Washington, D.C., February 24, 2004 - On March 13, 2004, MANA, A National Latina Organization (MANA) and the local chapter MANA de Kansas City will co-host the national annual conference at the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel. State Farm Insurance Companies is the primary sponsor.

The conference will bring Latinas from the Kansas City area and from across the country together for presentations and discussion on key issues, including Latina health, financial literacy, and advocacy and civic involvement, and personal safety.

Conference presenters will come from the national and local levels. These include keynote speaker Anna Escobedo Cabral, Director of the Smithsonian's Center for Latino Initiatives. Charles Curie, Administrator of the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has been invited. Senators from Missouri and Kansas have been invited to participate.

Conference participants will be registered for MANA de Kansas City's "Moda Latina" fashion show and luncheon, which will take place at the Convention Center. Those interested in attending only the luncheon may contact Mary Estrada at 913-205-8711.

"MANA chose to hold the Annual Conference in Kansas City because of its vibrant Latino community and its location at the heart of America," stated Alma Morales Riojas, President and CEO of MANA. "This is a great opportunity to bring key issues of national importance and discussion to the Kansas City area. MANA de Kansas City has strong community support and has been a great partner in organizing this conference, under the leadership of Elida Cardenas."

MANA de Kansas City, a chapter of MANA, A National Latina Organization, was founded in 1980.

All conference attendees will be eligible for a prize drawing of one round-trip ticket to Washington D.C. and a two-night stay in a hotel during Hispanic Heritage month.

If you are interested in attending this conference, please contact the MANA National Office at
1-866-833-0060 for registration information.

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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