Our History

MANA: A National Legacy of Leadership and Empowerment

MANA was born in 1974 in Washington, D.C., founded by a group of professional Mexican-American women determined to elevate our voices and ensure representation in national discussions. Originally known as the Mexican-American Women’s National Association, MANA evolved to include all women of Hispanic and Latina descent—creating a unified platform for leadership, education, service, and advocacy. Over the past 50 years, MANA has grown into a nationwide movement dedicated to empowering Latinas across generations. Through local Chapters and Affiliates, we remain rooted in the communities we serve, building meaningful connections and supporting Latinas through initiatives such as youth mentoring, financial literacy, and capacity-building programs.

MANA de North Texas: A Local Legacy of Impact

Our local chapter, MANA de North Texas, was founded in August 2008 during the national MANA conference and Hermanitas® Leadership Institute held in Fort Worth, Texas. This powerful event brought together Latinas from across the country to inspire the next generation of leaders through mentorship and culturally rooted experiences. From the beginning, local leaders like Rosa Navejar, Estela Martinez-Stuart, Lupe Arriola, Rita Rodriguez Utt, and Eva Sandoval Bonilla laid the foundation for a chapter centered on service, leadership, and community. Our founding President, Rita Rodriguez Utt, and Vice President, Eva Sandoval Bonilla, helped launch MANA de North Texas with a vision of empowering Latinas of all ages.​

Our Nonprofit Commitment

In 2024, MANA de North Texas became a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 99-3992316). This designation strengthens our mission to uplift and support Latinas, and allows us to grow our impact through tax-deductible donations and community partnerships. Together, we are building a stronger, more empowered community—one Latina at a time.