Get ready for an unforgettable night of culture, community, and celebration. Join Mujer, Inc. on July 11, 2026, to celebrate 45 years of legacy and hermanidad. Taking place at Peoria’s Lakes Recreation Center, the evening will be a beautiful fusion of culture, fine dining, an exciting raffle, and live music by Soul Persuasion.
In preparation for this golden anniversary, members are reflecting on how Mujer, Inc. has shaped their personal journeys and amplified their voices. It is a powerful reminder that Mujer’s history is just as rich as the cultura we champion.
“Celebrating Mujer’s legacy means honoring 45 years of service, leadership, and commitment to our community. Reaching this milestone is a remarkable achievement, especially for a small nonprofit organization that has successfully navigated economic challenges while continuing to make a meaningful impact. What makes this legacy even more inspiring is that it has been sustained by a dedicated, working board made up entirely of volunteers who are passionate about giving back and serving others.” – Maria Brunner, President.
Mana: A Focus on Hermanidad
The story of Mujer, Inc. began in 1981, ignited by the determination of professional Chicanas and Latinas in Phoenix. Their mission was clear: to build a dedicated space for women to network, foster deep-rooted hermanidad, and champion one another through both professional hurdles and societal changes.
“To me, the Mujer mission represents empowerment through connection and service. It means believing in the potential of every woman, encouraging one another to grow, and creating a community where everyone feels valued and supported. As someone who is passionate about helping others, I see the Mujer mission as a reminder that leadership is about lifting others up, sharing knowledge, and leaving a meaningful impact for future generations.” – Rosamaria Sudea-Garcia, Board Member
Shortly after its inception, Mujer, Inc. launched Project Mana—a name beautifully derived from the Spanish word “hermana,” meaning sister. Founded on the core value of hermanidad, the program was created to tackle the critical social issues disproportionately affecting young Latinas at the time, specifically high dropout rates and teenage pregnancy. By leaning into sisterhood, Mujer, Inc. provided a vital safety net and a roadmap for success when young women needed it most.
“I made some very painful mistakes in my young adulthood and I believe if I had gone through a program such as ours, it may have helped me to avoid some of them. As mature women, our nurturing nature is to pass along the valuable lessons of life, and our time with the girls during the conferences allows us to share some of those experiences.” – Cynthia Burruel, Board Member
Designed for young Latinas in grades 8–12, the Project Mana Leadership Program focuses on building self-esteem, fostering cultural pride, and amplifying individual voices. The curriculum drives home the importance of academic perseverance and the life-changing potential of higher learning.
“I joined Mujer because I wanted to be a voice and role model for Latina youth. I want young Latinas to see someone who looks like them and know that with hard work, dedication, self-respect, and pride in their identity, anything is possible. My hope for the next 40+ years is to see more young Latinas step into leadership roles, continue Mujer’s legacy, serve on our board, and help lead programs such as the Project Mana Conference. By investing in the next generation, we can ensure that Mujer’s mission and impact continue to grow.” – Maria Brunner, President
From 1995 to 2024, Project Mana leadership retreats, impacted the lives of approximately 20,000 young Latinas. To ensure the program’s long-term sustainability and meet changing financial realities, Mujer, Inc. intentionally redesigned the initiative, securing its future so it can continue uplifting the next generation of leaders.
“Mujer’s mission and legacy are about creating opportunities, uplifting our community, and ensuring that every woman knows her voice matters. As we celebrate the past 40 years, I also think about the future. It’s our responsibility to continue investing in young Latinas, mentoring the next generation of leaders, and creating spaces where they feel seen, valued, and empowered to achieve their dreams. That’s how Mujer’s legacy will continue to grow for generations to come.” – Rosamaria Sudea-Garcia, Board Member
The Work Continues
Today, Mujer, Inc continues to focus on Project Mana’s concept of “sisterhood.” Through the Mujer, Inc. Institute—the adult counterpart to the youth programming—the organization hosts a dynamic series of personal and professional development workshops. Led by Latina subject-matter experts, these sessions provide adult women with the tools, mentorship, and networks necessary to thrive in both their careers and personal lives.
“I believe it is very important to guide our young women to make strong decisions for themselves as they mature because culturally and socially, Latinas still face stereotypes, sometimes within their own families. When a young girl is faced with conflicting viewpoints from friends and family, an organization such as ours can help them with finding their own voice and their own story and help them make sense of the world they grow into.” – Cynthia Burruel, Board Member
To deepen its impact in the community, Project Mana has evolved from traditional multi-day retreat into powerful, one-day leadership conferences hosted in direct partnership with local public schools. This intentional shift allows the organization to open its doors to significantly more young Latinas in grades 8–12. While the format has changed, the mission remains unwavering: these conferences continue to deliver a unique, gender-specific curriculum designed to foster cultural pride, self-esteem, and academic ambition.
“Mujer’s mission and legacy remind us of the importance of kindness, authenticity, and service. We all have two hands—one to receive help when we need it and one to reach back and help those who come after us. By lifting others as we climb, we create a stronger community and ensure that our legacy of empowerment and service continues for generations to come.” – Maria Brunner, President
The Power of Legacy
From Participant to advocate, Martha Castro’s world opened up when she attended the Project MANA retreat between 2007 and 2010. The life-changing experience broke her out of her shell, connected her to a powerful network of supportive Latina mentors, and laid the foundation for the confident woman she is today.
Now an Arizona State University graduate with a proud career in Phoenix, Martha has been an active member of Mujer, Inc. since 2022. Here’s how Mujer’s legacy helped shape her.
“To me, Mujer’s legacy is about honoring the strength, resilience, and sacrifices of the women who came before us. It’s about recognizing the way they broke barriers, nurtured their families and communities, and paved the way for future generations. Their legacy inspires me to lead with compassion, courage, and authenticity while empowering others along the way.” – Rosamaria Sudea-Garcia, Board Member
An Unforgettable Celebration
There is no better way to celebrate 45 years of legacy and hermanidad than with a summer celebration featuring an incredible dinner, a lively dance floor, a cash bar, and a a chance to score box suite tickets to see Los Tigres Del Norte.
By joining the festivities, you aren’t just creating endless memories—you are directly supporting the future of the Mujer Institute and Project Mana.
Tickets are on sale now, and don’t miss out on sponsorship opportunities. Secure your spot today to celebrate how far Mujer, Inc. has come, and help pave the way for the next 45 years.
“People should join the Mujer’s celebration because it is an opportunity to honor our shared accomplishments and invest in the future of our community. The work we do would not be possible without the support of our members, volunteers, partners, and supporters. By celebrating together, we strengthen our connections, recognize the leaders among us, and inspire the next generation of community changemakers.” – Maria Brunner, President