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Welcome to the Midwest Mujeres Blogs and Resources page.
To access the Spanish version, please toggle the translation tab to Spanish. This tab can be found at the bottom, left corner of the website on desktop, and at the top left hand corner on mobile.
Bienvenido a la página de blogs y recursos de Midwest Mujeres.
Para acceder a la versión en español, cambie la pestaña de traducción a español. Esta pestaña se puede encontrar en la esquina inferior izquierda del sitio web en la versión de escritorio y en la esquina superior izquierda en la versión de dispositivo móvil.


Who We Are: The Heart of Midwest Mujeres
We teach women how to shape their lived experiences into powerful, structured narratives. Midwest Mujeres is more than an organization; we are a community rooted in storytelling, healing, and economic empowerment.

Midwest Mujeres
3 days ago3 min read


Mentorship for Midwest Women: Empowering Women Through Midwest Mujeres
The Midwest Mujeres Collective is a shining example of how mentorship can be structured to maximize impact. This organization is dedicated to Latina and other Black and Brown women entrepreneurs, providing a space where mentorship is accessible, culturally relevant, and empowering.
Araceli Esparza
Apr 65 min read


Menopause as a Latina: Embracing Change with Strength and Support
Menopause is a natural phase in every woman’s life—but for Latinas, it’s layered with culture, silence, strength, and lately… a little bit of viral joy.
As we navigate this transition, understanding our bodies and our cultural practices—like pláticas (heart-centered conversations)—can make all the difference. At Midwest Mujeres, we don’t just “manage symptoms”… we hold space, tell truth, and transform together.
Araceli Esparza
Mar 183 min read


Gratitude for Community
My personal journey of becoming a founder might have begun from a place of sadness or rejection, but that was just the spark. I found hope in the stories of other women. When I began to share my story, they shared mine. I could not help but think, "If I'm learning from you, what could others learn? What inspiration would other people get?"
Araceli Esparza
Mar 63 min read


Chingona, what does it mean?
Chingona means a woman who is intelligent, fearless, and can get things done! Mujeres/Women are now taking the word to mean a universal way to become the best version of who you are, without discounting your roots, history, and culture!
Araceli Esparza
Mar 31 min read


Unlock Financial Growth through Success Workshops
Are you ready to take your business and personal finances to the next level? I know I am! Financial growth is not just about making more money; it’s about building a strong foundation that supports your dreams and ambitions. One of the most powerful ways to unlock this growth is by participating in financial growth workshops designed specifically for Latina and other Black and Brown women entrepreneurs. These workshops offer practical tools, inspiring stories, and a supporti
Araceli Esparza
Feb 224 min read


Unlock Financial Success with Expert Workshops for Financial Skill Development
Financial skill development is more than just learning how to balance a checkbook or create a budget. It’s about mastering the money mindset, understanding investment opportunities, and making strategic decisions.
Araceli Esparza
Feb 94 min read


Achieving Financial Success for Women: Empowering Financial Success Strategies
I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate the financial world, but with the right strategies, mindset, and tools, you can build a thriving business and secure your economic future. Today, I want to share practical, actionable financial success strategies that will help you grow your business, close the wage gap, and create lasting wealth for your community. Sign up for our upcoming workshop on Feb 12!
Araceli Esparza
Jan 74 min read


🌸 “Meet Stephanie & Georgina: Why our stories (and your support) matter.”🌸
As Midwest Mujeres closes our first year as an official nonprofit, we’re reflecting on the women who shaped this journey — women like Stephanie Habeck and Georgina Guerrero Hernandez, whose stories remind us why this work exists. Stephanie, a cosmetologist and owner of Stephanie’s Chair, joined Yo Quiero Dinero while navigating the everyday realities of rent, bills, and survival. She came for business support, but what she found was community — a place where her voice was val
Araceli Esparza
Dec 9, 20253 min read


Community Testimonials
Post-event blog on our impact and community testimonials
Araceli Esparza
Nov 17, 20252 min read


Joanna Roldan-Guerrero is Creating Confident Smiles and Stronger Futures for All
Creating Confident Smiles and Stronger Futures for All. Joanna Roldan embodies quiet strength and determination. As a dental assistant student, she’s learning that oral health care is about more than perfect teeth—it’s about teamwork, empathy, and confronting internal bias. Her path reflects the resilience of a young woman of color who has learned to work twice as hard to reach her goals. Watch her story at our show on Sat. Nov. 8th at the MyArts Theater.
Araceli Esparza
Oct 30, 20252 min read


