News

Latina Initiative wants you to stay informed on the issues that matter to you most. Keep checking our "News and Resources" page for updates and important information!

If you have a relevant news story, please send it to lynn@latinainitiative.org and we will post it on our site!

Young Latinas Take Life Changing Trip to U.S. Capitol

Thursday, June 23, 2011
One Day Can Change Your Life at 17

Thanks to the support of Southwest Airlines, Wells Fargo, Mayor Vidal's Office of Education and Children, the Latina Initiative Board of Directors and many members of Latina Initiative, six of our most active Youth Action and Advisory Council leaders attended Close-Up in Washington, DC. Our leaders spent five days with students from across the country learning from 8:00A.M. to 10:00P.M. about US government, history and how the civic engagement work we do makes a difference.  Our students say it was a life changing trip.  Highlights included meeting U.S. SenatorYAAC Meets with Katherine Archuleta -- LI Founders Bennet and Udall, learning what it takes to get a job in Washington from Stephanie Valencia of the White House and a special meeting with Latina Initiative founder Katherine Archuleta.

YAAC members felt that Katherine gave them the information and advice they needed to take their dreams as Latina leaders to the next level. "I want to be Katherine!" was Yoselin Gracia's response to  hearing Katherine's inspiring story and seeing all that Katherine has done through hard work and determination. For our young leaders at Latina Initiative to meet with Katherine as the news was announced that Mrs. Archuleta will be the political director of the 2012 Obama re-election campaign was an honor. Their time with Katherine showed our young Latina Initiative members that there's no limit to what they can accomplish with hard work and a willingness to take on new challenges. She made each of them promise to challenge their comfort zones, to succeed in life and to call her when they achieve their dreams.  Latina Initiative wishes Katherine and our youth every success as they work to achieve incredible dreams. We're happy to be a part of their journey as they head to college and careers as doctors, stem-cell researchers, Supreme Court Justices, criminal investigators, and the next Katherine Archuleta.  

We'll be posting more of their adventures soon. Stay tuned!
Youth leaders navigating the Metro subway system.Meeting Sen. UdallYouth leaders meet with DeGette staffer

Amber Tafoya joins Latina Initiative as new Executive Director

Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Denver, CO – The Latina Initiative has announced the appointment of its new Executive Director, Amber J. Tafoya, Esq. (pictured at left) effective January 3, 2011. After a lengthy and well-developed search process, the Board voted to bring Ms. Tafoya on board and lead the Latina Initiative in a direction that aligns with the mission and who can strategically help implement the organization’s new vibrant strategic plan.

“We are very pleased with our decision and know that Amber is the best fit for the Latina Initiative,” said Board President Dr. Janet Lopez. She also added, “She brings a strong background of nonprofit and community organizing experience as well as a true commitment to making civic engagement a part of every Latina.”

Prior to joining the Latina Initiative, Ms. Tafoya managed her company, Tafoya Law and Consulting, LLC. In her practice, she provided non-profit consulting services as well as a multitude of legal and educational services for immigrants. Ms. Tafoya also has an extensive background in policy, community organizing and legal experience as evident in her past work experiences with the Colorado Immigrant Rights Collation, Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pueblo.

“My strong commitment and passion for addressing our needs as Latinas through public policy make this position an exciting opportunity. My goal is to make sure that we as Latinas are the ones who determine our own life choices and direction,” said Ms. Tafoya.

Amber is from Pueblo, Colorado and received her Bachelor’s Degree from University of Southern Colorado, her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Colorado School of Law and is license to practice law in the state of Colorado.

“We are 100% behind Amber and are ready to provide her the support to succeed and to take the Latina Initiative to new heights,” said Katherine Archuleta, past President and founding member. The Board is pleased to have Ms. Tafoya and appreciates her enthusiasm and motivation that she brings to the organization.

The Latina initiative is a non-profit organization whose mission is “to cultivate, support and maintain the civic involvement of Latinas in Colorado.” The Latina Initiative is a nationally recognized nonpartisan leadership and education, voter registration, and mobilization project aimed at increasing the civic and political engagement of Latinas.

1