HISPANIC WOMENS ORGANIZATION OF ARKANSAS
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Mission Statement
To advance educational opportunities for Hispanic women and their families, to celebrate and teach others about cultures and to become active participants in the community.
About This Cause
HWOA is a trusted, community-rooted nonprofit founded in July 1999 by a group of women—primarily Hispanic—determined to improve the lives of their families and neighbors. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a leading voice for Hispanic communities across Arkansas, advancing education, cultural awareness, and civic engagement. One of our flagship initiatives is the HWOA Scholarship Program, created in response to the systemic barriers Latino students face in accessing higher education. In its first year, HWOA raised funds for five $500 scholarships—yet only three students applied. When investigating the cause, a school counselor revealed she hadn’t shared the opportunity because she didn’t see "college potential" in Latino students. This eye-opening moment solidified our commitment not just to funding scholarships, but to transforming perceptions and outreach. Since then, HWOA has mobilized community trust, parent engagement, and student encouragement, reaching hundreds of students across Arkansas. Today, we receive hundreds of applications annually and have awarded scholarships to 632 students—many of whom are the first in their families to pursue higher education. The ripple effects of this work are measurable. Education has increased community engagement, built local leadership, and diversified the professional landscape with bilingual, bicultural talent. Our alumni include educators, healthcare workers, civic leaders, and change agents whose success stories reshape narratives and bridge cultural divides in historically white and conservative communities. These outcomes reinforce what we know to be true: investing in immigrant youth is one of the most effective ways to strengthen families, communities, and economies. HWOA’s impact is amplified through active partnerships with local, state, and national organizations including UnidosUS (formerly NCLR) and the Arkansas Public Policy Panel. These affiliations extend our reach and effectiveness, positioning HWOA as a bridge between systems and the communities they serve. As a recognized cultural and educational partner, HWOA supports other agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofits with the cultural knowledge and community relationships necessary to effectively serve Arkansas’s growing Latino population—especially in a nontraditional Hispanic state.