As the leaves begin to change and the new season marches on, we take a moment to reflect on everything we have accomplished together: the milestones, collaborations, and moments that remind us why we do this work. From graduations and gatherings to new beginnings and powerful calls to action, every event this quarter carried the same heartbeat of collective power.
Celebrating Our Graduates
We are overjoyed to celebrate 21 new graduates who completed their program journeys this summer: 18 from Lanza, an eight-week program that supports participants in turning their collective business ideas into worker-owned cooperatives, and 4 from Acompaña, a specialized incubation program that combines personalized technical assistance with collective learning and cooperation among participants. Each of them has shown incredible courage, creativity, and perseverance on their entrepreneurial path.
Among the graduates, we celebrate Nuriz Martinez, founder of Mecha y Cera; Olivia Morales, founder of LiiV Clean Services; Lourdes Becerril, founder of SuArte4Us; and Elizabeth Gonzalez, founder of Heal Thyself Academy. All are brilliant examples of Latina entrepreneurs transforming their dreams into thriving, purpose-driven businesses. Their stories remind us that entrepreneurship is not a solo act. It is a journey rooted in cooperation, connection, and shared vision.
Prospera’s Participation in Vision y Compromiso’s 23rd Annual Conference
We had the honor of participating in the 23rd Division and Engagement Conference, where we facilitated a workshop to plant the seed of cooperativism. It was a beautiful experience in which we reflected on how cooperation is part of the essence of humanity—it is not something we are creating, but something we are honoring. Our session drew the attention of community leaders, promotora networks, and organizational representatives working to advance community well-being. Together, we explored how the cooperative model is not only an economic structure but also one that strengthens the overall health of communities by centering people rather than profit. This workshop was led by Ana Castaño, Program Manager, and Claudia Arroyo, Executive Director of Prospera. The conference was both a celebration and a reminder of the transformative power that emerges when grassroots leadership and cooperative values come together towards a dignified and healthy life for all.
Comunidades Prospera: Sowing Seeds of Transformation
Through Comunidades Prospera, we had the privilege of sharing Explora, a series of workshops designed to help participants discover new ways of building economic systems rooted in justice and solidarity. For immigrant women in the United States, this program becomes more than a course—it is a space to reclaim dignity and to see cooperatives as a pathway toward collective prosperity.
Sharing Explora with other women is a journey of constant rediscovery. Each participant brings her own story, wisdom, and strength, enriching the experience and making it unique every time. This summer, in partnership with MVP and alongside our Executive Director, Claudia, we traveled to Santa Rosa to facilitate two transformative days with an extraordinary group of women. These gatherings were intense and deeply moving and filled with learning, laughter, and heartfelt connection.
During our time together, we reflected on the power of immigrant women to plant new seeds of opportunity and to reimagine how we participate in the economy. Each story shared over lunch carried not only personal struggle but also a profound commitment to justice, community, and rebirth. It was a reminder that collective power is not an abstract idea; it is something we live and breathe together. Every encounter with these women is an act of coming home—to ourselves, to our communities, and to the legacy of those who came before us.
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Cumbre 2025: Vindication, Dignity, and Collective Power
On September 13, over 100 entrepreneurs, allies, and volunteers gathered for the Latina Entrepreneurs Summit, now in its ninth year.
Guided by the theme “Vindication, Dignity, and Collective Power,” the day was filled with inspiration at every turn.
- In the Lightning Chats, women entrepreneurs shared their courage and wisdom.
- In the interactive conversations and round tables, we listened, dreamed, and built visions for our future.
- At the Mercadito, entrepreneurs proudly offered the fruits of their labor.
- At the information tables, our partner organizations reminded us that collaboration is the backbone of lasting change.
We ended the day with raffles, a joyful potluck, and a spirit of abundance, remembering that if you have little and I have little, then together we have a lot.
Our deepest gratitude goes to the sponsors and donations from entrepreneurs who made this possible, our incredible volunteers, and each of the participants who shared in the magic of growing the fueguito Prospera. Check out this video and look back on some of the very special moments with us.
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The Chingonas Giving Circle: Join the Movement
The Chingonas Giving Circle is a powerful community of women who pool their resources, practice authentic sisterhood, and decide together how to invest in Prospera’s future. We believe that philanthropy should be rooted in love, not paperwork. In our Giving Circle, we do things differently. We laugh, we listen, we cry, and most importantly, we show up for each other and for Prospera.
At our most recent gathering, 15 incredible Chingonas came together to connect, share, and dream. We laughed, we cried, and we deepened our bonds through creativity and care. One of Prospera’s own entrepreneurs, Nuris Martinez, founder of candle-making business Mecha y Cera, led us in a beautiful candle-making workshop that filled the room with inspiration. It was amazing to see each woman’s unique light reflected in her creation.
If you want to be part of this powerful circle, you can reach out to Communications Director Maite Gascó here to learn more. Below are a few photos capturing the warmth and joy of our time together.
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A Message from Isabel Allende
We close this season with a special message from Isabel Allende, one of our most cherished supporters, who reminds us that our collective strength can create the kind of world we dream of. Her words call on all of us to continue giving, sharing, and walking together, because transformation begins when we lift one another.
Be part of this growing movement for collective prosperity. Subscribe to our newsletter, make a donation, or share our work with someone who believes in the power of Latina entrepreneurs. Together, we can keep building a future rooted in dignity, cooperation, and love.
Thank you for being part of Prospera’s journey. Together, we are building a vibrant community of Latina-owned businesses, weaving cooperation, innovation, and collective power into every step we take.