Latinas Are Powering the U.S. Economy

This past week, we've been talking about Latina Equal Pay Day and the struggles Latinas face in the workplace, but today, I want to flip the script and focus on something empowering—our economic power. Latinas in the U.S. are not just contributors; we are a driving force behind the nation’s economic growth.

Latinas: The Backbone of the U.S. Economy

According to the most recent Latina GDP report, the total economic output of Latinas in the U.S. is a staggering $1.9 trillion annually. To put that into perspective, the total economic output of Hispanic females in 2021 is larger than the entire economy of the state of Florida. Our economic output now ranks behind only California, Texas, and New York in terms of state economies.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

As of August 2024, there are approximately 13.9 million Latinas in the U.S. labor force. That's right, hermanas - nearly 14 million of us are out here, working hard and driving the economy forward. Our contributions span from healthcare to entrepreneurship, where Latinas have become the fastest-growing group of business owners. Latina-owned businesses increased by 87% over the last decade, despite the barriers! That speaks to our tenacity, strength, and resilience.

Outpacing the Competition

What's even more amazing is how quickly we're growing compared to other groups. The Latina component of the U.S. labor force is expanding more than 12 times faster than that of non-Hispanic females. Even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Latina GDP grew by 7.7%, compared to just 1.5% growth in non-Latina GDP.

.Just let that sink in for a moment. We're not just keeping up; we're setting the pace for growth in the labor market.

Why Our Collective Power Matters

What’s truly inspiring is the power we hold in numbers. The Latina community is projected to reach 30 million by 2060. Our influence will only grow as we continue to break down barriers and rewrite the narrative of what leadership, success, and power look like.

While our economic contributions are undeniable, we must leverage this power to drive meaningful change. As Latinas, we have strength in numbers, but it's time to translate that into:

• Increased political representation
• Greater corporate leadership presence
• More equitable policies in the workplace and beyond

We must use our growing economic clout to advocate for ourselves and our communities, ensuring that our voices are heard and our contributions are valued.

Whether it’s advocating for equal pay, securing positions of influence, or investing in our communities, now is the time for us to harness our collective strength.

Why This Matters for Everyone

This isn’t just a win for Latinas—it’s a win for the entire country. Our economic success benefits everyone. By investing in Latina advancement, we’re fueling innovation, creating jobs, and enriching the cultural fabric of the U.S. In short, empowering Latinas means uplifting the entire nation. Imagine what we could achieve if we fully harness this power. We could reshape boardrooms, influence legislation, and create a more equitable future for all.

Let’s Continue the Conversation

This is just the beginning. Hermanas, it's time to leverage our collective power. Remember:

1. Your Vote Matters: With our numbers, we can influence elections at every level. Make sure you're registered and show up at the polls.
2. Your Dollar Matters: Support Latina-owned businesses and companies that value diversity. Our purchasing power is significant - let's use it wisely.
3. Your Voice Matters: Speak up in your workplace, in your community, and on social media. Share your experiences and advocate for change.

Gracias for being part of this journey with me. Let’s keep showing the world what we’re capable of and use the numbers to our advantage!

?Hasta Pronto!

Ruby