Latinas First Foundation
We believe #GirlsCanBeWhatTheyCanSee Colorado plays host to incredible Latina leaders.
Established in 2011 by Juanita Chacon and Meshach Rhoades Latinas First elevates the Latina community by celebrating the cultural and historical contributions of Colorado Latinas and providing scholarships. The Latinas First Foundation is a unique organization that not only recognizes what these Latina leaders have accomplished, but also builds a community for other women to thrive. LFF is focused on the cultural and historical contributions of Latinas to the state of Colorado and to herald in a new generation of professional Latinas who provide immense value to our community. Whether you have just began your journey, are an Unsung Heroine or a Trailblazer, the Latinas First Foundation celebrates and welcomes you.
09/09/2026
We are so excited for our Annual Luncheon on Friday October 2nd, tickets are still available. We are honored to be featured on Denver Channel 7.
Latinas First Foundation to celebrate scholars and community leaders at annual luncheon The Latinas First Foundation will mark its 15th year during its ann...
07/22/2026
We are thrilled to announce that Dolores Huerta will join Latinas First Foundation as our Special Guest at the Annual Luncheon on October 2, 2026. She will be honored with the Inaugural Matriarca de Justicia Award — a tribute to her extraordinary leadership and unwavering dedication to justice. A true icon inspiring generations.
Reserve your spot today and learn more about our special Quinceañera Sponsorship: https://cvent.me/AaK04L
06/05/2026
✨ Honoring the 2026 Latinas First Foundation Trailblazers & Unsung Heroines✨
The Latinas First Foundation is proud to recognize and celebrate the exceptional women whose leadership, service, and vision continue to elevate our community. Each year, we honor individuals whose contributions reflect the values at the heart of our mission: empowerment and advancing Latinas across Colorado and beyond. This year’s honorees embody these ideals with distinction.
🌟2026 Trailblazer Award Recipients
• Andrea Albo
• Gloria Rubio Cortes
• Renee Ferrufino
• Lynne Valencia
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our 2026 Trailblazer Award recipients. This distinguished honor recognizes their unwavering commitment to leadership, innovation, advocacy, and meaningful impact within our communities.
Their dedication to empowering others and creating pathways for growth and inclusion serves as a powerful inspiration. Through their work, they elevate the voices and visibility of those too often underserved, while paving the way for future generations of Latina leaders.
Their accomplishments reflect the very essence of what it means to be a Trailblazer, and we are honored to celebrate this welldeserved recognition.
💛2026 Unsung Heroine Award Recipients
• Jackie Bouvier
• Gracie Gallego
• Diane Garcia
• Maria Gonzalez
We proudly congratulate our 2026 Unsung Heroine Award recipients. This recognition honors their steadfast commitment to quiet strength, compassionate leadership, and meaningful contributions that uplift our community in profound and lasting ways.
Their service—often carried out without expectation of recognition—exemplifies resilience, integrity, and a deep commitment to others. Through their efforts, they continue to open doors, strengthen community bonds, and amplify the voices of those who are too often overlooked.
They embody the true spirit of an Unsung Heroine, and we are privileged to honor their extraordinary impact.
Our Commitment
As an organization dedicated to uplifting and supporting Latinas, we deeply value the courage, service, and transformative vision demonstrated by each of our honorees. Their leadership strengthens our mission and inspires the next generation of Latina excellence.
We celebrate them. We honor them. And we thank them for the legacy they continue to build.
Come help us honor and celebrate these amazing women at our annual luncheon on October 2, 2026: https://cvent.me/z42Nq7
05/28/2026
🌟 Latinas First Foundation Welcomes Our New Board Members 🌟
We are thrilled to welcome five incredible leaders to the Latinas First Foundation Board of Directors:
• Yatzi Garcia is a first generation college graduate and AmeriCorps alumna whose career spans nonprofit, public service, higher education, and financial sectors, all centered on community impact. She leads statewide community engagement for Meritrust Credit Union, advances DEI initiatives, and is an active Latinas First Foundation member who co leads the Colfax Marathon effort.
• Amber Gonzales is a Denver-based litigator at Crowell & Moring with a strong record in commercial litigation and regulatory matters, representing clients from individuals to Fortune 100 companies. She also serves as President of the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association, leads mentoring programs, and has been widely recognized for her leadership and community impact.
