Through its summer institute for college-age women and its executive program for professionals, the National Hispana Leaderhip Institute has been an impressive networking and training force for an often neglected demographic. Henry Allen of the Discount foundation convened a meeting with Cristina Lopez, the new director of the Institute, which is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

These programs have had a profound effect on the lives of graduates: younger women have advanced education at a rate far exceeding their peers, and the professionals have experienced significant career growth, with 37 percent of graduates serving on national boards, and nearly a quarter going on to run for public office. Perhaps the most impressive outcome has been the development of a national network of alumnae (89 percent of graduates report staying in touch with their classmates). Together, these women have provided mentoring for thousands of young Latinas in every state and in Puerto Rico.