Mission Statement
2023
Latina Fifty-Plus is a non-partisan Bronx based 501(c) (3) non-profit, that pays tribute to Latinas fifty years of age and up who were pioneers in various career fields. Latinas who shaped their careers in a time when Latina women ventured onto pathways where very few were seen or accepted. The program acknowledges these trailblazers who were among the first in their professions. Latinas who faced the challenges of racial discrimination and social justice issues but continued their career paths with purpose and dedication. Latina 50 Plus’s focus will be to create space for these leaders to meet and discuss their achievements through personal narratives. They can provide a historical perspective on what it was like to have lived in a time when Latina feminism was not the norm or tolerated. By sharing their narratives Latina 50 Plus will not only create opportunities for to share their legacies, but to also create a platform for younger generations to learn from.
These career-minded professionals were the leaders who fought to dispel commonly held
stereotypes, some of which are still with us today. By honoring these Latina leaders,
we are honoring our history as women of a certain generation who laid down the steppingstones.
of change for future generations of Latinas. These are the women who mentored and inspired
younger women to pursue their own dreams and realize their own goals.
In appreciation of these Latina leaders, Latina 50 Plus will honor them at an annual Networking Event and Award Ceremony (formerly the Latina 50 Plus Annual Award Ceremony). As of 2023, Latina 50 Plus will be awarding newly named awards that will encompass the original awards: arts, community service, education, healthcare/medicine, law, and literature.
From 2014 to 2021 Latina 50 Plus as awarded the following: 48 Honoree Awards, 7 Lifetime Achievement Awards, and 7 Academic Scholarships.
Maria Aponte -Founder and President Latina 50 Plus Inc.
2023
Latina Fifty-Plus is a non-partisan Bronx based 501(c) (3) non-profit, that pays tribute to Latinas fifty years of age and up who were pioneers in various career fields. Latinas who shaped their careers in a time when Latina women ventured onto pathways where very few were seen or accepted. The program acknowledges these trailblazers who were among the first in their professions. Latinas who faced the challenges of racial discrimination and social justice issues but continued their career paths with purpose and dedication. Latina 50 Plus’s focus will be to create space for these leaders to meet and discuss their achievements through personal narratives. They can provide a historical perspective on what it was like to have lived in a time when Latina feminism was not the norm or tolerated. By sharing their narratives Latina 50 Plus will not only create opportunities for to share their legacies, but to also create a platform for younger generations to learn from.
These career-minded professionals were the leaders who fought to dispel commonly held
stereotypes, some of which are still with us today. By honoring these Latina leaders,
we are honoring our history as women of a certain generation who laid down the steppingstones.
of change for future generations of Latinas. These are the women who mentored and inspired
younger women to pursue their own dreams and realize their own goals.
In appreciation of these Latina leaders, Latina 50 Plus will honor them at an annual Networking Event and Award Ceremony (formerly the Latina 50 Plus Annual Award Ceremony). As of 2023, Latina 50 Plus will be awarding newly named awards that will encompass the original awards: arts, community service, education, healthcare/medicine, law, and literature.
From 2014 to 2021 Latina 50 Plus as awarded the following: 48 Honoree Awards, 7 Lifetime Achievement Awards, and 7 Academic Scholarships.
Maria Aponte -Founder and President Latina 50 Plus Inc.
MARIA APONTE is a Poet/Performance Artist/ Community Arts Activist/Educator She is a two-time recipient of the International Latino Book Award for Transitions of a Nuyorican Cinderella and The Gift of Loss. Maria’s lifetime work as a Nuyorican Poet will be included in upcoming Puerto Rican Diaspora Literary Project Arte Publico Press, Houston University. Maria is a participant in the Fordham University Bronx COVIID 19 Oral History Project. A 2021 honoree the Bronx Book Fair for Community Service and Literary Excellent. May 21, 2022, Maria was honored by her Alma Mater, Marymount Manhattan College, the Mother Raymunde Mckay Award in recognition of distinguished service and outstanding contributions in the community, and her work in Diversity and Inclusion at Fordham University. Maria has her MA in Latin American/Latino Studies from the Graduate School of Arts & Science Fordham University. She is the Founder and President of Latina 50 Plus, Inc. a nonprofit honoring Latinas 50 and up dedicated to various professional career field.
In November 2022, Maria was honored for her work at Fordham University's Career Center as Assistant Director of Global Diversity & Inclusion and her 22 years of service in Higher Education. Maria is also the recpient of several awards for her work in Community Service in the Bronx.
George Acevedo Business Advisory Board Member
Maribel Gonzalez Proprietor of the South of France Restaurant
Business/Official Caterer
Yvette Martinez Co-Founder of ¡Retumba! All women’s folkloric dance group.
Nonprofit Advisor Board Member
Nonprofit Advisor Board Member
Sponsors