• Dalila Martinez is the Vice President of Fraud and AML Compliance at CoBank, bringing more than 20 years of expertise in financial crimes, sanctions, and regulatory governance. A CAMS and CFCS credentialed leader, she serves on the boards of CAMS Colorado and deeply grounded in family and community.
• Neva Martinez leads federal financial management efforts for the U.S. Department of Energy, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, and fraud risk management for programs exceeding $2 billion annually. They also strengthen financial systems and policy implementation and contribute community leadership through the Adams 12 Finance and Audit Committee.
• Christina Trujillo is a seasoned audit, compliance, and privacy leader with more than 16 years in financial services and nearly two decades at Sony Electronics, where she earned the prestigious Samurai Society honor. She pairs deep risk management expertise with a long history of volunteerism supporting youth, underserved communities, and individuals with disabilities.
Each of these women brings a powerful commitment to community, a passion for elevating Latinas across Colorado, and depth of expertise that will strengthen our mission and impact.
Please join us in celebrating and welcoming them to the LFF family as we continue uplift, honor, and invest in the next generation of Latina leaders. https://latinasfirst.org/pages/about-us
05/15/2026
Please join us in celebrating our graduating 2026 Latinas First Foundation scholars!
Today, we celebrate not only this major academic achievement, but also their perseverance, leadership, and commitment to achieving their goals. Wherever your path leads you, we know you will make a meaningful impact in the world.
Each of you has worked so hard to reach this milestone, and we are incredibly honored to have been part of your journey!
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!
03/24/2026
03/11/2026
🎉 Celebrating 15 Years of Empowering Latinas! 🎉
The Latinas First Foundation is honored to celebrate our 15th Anniversary at our annual luncheon on October 2, 2026 at the Hyatt Convention Center. A milestone made possible and rooted in our theme, “Raíces Fuertes, Futuro Poderoso-Strong Roots, Powerful Future” by the incredible women, scholars, mentors, sponsors and community partners who believe in the power of Latina leadership.
For fifteen years, we’ve invested in education, celebrated cultural pride, and opened doors for the next generation of trailblazing Latinas across Colorado. This luncheon is more than an event — it’s a tribute to the stories, resilience, and brilliance of the women who inspire us every day.
✨ Here’s to 15 years of impact — and to the future leaders we’re lifting up together.
We appreciate everyone who has supported us throughout this journey and contributed to the fulfilment of our moto: “Girls Can Be What They Can See.” We look forward to celebrating this accomplishment together. Please click the link to register: https://cvent.me/z42Nq7 or scan the QR Code below.
03/11/2026
🎉 Celebrating 15 Years of Empowering Latinas! 🎉
The Latinas First Foundation is honored to celebrate our 15th Anniversary at our annual luncheon on October 2, 2026 at the Hyatt Convention Center. A milestone made possible and rooted in our theme, “Raíces Fuertes, Futuro Poderoso-Strong Roots, Powerful Future” by the incredible women, scholars, mentors, sponsors and community partners who believe in the power of Latina leadership.
For fifteen years, we’ve invested in education, celebrated cultural pride, and opened doors for the next generation of trailblazing Latinas across Colorado. This luncheon is more than an event — it’s a tribute to the stories, resilience, and brilliance of the women who inspire us every day.
✨ Here’s to 15 years of impact — and to the future leaders we’re lifting up together.
We appreciate everyone who has supported us throughout this journey and contributed to the fulfilment of our moto: “Girls Can Be What They Can See.” We look forward to celebrating this accomplishment together. Please click the link to register: https://cvent.me/z42Nq7 or scan the QR Code.
02/24/2026
This is the last week to submit scholarship applications, the deadline is February 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Don't delay…apply today!
https://lnkd.in/gydYQNCf
02/05/2026
We’re teaming up with Burn Boot Camp Lakewood for a community-powered workout in support of the Latinas First Foundation as part of our Colfax Series.This event is about more than movement — it’s about showing up together, building strength in community, and creating impact beyond the gym. Whether you’re training for Colfax or just looking for a fun way to give back, this workout is for you.
🗓️ February 21 @ 10 AM
📍 Burn Boot Camp Lakewood
🐦 Early bird pricing available through February 5!
🎟️ Tiered pricing to support accessibility
🚼 Childcare will be available during the workout
🤍 Open to all — all fitness levels welcome
Register here:
https://latinasfirst.org/collections/upcoming-events/products/community-workout-burn-boot-camp-lakewood-latinas-first-foundation
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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PO BOX 36157
Denver, CO
80236