The newly launched webinar series created by VoteRunLead and LatinasRepresent has taken on the brave and worthy task of helping Latinas to "step into the political power."

Only 32 percent of the 104 women serving in the 114th U.S. Congress are women of color. Furthermore, the Center for American Women and Politics notes, just a little over a 10th (11.5 percent) of the 78 women filling statewide elective executive seats. Of the 1,786 women legislators nationwide, a whopping 78 percent were Caucasian.

Statistically, politics have not been too welcoming to Latinas. There are just four Latinas in statewide elective executive offices, just nine Latinas (out of 104 women) serving in statewide elective offices and 87 Latina (out of 1,786 women) are state legislators serving nationwide. Furthermore, of the 100 largest cities, there are two Latina mayors sitting in office.

Some additional figures shared by Latinas Represent: only one Latina has served as governor; no Latina has ever served in the U.S. Senate; just 11 of 12,000 members serving in Congress have been Latina; and of the 8,236 seats in state and national political office, only 109 are held by Latinas.

The much-needed webinars are free, held on Thursdays at 2 p.m. and they're open to the public. Interested parties must register at VoteRunLead.

While the "Vocalizing Your Ambition," "Mentoring and the Power of Your Network,"" Power in Numbers: Create the Support System You Need to Run and Win" and "Keepin' it Real: Difficult Conversations & Smashing Stereotypes
" have already occurred, there are still two webinars left. The "National Go Lead" seminar, held on May 8-9, will offer a full range of civil leadership opportunities from women's leadership in civic life and voting rights. It also educates about new skills and networks and encouraging Latina leaders to pursue training and success.

The "Mighty Mujeres: Latinas Governing and Running for Higher Office," held May 14, is communicating that the small number of Latinas in office are still having a heavy impact of constituents, communities and Congress. The session will discuss the difference between governing and campaigning. Additionally, the webinar will educate participants on serving positions well, while simultaneously transitioning into a new one.

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