In celebration of International Women’s Day, Davenport University is hosting Mujeres in Business: Breaking Barriers, an empowering networking event and panel discussion for members of the public on Thursday, March 20, at 5 p.m.

The event will feature a panel of eight Latina entrepreneurs from the book Mujeres in Business: Michigan Edition, authored by Isabel Flores and Zoraida Sánchez. These inspiring business leaders will share their journeys, challenges and triumphs in the world of entrepreneurship.

Panelists for the event include Zoraida Sánchez, Liza Alvarez, María Erazo, María Marquez, Isabel López Slattery, Nohemi Herrera, Alejandra Walters and María Fernanda Gómez.

Mujeres in Business: Breaking Barriers will take place in Davenport’s Robert W. Sneden Center Auditorium on the W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus, 6191 Kraft Ave. SE.

“This event is about celebrating Latina entrepreneurs who have made a lasting impact in Michigan and beyond,” said Alejandra Guillén, director of marketing for Casa Latina. “Casa Latina is dedicated to empowering Latino students, professionals, and entrepreneurs by providing opportunities for leadership, education and community engagement.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to network, engage in a panel discussion, and participate in a Q&A session with the featured entrepreneurs. The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

Attendees can click here for more information and to register.

In 2024, Davenport University launched Casa Latina, a one-of-a-kind groundbreaking approach to higher education utilizing bilingual methodology across its curriculum to help students become experts in their chosen fields, and professionally proficient in both English and Spanish.

“This event aligns with our mission to uplift and support the growing influence of Latina leaders in business and beyond,” said Guillén. “We want to showcase their resilience, leadership and contributions to the business community.”

According to Pew Research, Latinos will become nearly 30% of the U.S. population by 2050. Yet despite being the fastest growing group, Latinos are the least represented in higher education. Using Michigan as an example, Latinos represent 6% of the population but only 2% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. That’s compared to 20% of all Michiganders. Davenport is committing the resources to change that.

The program, offered 100% online, gives students complete flexibility to learn where they are while always having the support of campus resources.

Please visit https://www.davenport.edu/casa-latina or call 866-383-3548 for more information on Davenport University’s one-of-a-kind Casa Latina program.