Washington, D.C., July 29, 2003- MANA, A National Latina Organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. will host the annual National HERMANITAS® Summer Institute (NHSI), July 31, 2003 - August 3, 2003 at the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington, VA. The theme for this year's institute is "Learning to Lead, Preparing to Succeed".

MANA's HERMANITAS® Program is designed to encourage Latina girls to excel in school, plan for advanced education, strengthen the family unit, and participate as leaders in their communities by creating opportunities for service. The program strives to raise the self- confidence of Latina adolescents, raise expectations for the future, help them excel academically, and realize their potential. The HERMANITAS® program is a youth development effort in which MANA and other community members volunteer their time to mentor young Latinas. The process involves partnering with their families, schools, community and other organizations.

A major HERMANITAS® initiative is the annual National HERMANITAS® Summer Institute (NHSI), a multi-dimensional development approach to empower young Latinas. The NHSI program consists of the development of strategies that will raise awareness of the impact of participant's choices in life, and transform that understanding into action. This is accomplished through interactive workshops, reflections and inspirational journal writing, participation of Latina speakers of distinction in our communities, cultural and social activities, and resource information on all subjects addressed at the NHSI.

Speakers at this year's NHSI include Maria Echaveste, former White House Deputy Chief of Staff and Principal and Co-Founder Nueva Vista Group, LLC; Alfred Ramirez, President of the National Community for Latino Leadership Inc.; Sandra A. Rivera, Ph.D, from the Office of Economics, Research Division, U.S. International Trade Commission, and a member of Toastmasters; Blanca Fauble, Director of the United Way for Ford Motor Company; and Dr. Belisa Lozano-Vranich, mental health expert for Latina magazine and writer for Jane magazine. Workshop presenters include Elizabeth Amaya-Fernandez, Director of Youth Initiatives for the National Latina Health Network; John Ayala, Mid-Atlantic Region Director of The Guardian Angels; Linda Nieves-Powell, Writer/Director/Producer of Yo Soy Latina!; and Guadalupe Lara of Michigan Children's Hospital. Special presentations and workshops will include a Happy Hats Workshop, Youth Vote on Civic Involvement, a Dance Workshop by HERMANITAS® de Chester County, an Intern Panel, and a scavenger hunt through the Nation's Capital focusing on Hispanic contributions in art and history.

"We are very pleased to provide the opportunity for our Hermanitas to participate in this dynamic agenda of speakers, workshops, and experiential activities. Through the generosity of our sponsors, young Latinas from across the country will have the chance to learn from the role models they will meet this week, as well as to meet and learn from each other. MANA takes great pride in the Hermanitas' many accomplishments, their desire to be in the program, and their ganas to continue to strive towards success," stated Alma Morales Riojas, President and CEO of MANA.

Funding for the NHSI is provided by a grant received from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), State Farm Insurance Companies, Ford Motor Company Fund, and SBC Communications.

Between 150-200 middle and high school girls from throughout the United States are expected to participate in this year's institute.

For further information or to support the NHSI, contact the MANA national office or the National HERMANITAS® Program Manager at (202) 833-0060.

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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 200 girls to Washington DC to a summer institute that includes a briefing at the White House and a visit to the girls' Congressional representatives.