Latinos In Professional Organizations
Latin Times Magazine Goes One On One With Rosa Chavarria - President of the Hispanic Professional Women Association !
Latin Times Magazine : Where were you born and raised ? Rosa Chavarria : I was born in Varadero , Cuba . In 1961 , at the age of two , I moved to the United States to flee the Castro regime .
Latin Times Magazine : Where are your parents from ? Rosa Chavarria : My mom is from Matanzas , Cuba . My dad is from Cuba , not sure what city .
Latin Times Magazine : Tell us about your family . Rosa Chavarria : I have two brothers , one is a firefighter the other a developer . I have one sister ; she is a retired postal worker .
Latin Times Magazine : When did your term as president of Hispanic Professional Woman ’ s Association begin ? Rosa Chavarria : It began in July 2004 . more on growing through methods of networking , and through the promotion of businesses within the Latina community . We are also involved in children ’ s education with mentoring and reading programs .
Latin Times Magazine : Tell us about your team ? Rosa Chavarria : We are a cohesive team of intelligent and dedicated Latinas , focused on a mission to promote our organization and to let everyone know that we exist . We are also focusing on increasing our current membership .
Latin Times Magazine : Tell us about your “ real ” career . Rosa Chavarria : I have been a CPA for over 15 years in different capacities . Recently I joined in a partnership in the firm of Whittermor , Carrigan & Chavarria , CPA .
Latin Times Magazine : What message can you give business owners looking to more effectively reach the Latina community in Tampa Bay ? Rosa Chavarria : I would tell them to become members of the Hispanic Professional Women Association , the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce , as well as other Hispanic chambers and / or organizations .
Latin Times Magazine : What benefits can HPWA offer today ’ s business Latina ? Rosa Chavarria : We have many wonderful benefits to offer today ’ s business Latina . The HPWA offers assistance and education in many subjects including empowerment , and teaching Latinas about professional attire , conduct and social skills . One of the most valuable benefits of becoming a member of the HPWA is that we offer a unique opportunity to meet and conduct business with other business women in the community , and to develop and form meaningful friendships with
Latin Times Magazine : What changes have taken place since you began your administration with HPWA ? Rosa Chavarria : In 2004 , we began revamping to where we are now focusing
18 Abraza El Calor De Tu Cultura ! these hermanas . We also offer excellent opportunities and assistance in promoting our member businesses within the community , and offer our members the opportunity to participate at our events . Members also have access to our data base .
HPWA works in conjunction with area schools such as USF , HCC and others in developing and implementing mentoring programs for young Latinas , working toward increasing leadership skills and empowerment . Members of HPWA also serve as a referral source for each other , assisting Latinas prepare for tothe challenges of tomorrow .
The Hispanic Professional Women ’ s Association , Inc . was founded in May 1990 as a non-profit corporation registered in the state of Florida . Our mission is to enhance the professional image of Hispanic women by creating opportunities to share knowledge and to promote the value of higher education .
GOALS
· Support and develop educational opportunities for Hispanic women .
· Provide financial scholarships to qualified female Hispanic students .
· Provide leadership in the coordination of issue that address Hispanic concerns .
· Ensure adequate funding for HPWA ’ S operation and education activities by developing and coordinating events and programs .
· Maintain effective , positive , and open communication with the members , the community , and the general public .
· Continue efforts to increase the public ’ s awareness of HPWA and promote a positive image in the community .