Teaching from the Heart: Francelia Lara Shapes the Next Generation of Caregivers
Francelia Lara's story is one of service, commitment, and community transformation. Through her workshops and mentorship, she helps women build confidence and capacity as educators and caregivers, ensuring that every child’s early experiences are filled with care, culture, and connection. Discover her lessons as a child care provider and what keeps her hope in the next generation.
Araceli Esparza
Oct 29, 20251 min read


Finding Peace in the Mess: How Jo Fernandez Brings Calm to Chaos
With every project, Jo Fernandez helps individuals and families declutter their homes and their hearts, creating environments that support mental wellness and ease. For Jo, cleaning is not just a task — it’s an act of care, a ritual of restoration. Come on Sat. Nov 8th and learn from her story of reinvention and finding meaning in her life.
Araceli Esparza
Oct 28, 20251 min read


Healing Across Borders: Maria Elena Matos-Schultz’s Journey from Peru to Madison
Today, as the leader of I Care LLC, Maria Elena provides compassionate respite care for adults with dignity and love. Her story embodies adaptability, purpose, and service — a testament to how one woman’s commitment to healing can cross borders and languages, bringing comfort con corazón to every community she touches.
Araceli Esparza
Oct 27, 20251 min read


How Jenise Judon Transforms Struggle into Strength
Líder con corazón | Bold community leader and changemaker Jenise Judon is the founder of Never Say No Enterprises and a Director with Urban Triage, where she lives out her mission to empower lives, build community, and inspire change. A dynamic speaker and organizer, Jenise has become a respected voice in Madison’s social justice movement, known for her authenticity and fierce compassion. Her story — one of resilience, faith, and transformation — reminds others that healing
Araceli Esparza
Oct 22, 20251 min read


Where Self-Love Begins: Stephanie Habeck’s Chair as a Space for Transformation
Where Self-Love Begins: Stephanie Habeck’s Chair as a Space for Transformation
Stephanie Habeck is the owner and operator of Stephanie’s Chair, a salon where beauty meets belonging. With over 20 years of experience behind the chair, Stephanie has created more than a business — she’s built a refuge. Join her and others on Sat. Nov 8th at the MyArts Theater, at 4 PM.
Araceli Esparza
Oct 22, 20251 min read


Georgina Guerrero: Mujer valiente | Latina entrepreneur and community advocate
Georgina Guerrero embodies the resilience of Latina motherhood and the entrepreneurial spirit of her community. A dedicated secretary, daycare teacher, and local businesswoman, Georgina balances many roles with grace and determination. Discover her story on Saturday, Nov 8 at 4 PM at the MyArts theater
Araceli Esparza
Oct 20, 20251 min read


Breaking the Cycle: How Stephany Penate Turns Financial Literacy into Liberation. Knowledge is power — especially when it comes to our money.
Stephany Penate is a first-generation Latina whose journey to financial empowerment began with a simple question — Why didn’t anyone teach us this sooner? Growing up in a family living in “survival mode,” she learned early that knowledge is power, especially around money. Join us on Sat. Nov 8th at the MyArts Theater, Madison, WI, to hear from Stephany and her journey.
Araceli Esparza
Oct 15, 20251 min read


Numbers with Soul: How Aida Leflore Helps Others Build Financial Freedom | Contadora Afro-Cubana | Afro-Cuban accountant & entrepreneur
“Simplified Finances Where You Are - On All Levels"
Every day, Aida helps business owners make sense of money and overcome the barriers of bookkeeping. Aida Leflore is an Afro-Cuban American accountant and entrepreneur, founder of Leflore Accounting Services LLC in Madison, Wisconsin. With over a decade of professional experience, she supports individuals, nonprofits, and businesses in achieving financial stability and peace of mind. Join her on Nov 8 at the MyArts Theater
Araceli Esparza
Oct 14, 20251 min read


From Food Truck to Family Legacy: Tennisha Loggins Builds Community Through Flavor
Tennisha Loggins is the CEO of Loggins Family Business LLC in Beloit, Wisconsin — a venture rooted in love, legacy, and good food. She will also be a speaker at Yo Quiero Dinero! Our Stories Matter this year on Nov 8th at the MyArts theater. Her entrepreneurial path began with a simple but powerful gift from her mother: a food truck. That spark became Snacks & Stuff Truck & Catering, a business known for its sabor and heart.
Araceli Esparza
Oct 14, 20251 min read
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