“The Latina Network was started, there were four of us, and we all knew each other but had not really interacted with each other in a long time.”
That’s Milinda Ysasi, one of the founding members of the Latina Network of West Michigan who long with Stacy Sout, Beca Velazques Publes and Allison Lugo Knap started the group after connecting over dinner when they realized the lack of groups in West Michigan for Latinas.
Here is Beca Velazquez Publes one of the members of the network.
“We just had no idea. We just knew that something had to happen and for me when you ask whats the most impactful thing about the network…Its just when I walk into our meetings, when I walk into the space, everything else just melts just being there and being present is the most important thing.”
According to Stout, one of the founding member, the network today has over 500 members and serves as a space for Latinas to come together, build relationships and receive support in their professional development.
The event celebrating the network’s fifth year anniversary will take place on Wednesday at the Goei Center.
“It starts at 5:30pm with a delicious dinner catered by seven local restaurants. Its going to be delicious. We have cuisines from El Salvador, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.”
Tickets of the event can be purchased on Facebook at the Latina Network of West Michigan page.
Michelle Jokisch Polo, WGVU News.