas (HWNT) is a state-wide organization of individuals from diverse backgrounds who are committed to promoting the participation of Hispanic women in public, corporate and civic arenas. HWNT seeks to advance the educational, cultural, social, legal and economic well-being of all women through a broader awareness of their role in society, business and family. Members strive to celebrate the positive image and values of the Hispanic culture.
HWNT was formed in 1986 by inviting members of existing women's and Hispanic groups from around the state to create an organization that would address issues unique to Hispanas.
HWNT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and has become the premier Hispanic women's organization in Texas.
Collaboration is the key to our success. Since its inception, HWNT members have come together to sponsor programs designed to cultivate the social, cultural, legal and educational interests of Hispanic women. HWNT has sponsored and supported such activities as educational/mentoring programs; Women's Rights to Vote Celebration, Hispanic Summit and Emerging Leaders Conference, HWNT's State Conference, and inter-generational programs and achievement awards and ceremonies. We believe that by women coming together in a spirit of corroboration, we can make a difference!
HWNT's History
The axiom "great minds think alike" applies to the origins of HWNT. The Hispanic Women's Network of Texas owes its existence to several great women who conceived the development of a statewide organization, which would fill the void for Hispanic women. Today, HWNT lives up to its mission statement of promoting diverse women in public, corporate, and civic arenas.
In 1986, Martha Hinojosa-Nadler with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, State Representative Lena Guerrero, and Travis County Voter Registrar Amalia Rodriguez-Mendoza were discussing the need for a women's organization. Entering the equation was Jim Estrada with Anheuser-Busch who had been meeting with Mary Alice Cisneros, Christine Hernandez, and Lupe Ochoa in San Antonio to discuss funding innovative projects in Texas. The actions that followed involved pulling together a Steering Committee of ten women from different geographic areas to poll their respective regions and meet in a statewide setting. The Mexican American Legal Defense Fund (MALDEF) served as the non-profit organizational structure. Norma Cantu and Dora Tovar of MALDEF provided invaluable assistance and guidance.
The result was the 1987 conference in Dallas at which 200 women from every geographic area of Texas, with diverse backgrounds and occupations, discussed areas of concern to women and Latinos. A commitment to remain united, address common issues and promote Hispanic Women was a major concern then and continues now. Today, HWNT chapters exist in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Denton, Fort Worth, Houston, the Rio Grande Valley, and San Antonio.
Founding Members
Martha Hinojosa-Nadler
Lena Guerrero
Amalia Rodriguez- Mendoza
Mary Alice Cisneros
Christine Hernandez
Lupe Ochoa |
HWNT Chairs
1987-1990
Maria Luisa Mercado - Lubbock
1991-1992
Martha Hinojosa Nadler - Dallas
1993-1994
Linda Escamilla - Austin
1995-1997
Pearl Garza Fracchia - Dallas
1997
Irma Facundo Anderson - Austin
1998-2000
Cecilia McKay - Dallas
2001-2002
Sylvia Arriola - San Antonio
2003-2004
Lupe Morin - Austin
2005-2006
Adela Gonzalez - Fort Worth
2007-2008
Carmen Garcia - Dallas
2009-2010
Rita Utt - Fort Worth
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