Encanto’s Yvett Merino and Charise Castro Smith speak at the annual Latina History Day Conference
Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) hosted their 31st Annual Latina History Day Conference in Los Angeles Friday, and they brought together hundreds of women to recognize the historic and current achievements of Latinas while embracing the rich diversity of the Latina experience. HOPE has been instrumental in securing local, county, state, and congressional officials to declare the second Friday in March (during Women’s History Month) as Latina History Day, and this year’s theme was Empower Your Inner Genius.: ‘a call to action for each Latina to share their brilliance with the world, and a celebration of the Latina thinkers, creators, and doers, past and present, who have made history and continue to shape our future.’ HOLA! USA had the opportunity to participate in the Breakfast Program which featured a panel with the Oscar-nominated film Encanto’s producer Yvett Merino, and the film’s co-writer and co-director Charise Castro Smith. The panel gave insight into their lives and was inspiring for Latinas with big dreams.