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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 top of the website on desktop and 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 arriba.


Growing Together: Introducing Our New Midwest Mujeres Membership
Discover the new Midwest Mujeres Membership! Join by September 10 to receive a complimentary business directory listing, exclusive member benefits, discounted coaching, networking opportunities, and support a thriving community of Latina and Black women entrepreneurs.

Midwest Mujeres
Aug 24 min read


Voices and Dreams Academy: Nobody Ever Told Us Our Stories Were Worth Money
Turn your story into power.
Midwest Mujeres invites you to join the Voices and Dreams Academy
Apply now—our stories have value, and yours deserve to be heard. Show Date: Sunday, Nov 1 at the Goodman Community Center
Araceli Esparza
Jul 216 min read


Mai Dia Vang: Creating Her Own Path, Honoring Her Roots
For Mai Dia Vang, a sunset photograph captures the freedom of embracing her creativity. Today, she connects teaching, art, and Hmong heritage to her vision for the business.

Midwest Mujeres
3 days ago4 min read


Public Speaking Tips from Latina Leaders
Discover public speaking tips from Gabriela Parra and Shelene Zárate on finding your purpose, preparing your story, and speaking with authenticity.
At Cyber Cafecito, Gabriela Parra and Shelene Zárate shared practical advice for telling your story with purpose, preparation, and authenticity—even when you’re nervous.

Midwest Mujeres
4 days ago2 min read


Christina Pardo: Looking Up a Future That Feels Like Home
Meet Christina Pardo, founder of Only Meals by X in Madison, bringing restaurant experience, Colombian family traditions, and Latin-inspired meals to her business.
From her abuela’s kitchen in Chicago to restaurant leadership in Madison, Christina Pardo is turning years of hospitality experience into Only Meals by X. Join her on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 3 Pm at Goodman Community Center

Midwest Mujeres
5 days ago4 min read


Missy Mpati Husband: Bringing South African Flavor and Hospitality to Madison
Meet Missy Mpati Husband, a Madison chef, Kulture Kitchen founder, and real estate agent who shares South African flavors, hospitality, and an entrepreneurial vision.
With more than a decade of culinary experience, Missy Mpati Husband is growing Kulture Kitchen through South African flavors, creative dining experiences, and welcoming hospitality. Witness her story on Sunday, Nov. 1 at the Goodman Community Center from 3-7 PM

Midwest Mujeres
Oct 94 min read


Diana Pacheco Sanchez: Building a Legacy Through Faith
fter a serious accident left her unable to walk or work, Diana Pacheco Sanchez discovered that she had not lost her knowledge, faith or ability to build something new. Join her and our other storytellers on Sunday, Nov 1 at the Goodman Community Center at 3 PM

Midwest Mujeres
Oct 93 min read


Liliana Espejel: Who Are You When the Life That Defined You Changes?
When the career and life that defined her changed, Liliana Espejel began asking a deeper question: Who am I becoming? Her journey connects engineering, immigration, theater, and conscious reinvention. Join her and the women of Midwest on Sunday, Nov 1 at the Goodman Community Center for our annual storytelling event.

Midwest Mujeres
Oct 94 min read


Cyber Cafecito: Latina Leaders from Wisconsin
Grab your lunch and spend an hour with Midwest Mujeres as we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month! Women from Milwaukee, Janesville, South Madison, y Tejas are coming together on Zoom for conversation, connection, and a preview of our Voices & Dreams Academy storytellers. We know that you will love hearing what these Latina Leaders are saying about how they are closing the gender wage gap and why they challenged themselves with professional development like public speak

Midwest Mujeres
Oct 61 min read


Invest in You: A Black & Brown Women’s Wellness and Wealth Experience in Madison
Come for the ideas. Stay for the people you might not have met anywhere else. Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. | 4703 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI
When was the last time you made room to think about your health, your money, and the future you want for yourself?
Invest in You is an afternoon created for that conversation.

