Latinas in Beauty Celebrates First Anniversary with New Initiatives and Advisory Board
As the nonprofit organization Latinas in Beauty marks its first anniversary, it is poised to make significant strides in the beauty industry. Founded by Nadine Tapia, Emily Perez, and Margarita Arriagada, the organization aims to empower Latine beauty professionals by providing essential resources and support. With the recent establishment of an advisory board and the launch of various programs, Latinas in Beauty is setting a new course for inclusivity and equity in the sector.
A Mission Rooted in Community
Latinas in Beauty was initially conceived five years ago as a grassroots effort to unite Latinas and create opportunities for professional growth. The organization was relaunched in 2024, with a renewed focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by Latine beauty professionals. “Our mission is to provide access to networks, education, and resources that are crucial for achieving both professional and entrepreneurial goals,” said co-founder Emily Perez.
The organization’s commitment to equity is encapsulated in its Equity Pledge, which calls on industry leaders to actively promote the advancement of Latinas within the beauty sector. This pledge is not merely a symbolic gesture; it aims to foster genuine dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders. “We wanted to ensure that this was not performative,” Arriagada explained. “We understand the complexities involved and are focused on driving partnerships that can lead to meaningful change.”
Innovative Programs to Foster Growth
In addition to the Equity Pledge, Latinas in Beauty has launched a membership program that currently boasts around 160 members. This initiative is designed to create a supportive community for Latine beauty professionals, offering them access to valuable resources and networking opportunities.
One of the standout initiatives is the Beauty Bravura Accelerator Program, developed in partnership with Pepperdine University. This program aims to support early-stage beauty brands that often lack access to critical resources such as education, capital, and marketing. “We wanted to show our support for these emerging brands,” Tapia stated. “In our first cohort, we welcomed 13 early-stage brands and six industry professionals, all of whom are now part of this transformative experience.”
Navigating Challenges in the Industry
Despite facing broader challenges related to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the beauty industry, Latinas in Beauty remains committed to its mission. “Our platform is all-inclusive,” Arriagada noted. “While our focus is on the Latina beauty community, we welcome anyone interested in joining us. The solution lies not just in increasing the number of Latino brands on shelves but in creating an environment where all professionals can thrive.”
This inclusive approach is particularly relevant in a time when many organizations are reassessing their commitments to diversity. The beauty industry has seen a wave of initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity, yet many have faced criticism for being superficial. Latinas in Beauty aims to break this cycle by fostering genuine engagement and collaboration among its members and partners.
The Formation of an Advisory Board
A significant development in the organization’s journey is the establishment of an advisory board composed of industry veterans. This board includes notable figures such as retail expert Maria Salcedo, Kitsch founder Cassandra Morales Thurswell, and Bansk Beauty‘s Reuben Carranza, among others. Their collective experience and insights are expected to guide the organization in its future endeavors.
“Striving to achieve all of this just makes really good business sense,” Salcedo remarked. “With Gen Z and Gen Alpha being the most ethnically diverse generations, the demand for products that resonate with Hispanic consumers is only going to grow. This demographic shift will drive consumption patterns in the coming years.”
Building a Community of Support
The advisory board members emphasize the importance of community and collaboration in achieving the organization’s goals. Kimberly Villatoro of Patrick Ta Beauty highlighted the value of having access to a network of like-minded individuals. “What this organization has done is create a sense of community,” she said. “For me, a priority is investing in educational and career leadership development opportunities for young Latinos in this industry. Access leads to opportunity.”
This focus on education and leadership development is crucial, especially in an industry that has historically marginalized certain groups. By prioritizing these areas, Latinas in Beauty aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders who can drive change and innovation in the beauty sector.
Looking Ahead
As Latinas in Beauty celebrates its first anniversary, the organization is not resting on its laurels. The newly formed advisory board and the various initiatives launched over the past year signal a commitment to long-term change. The organization is dedicated to creating a more equitable and inclusive beauty industry, one that recognizes and values the contributions of Latine professionals.
In a landscape where diversity and inclusion are increasingly important, Latinas in Beauty stands out as a beacon of hope and progress. By focusing on community, education, and genuine partnerships, the organization is well-positioned to make a lasting impact in the beauty industry.
Conclusion
The journey of Latinas in Beauty is a testament to the power of community and collaboration. As it embarks on its next chapter, the organization is committed to fostering an environment where Latine beauty professionals can thrive. With the support of its advisory board and innovative programs, Latinas in Beauty is not just advocating for change; it is actively shaping the future of the beauty industry.
