The mission of the 100 Hispanic Women National, Inc. (100HW) is simple yet powerful: to inspire Latinas to maximize their strengths and reach their full potential, becoming equal partners in a world where opportunity, justice, recognition, respect, and dignity are available to all. Established in 1995, the nonprofit organization has been a steadfast advocate for Hispanic women, offering resources, mentorship, and programs designed to empower them in both their personal and professional lives. 100HW strives to ensure that Latinas of all ages and backgrounds have the support they need to succeed, whether it’s through educational enrichment, leadership development, or creating networking opportunities. The organization’s mission aims to break down barriers and create a future where Latina women are equally represented in leadership roles, respected for their contributions, and fully able to make a difference in their communities.

100 HW’s Dynamic Leadership

In December 2022, Catherine Garcia was elected as the new president of the 100 Hispanic Women National, Inc. by a unanimous vote. With nearly eight years of dedicated service on the board, Catherine is a natural leader deeply committed to the organization's mission and values. Her election marks an exciting new chapter for the organization, one that promises to build on  past successesand continue pushing for positive change for Latina women.

Catherine aims to continue fostering an environment of empowerment and inclusion while expanding the network of Latina leaders who are making an impact both locally and nationally.

“I am deeply honored to lead 100HW into this new phase,” says Catherine Garcia. “My goal is to continue the impactful work done by my predecessors and develop new initiatives that will ensure Latinas have the support and resources to thrive. We have an incredible community of women, and I look forward to working alongside them to make a lasting difference.”

Catherine’s leadership promises to bring fresh energy and perspective to the organization, reinforcing its foundational mission to empower Latinas and ensure they have the opportunities they deserve to succeed.

In addition, a key figure at the 100HW is Mrs. Jillian Gonzalez Pellegrino, who serves as the Scholarship President. Jillian has dedicated over 14 years to educating students as ateacher of English as a New Language (ENL), helping students from diverse countries and backgrounds excel academically. Through her teaching and travels, including stints in Cuba, Spain, and Ecuador, she has gained invaluable experience that informs her work as the Scholarship President for 100HW. “I’m passionate about teaching and helping students navigate their educational journey,” says Jillian. “As Scholarship President, my goal is to ensure that more Latinas have access to the resources they need to achieve their academic dreams. I want them to know that they have the support of a powerful community behind them.”

Scholarship Program: Supporting Latina Students at All Levels

One of the most vital initiatives of the 100 Hispanic Women National, Inc. is its scholarship program. The program is designed to support Latina students at various stages of their educational journey. By offering financial assistance, leadership training, and a sense of community, 100HW helps Latinas succeed academically and professionally.

The scholarships available are theShirley Rodriguez Remeneski Scholarship, the  Young Latinas Leadership Institute Scholarship, and the:.

 Graduate Fellowship.

“Applying for these scholarships is not just about receiving financial aid; it's about joining a community of empowered Latinas who are committed to helping each other succeed,” says Jillian Gonzalez Pellegrino. “The scholarships provide more than financial assistance—they offer the tools to build a fulfilling, impactful career.”

This year, the scholarships aim to support students who show great promise and are driven to make a difference in their communities and beyond. Scholarship recipients will not only gain financial support for their studies but will also be invited to participate in leadership training programs and networking opportunities to connect with other Latinas making a difference.

To be eligible for the 100HW scholarships, applicants must meet specific requirements, which may vary depending on the scholarship category. Here are the basic criteria for each:

Shirley Rodriguez Remeneski Scholarship (A $1,000 award for students pursuing an Associate’s degree):

• Must be a Latina student pursuing an Associate’s degree.
• Must be enrolled in a U.S. accredited institution.
• Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
1. Young Latinas Leadership Institute Scholarship ( A $1,000 award for students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree):
• Must be a Latina student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree.
• Must be enrolled in a U.S. accredited institution.
• Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Graduate Fellowship (A prestigious fellowship offering up to $2,500 for students pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree ):

• Must be a Latina student pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree.
• Must be enrolled in a U.S. accredited institution.
• Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

All applicants must also be U.S. citizens or legal residents and must demonstrate a commitment to leadership and community service.

The application process involves submitting a completed application form,  and supporting materials such as a personal essay, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of enrollment. Successful applicants will be selected based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to empowering the Latina community. 

Applications for the 2025 scholarship cycle are now open, and we encourage all eligible Latina students to apply. The application deadline for these scholarships is April 1, 2025.

Fostering Professional and Personal Growth Opportunities

This is a unique opportunity to join a  robust community  committed to fostering the success of Latina women across all sectors of society. Whether you're just starting your academic journey or a graduate student pursuing a higher degree, the scholarships available through 100HW are designed to support you every step of the way. The organization is here to provide you with the resources, tools, and community support necessary  to thrive.

In the coming months, 100HW will host a series of exciting events that will allow members to engage, learn, and grow professionally and personally Some of the events include workshops, webinars, and networking meetups, all aimed at strengthening the leadership potential of Latina women and promoting personal development. Stay updated on upcoming events by visiting our https://100hispanicwomen.org, where you can find more information. 

As the 100 Hispanic Women National, Inc. continues to grow, we invite everyone to be a part of this important mission.