Linda Mazon, the woman behind the National Hispanic Women’s Corporation
By Maria Teresa Bonilla
Some will wonder, how is it possible to gather in one place, over the course of two decades, the most important women so they could share with others their experiences and triumphs? The answer points to a single person, Linda Mazon.
Linda Mazon is the Founder and President of the National Hispanic Women’s Corporation. Many awards and years of experience have given her the tools to mold the Hispanic Women’s Corporation into the most important conference for women nationwide, but she modestly says she is not alone in reaching this important milestone: “the conference would not be a reality without the strength of all the people who collaborate with me to make it happen.”
Mazon, who was born in Phoenix and now lives in Tucson, is admired for her commitment and determination. She has worked on countless causes aiming to help the community. She is a graduate of Arizona State University with a degree in Arts and also was granted a scholarship given to national Latina leaders to attend Harvard University.
This mother of four children believes that much of her success is based on connections: “Always in casual conversations arises that someone knows that person we are so interested in inviting, and that is how the process begins.”
Very excited, Linda told us in an exclusive telephone interview, that she has great expectations for this year’s conference with the presence of Nobel Award Winner, Rigoberta Menchú, and the change in venue to the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Phoenix.
Here is the exclusive interview with Linda Mazon for Arizona Latinos.
Rigoberta Menchú, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate from Guatemala
The Hispanic Women’s Corporation is 27 years old now, how does it feel having recognized so many Hispanic women?
HWC is very excited to have the presence, throughout the many years, of women from different parts of the country and now the globe, to be part of the largest gathering of Latinas across the country! Thinking that we would have Rigoberta Menchú Tum, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate from Guatemala who is indigenous and Latin American journalist and celebrity, Pati Chapoy, from Mexico City, is an absolute vision for celebrating the theme of Passion! Purpose! Promise!
Linda, how was this dream born, where did the idea of a women-only conference come from?
HWC credits the vision of Nancy Jordan, a naturalized immigrant from Mexico, and a national leader in Phoenix, who understood the need for a local gathering of women who could work on the social justice and leadership needs affecting their local communities. The first gathering was 300 women in the early 80’s and by 1998, she and Eufemia Amabisca, another Phoenix leader and educator, requested that I come on board to take it to the next level. I was reluctant but they honestly gave me no choice! The next step was to take it nationally and I did so with the help of Raul Yzaguirre and Tommy Espinoza from NCLR. They were my friends but equally my mentors to help establish this vision. HWC then surrounded itself with the best conference chairs like Alma Padilla, Erlinda Torres, Anna Alonzo, Diana Angulo Shaffer, Alexis Parra and RoxAnn Placencia. HWC board members from the national and local levels need to be credited for bringing the strength and continued vision came from the corporate and educational volunteer corps who truly understood how we needed to constantly refresh the structure of what we do best. The brilliant speakers we bring to HWC donate their time, expertise and money to HWC without even blinking. I truly believe HWC to be blessed with 2000 attendees and 700 middle and high school youth who the sponsors take pride in bringing together throughout the country.
What has been your greatest satisfaction over the years doing this event?
I love the notification of the scholars of their awards and the look of women that I see throughout the sessions and laughter. I like to think that we are not a typical boring lunch with so many persons in attendance. We make it fun with laughter and poignant with tears. It is the great feeling of accomplishment that all leave with a genuine smile on their faces.
What are we going to see in this year’s Conference? Now that the place has changed, is the dynamic going to be the same?
Definitely YES! The venue is larger than our previous location allowing us not to turn so many people away. The area is absolutely luxurious and people who stay at the hotel will be able to be in the same location without having to step outside the building.
What is NEW?
· GM Chevrolet has donated a 2013 Chevy Malibu Echo to HWC. The vehicle will actually be displayed in the luncheon ballroom. Raffle tickets will be sold onsite throughout the two days at $100 per ticket or 4 tickets for $300! So please bring your checkbooks and credit cards as the proceeds will come to our scholarship fund.
· Nely Galan is bringing ADELANTE presented by Coca-Cola for this event. This intense 4-hour session cannot be missed with special speakers, Rigoberta Menchú and U.S. Treasurer Rosie Rios.
· Eve Torres, the beautiful model from World Wrestling Entertainment and Self-Defense Guru will also be providing a special self defense hands on course based on the Gracie Method. Attendees will be allowed to change into comfortable clothing to get the full knowledge of what she teaches nationally.
· HBO and Cox Communications will bring a special showing of LATINO LIST II. Executive Producers Ingrid Duran and Catherine Pino will be on hand to discuss the concept of their film and will be honored at the Scholarship Benefit Luncheon.
·Dillards and Univision will be sponsoring the hot fashion show with runway models showing off the latest in fashion with a special reception to follow at ALAC in downtown Phoenix to end our evening on October 11th. All registered attendees may get in free to Latino List II and the Fashion Show. Tickets will be sold at the door at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel for $25 admitting you for both events.
· The HWC Scholarship Luncheon on Friday, October 12th will benefit and showcase our 50 brilliant scholars and partners who make their academic dreams come true!
· Honorary Chair and Keynote Speaker: Anna Maria Chavez, President and CEO and first Latina in this position for the Girl Scouts USA based in New York.
Honorees:
· HWC International Latina Leadership Award: Pati Chapoy… the “Oprah” of Latin America from Mexico City.
· HWC Lorraine Lee Leadership Award: Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez, historian and professor from University of Texas at Austin, who oversaw the national award winning VOCES project, for her compilation of the oral histories of Latino World War II veterans and their contributions.
· HWC National Latina Leadership Awards: Ingrid Duran and Catherine Pino, Executive Directors of the HBO Latino List documentaries.
But wait… there is more! if you go to www.hispanicwomen.org you will see our listing of events and sessions!
What is the future of HWC? Are you preparing someone to receive this legacy?
I see the future bright and even brighter for the next generation of leaders and board members to take over this organization. I honestly see that happening sooner than later and the list is endless of the possibilities of exactly where and how they can all weigh in. I believe in the transition of power and the mentoring of young women through their volunteerism and hard work to accomplish these same goals and much more. It is not the easy road to take, but the passion for this will make it worth it! The new generation is absolutely brilliant with the wealth of ideas that they bring to the table. They simply amaze me on a daily basis.
How do you think Hispanic women in Arizona perceive the conference?
They see it as their personal gem and pride to make it all happen here for the rest of the country to see.
As a community, we are living difficult times with SB1070’s section 2B taking effect. Do you think events like HWC carry a positive message about what Hispanics are?
Through our board members, speakers, attendees and scholars, HWC demonstrates that at the end of the day, this organization commits itself to the themes of social justice though continued leadership, education and scholarship. We are doctors, lawyers, judges, professors, administrators and strivers in every field of work! Because of our increasing dominance in the population, HWC has no time to waste in preparing our youth for these roles to serve the entire population of the United States.
Finally, extend an invitation to all of those women who want to attend the Hispanic Women’s Corporation.
We want to thank you all for your attendance at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel on October 11th and 12th, 2012. Please note that registration can be made at www.hispanicwomen.org directly for attendance for any of our sessions! Special event sessions will also sell tickets at the door so make your plans as soon as possible. Everyone is invited to attend!
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