Washington, D.C., April 2, 2003 - MANA, A National Latina Organization has partnered with the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) for a Legislative Conference that will take place May 1-2, 2003 in Washington, D.C. The conference is the first partnership of two recognized grassroots empowerment organizations for women leaders, and will provide a great opportunity to build a broad network of women lawmakers and Latina leaders.

The Legislative Conference opens with a reception on Capitol Hill on Thursday night, followed by a full agenda of meetings on Friday. Friday begins with a Media Awards Breakfast at the National Press Club. Afterwards, conference participants will have the opportunity to choose from a series of policy committee meetings on various topics, including education, business issues, health policy, and substance abuse, which will take place at U.S. Government Departments. Friday's agenda also includes a briefing at the White House.

MANA is excited to be part of this dynamic conference. "This partnership for the Legislative Conference is a great opportunity for our members to actively participate in policy committee meetings with local, state, and national women legislators and with Cabinet officials at Department Offices. It will also create relationships between Latina community leaders and elected officials that can be further developed at the local level," stated Alma Morales Riojas, President and CEO of MANA. "As a grassroots organization for the empowerment of Latinas, this is an important conference for us."

For details on registration and accommodations, please call the MANA National Office at 202-833-0060, or visit www.hermana.org.

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MANA, A National Latina Organization, is a nonprofit, advocacy organization headquartered in the nation's capital, Washington, D. C. With chapters across the country, it is the oldest National Latina membership organization in the United States. MANA, whose mission is to empower Latinas through leadership development, community service, and advocacy, envisions a national community of informed Latina activists working to improve the quality of life for all Hispanics. MANA also has the only national young Latina's mentoring program for girls 11 to 17, "HERMANITAS®" which brings over 100 girls to Washington DC to a summer institute that includes a briefing at the White House and a visit to the girls' Congressional representatives Information on MANA can be obtained at the web site: www.hermana.org or send an e-mail to hermana2@aol.com