About Us

The Hispanic Women's Network of Texas is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed in 1987 to address issues unique to the Hispanic/Latinx population in Texas and has become the premier Hispanic women's organization throughout the State of Texas. It has also been named a Top 10 Latina Organization in the United States.

In 1986, Martha Hinojosa-Nadler with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, State Rep. Lena Guerrero, and Travis County Voter Registrar Amalia Rodriguez-Mendoza were discussing the need for a women's organization. Entering the equation was Jim Estrada with Anheuser-Busch, who had been meeting with Mary Alice Cisneros, Christine Hernandez, and Lupe Ochoa in San Antonio to discuss funding for innovative projects in Texas. A Steering Committee of 10 women was formed from different geographic areas to poll their regions and meet in a statewide setting. The Mexican American Legal Defense Fund (MALDEF) served as the non-profit organizational structure. Norma Cantu and Dora Tovar of MALDEF provided invaluable assistance and guidance during these formative years.

The result was the 1987 HWNT conference in Dallas, TX, which hosted 200 women from every geographic area of Texas to discuss areas of concern to women and the Hispanic/Latinx community. Since its inception, HWNT has established a strong foundation as a state-wide organization of individuals from diverse backgrounds who are committed to promoting the participation of Hispanic women in public, corporate, and civic arenas. 

Collaboration is the key to our success. HWNT members come together to support initiatives centered around these core values, as well as educational programs, mentorship, scholarships, and fundraising. The legacy of HWNT continues through the work of 8 total chapters throughout the State of Texas: Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, El Paso, Houston, Rio Grande Valley, Houston and San Antonio.