Midwest Mujeres
Oct 63 min read


Francis Flores, Making Room for Another Beginning
Francis Flores Ahumada is an administrative professional in Madison, Wisconsin. Originally from Peru, she studied journalism before coming to the United States in 2007. Her experience includes childcare, customer service, quality inspection, manufacturing and office administration. She currently works as an administrative assistant with the National Youth Advocate Program. Join her on Sunday, Nov 1 at the Goodman Community Center and witness her story in community.

Midwest Mujeres
Oct 33 min read


Milsa Nagaraj, Choosing a Future of Her Own
Meet Milsa Nagaraj, Choosing a Future of Her Own. She is a Mexican immigrant and emergent nonprofit leader in Madison whose journey connects education, family, and the courage to ask for support. After years of balancing work and motherhood, Milsa Nagaraj invested in her education. Today, she brings that experience to serving her Madison community. Join us Sunday, Nov. 1, at the Goodman Community Center to hear her story and others. At 3 PM, we will have a community altar, an

Midwest Mujeres
Oct 33 min read


Jackie Holland: A Quiet and Present Latina Leader in the Human Resources Field
Meet Jackie Holland, a bilingual HR leader redefining strength through quiet leadership, self-trust, and the courage to be heard. Meet her and the 2026 Midwest Mujeres' Voices & Dreams Academy cohort on Sunday, November 1 at 3 PM at the Goodman Community Center. Jackie Holland has built a career helping others navigate difficult conversations. Now she is learning that her own quiet voice carries power.

Midwest Mujeres
Oct 33 min read


Jacquelyne Garcia, Starting Over Is Not the Same as Giving Up
Meet Jacquelyne Garcia, founder of Mystic Cleaning, and discover how starting over, building stronger systems and trusting herself transformed her journey. Jacquelyne Garcia became a young mother without knowing what her future would hold. Today, she leads a growing cleaning company, invests in real estate and is learning that starting over is not the same as giving up. Listen to her story on Sunday, Nov 1 at the Goodman Community Center at 3 PM

Midwest Mujeres
Oct 34 min read


Monica Weitzel Creating Connection Through Community
Monica Weitzel's professional journey is connected by one purpose: helping people feel welcomed, valued, and part of something meaningful. Join her on Sunday, Nov 1, at the Goodman Community Center at 3 PM for the community altar and at 5 PM for our storytelling show and dinner.

Midwest Mujeres
Oct 33 min read


Olivia Buenrostro Soto Helping Families Build a New Beginning
From public education to financial advising and maternal support, Olivia Buenrostro Soto has built a career helping families make informed decisions and begin again. Join her and the women of Midwest Mujeres on Sunday, Nov 1 at the Goodman Community Center at 3 PM

Midwest Mujeres
Oct 33 min read


Luz Padilla, I Still Have Time
After nearly 10 years in the same job, Luz Padilla returned to school and began building a new career in real estate. At 42, she is proving that it is never too late to begin again. Join her and the women of Midwest Mujeres on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 3 PM at the Goodman Community Center. These women have powerful stories to share with our community. American Dream through the eyes of women of the Americas.

Midwest Mujeres
Oct 33 min read


Putting a Face to Rosa Cares LLC
Meet Rosa Edwards, a 2026 Voices & Dreams Academy participant 2026 VOICES AND DREAMS ACADEMY PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT "At least now 13 places know your name.” Rosa Edwards has always known that she loves caring for people. She didn't always know how to turn that calling into a visible, sustainable business. As Founder and Care Coordinator of Rosa Cares LLC, Rosa provides compassionate in-home care for seniors and adults with disabilities. She built the company around dignity, pe
Araceli Esparza
Oct 33 min read


Meet the Women of the 2026 Voices & Dreams Academy
This Latino Heritage Month, Midwest Mujeres celebrates 15 women whose stories bring leadership, culture, creativity, and new beginnings to life.
What does the American Dream look like through the eyes of women from the Americas—and the communities they now call home?
For the women of the 2026 Voices & Dreams Academy, that question holds many answers: building a business, returning to education, creating stability for family, finding community, or giving yourself permission

Midwest Mujeres
Sep 304 min read


Empowering Women Workshops: Empowering Women Through Midwest Mujeres
Midwest Mujeres Collective is all about empowering women through connection, education, and opportunity.

Midwest Mujeres
Sep 264 min read
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