Houston celebrates National Latina Day honoring tech innovators

During a recent city council meeting in Houston, Mayor John Whitmire proclaimed August 20 as National Latina Day, emphasizing the significant contributions of Latina innovators in the technology sector. This annual observance, established in 2015, aims to celebrate the achievements of Latinas across various fields, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), where they currently represent only 8% of the workforce.

The mayor highlighted the growing Latino population in the U.S., projected to reach over 25% by 2060, and noted that Latinas are the fastest-growing demographic among adult women in the country. He underscored the importance of providing opportunities for young Hispanic women in tech, urging the community to support and inspire the next generation of Latina leaders.

The meeting also recognized LSA Global, an organization dedicated to empowering Latinos in the tech ecosystem, which has been active since 2011. The event featured several Latina innovators who were honored for their contributions, including representatives from various tech organizations and initiatives in Houston.

In addition to the celebration of National Latina Day, the council also commemorated the 45th anniversary of the Houston Police Department's Chicano Squad. This specialized unit was established to address rising crime rates in the Latino community and has since become a model for community policing, achieving a remarkable 91% homicide clearance rate in 1997. The squad's legacy includes numerous accolades and a forthcoming documentary set to debut in September 2024.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for the community to recognize and support the vital roles that Latinas play in shaping Houston's future, both in technology and public service.