Celebrating Mujeres Poderosas: A Morning of Inspiration and Empowerment
The Hispano Philanthropic Society’s Mujeres Poderosas Speaker Series brought together an incredible group of Hispanic and Latina leaders to share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs. Held in honor of Women’s History Month, this signature event celebrated the resilience, strength, and achievements of Hispanic women who are shaping their industries and communities.
The morning opened with remarks from Ana Trujillo, Chair of the Hispano Philanthropic Society, who highlighted HPS’ commitment to fostering leadership, philanthropy, and cultural prosperity within the Hispanic community. She reminded attendees that HPS was founded on the principles of giving back—through time, talent, and resources—to uplift and support one another.
Stories of Resilience, Leadership, and Breaking Barriers
The event featured three remarkable speakers, each of whom shared personal experiences that deeply resonated with the audience.
Marisa Magallanez set the tone for the morning with a powerful discussion on impostor syndrome and the courage it takes to push forward even when self-doubt creeps in. She spoke candidly about navigating uncomfortable situations and overcoming barriers, offering inspiration to many in attendance, particularly women who have faced similar struggles. One of the most touching moments was her story about struggling to embrace her last name—a deeply personal journey that ultimately led to self-acceptance and pride. Her heartfelt closing, featuring a message from her grandmother, moved many to tears.
Amanda Aragon, stepping in for Danielle Gonzales, spoke passionately about Danielle’s impact on education and community leadership. She also shared her own personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and surrounding oneself with people who challenge and uplift you. Her reflections on friendship, perseverance, and leadership inspired attendees to seek out and build strong support systems in their own lives.
Jamila Gilbert brought the event to a moving conclusion with her extraordinary journey—from growing up in a proud Hispanic family to becoming an astronaut. She shared the defining moments that led her to space, reflecting on the determination, resilience, and cultural pride that fueled her path forward. As the fourth Latina to travel to space, her story was profoundly powerful, inspiring not only Latinas but women from all backgrounds to pursue their dreams fearlessly.
Recognizing Women of influence
In addition to these powerful stories, HPS was proud to recognize several outstanding women in the community. Seven of the 25 recipients of the 2025 Albuquerque Business First Women of Influence Awards were nominated by HPS, highlighting the remarkable contributions of Hispanic women across various fields. Honorees in attendance were presented with flowers and a well-deserved round of applause. Congratulations to Angela Serrano de Rivera, Jade Rivera, Beverlie Frazier, Kristin Garcia, Stephanie Santillanes, Raquel Benavidez, and Melissa Pacheco-Armijo!
Additionally, Justina Grant was celebrated as a recipient of Albuquerque Business First’s 40 Under 40 Award, recognizing her leadership and commitment to making a difference in the community.
A Lasting Impact
As the event came to a close, it was clear that the stories shared had left a profound impact on everyone in the room. The Mujeres Poderosas Speaker Series is more than just a gathering; it is a call to action—a reminder of the importance of lifting each other up, celebrating achievements, and continuing the work of empowering future generations.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Marisa Magallanez, Amanda Aragon, and Jamila Gilbert for their honesty, wisdom, and inspiration. Their voices continue to pave the way for women in leadership, reinforcing the power of representation, resilience, and community.
If you believe in the mission of uplifting and empowering the Hispanic community, we invite you to join the Hispano Philanthropic Society and become part of this movement. Together, we can continue to make a lasting impact!
