By Christina Fernández-Morrow, Hola Iowa
In the heart of northwest Iowa, a small but powerful group of Latinas is supporting and empowering one another to thrive. Latinas Rising Together, a group started by Joanna Chavez Deleon, is providing much-needed opportunities for Latina adults in Storm Lake to connect, network, and uplift each other’s accomplishments.
The idea for Latinas Rising Together came a few years ago. “I saw a need for Latinas to come together and support one another,” explains Chavez Deleon. “We had a meeting, but it seemed like the women were interested but not really ready to commit at the time.” She let the idea simmer while she focused on her career and family. Then, in early 2024, some Latinas approached her about reviving the group. “I set up a private Facebook group and started inviting women to join.”
The response was immediate and enthusiastic, with attendance growing from 10 women at the first meeting to 25 by July. The group, which is open to Latina adults in the Storm Lake area, has quickly become a hub of activity focusing on volunteering, social events, and professional development. One recent gathering, for example, featured a photographer who took headshots for the attendees. Latinas Rising Together also encourages civic engagement and connects members to leadership programs like the Latina Leadership Initiative (LLI), where Chavez Deleon previously served as a board member.
Chavez Deleon, who has been a Storm Lake resident for 29 years, knows firsthand the transformative power of her community. When she first moved there from California at 15, she was struck by the lack of diversity. “It was hard because in 1995 there was not a lot of Latinos or people of color,” she recalls. “I didn’t like it at first.” Once a place where 80% of the population identified as white according to the 2000 census, it grew to the most ethnically diverse city in Iowa, with over 60% of residents self-identifying as non-white, and Latinos are just over 20% of the population. “When I started working as an instructional assistant in the schools it really opened my eyes to how much has changed. I’ve seen the growth and diversity of our town, and I love it.”
Chavez Deleon’s personal journey exemplifies the opportunities available in Storm Lake. After graduating from high school, she worked at Tyson, a local meatpacking plant, from 4 am to 2:30 pm while raising her son. Later she returned to school and earned a bachelor’s degree from William Penn University and a master’s from Concordia University. Now, she teaches 8th grade English Language Learners in the same school where her oldest son is a middle school intervention and prevention coordinator and where her youngest will enroll next fall. She is currently preparing to pursue a doctoral degree in leadership in higher education.
Photo by Tar Macias / Hola Iowa
As she strives to meet her goals, Chavez Deleon counts on the support of other Latinas motivating her to move forward. “The mission of the group is to empower and uplift one another,” Chavez Deleon explains. The group, which does not have a website but operates as a private Facebook page, has become a vital resource for Latinas in Storm Lake. “My goal is to connect with younger girls. I want us older ones who have more experience to guide and mentor them.” She points out the interest in some who want to run for public office. “We have some Latinas in town who have been board members, on city council or school board, so let’s connect them.” As the group evolves, Chavez Deleon’s vision for Latinas Rising Together remains steadfast: to create a supportive community that empowers Latinas to thrive. “One of our missions is to connect with Latina leaders and girls in Denison, Sioux City, Cherokee, Spencer, and areas nearby and have them join us,” she says. “Because the only way we’re going to succeed is by supporting one another.” Claudia Mendez, who joined in June and has known many of the members for years, agrees. “This group means a lot to me,” says Mendez. “It has allowed me to be more involved with the community and to help others. Latinas Rising Together is giving a voice to those that either needed or wanted to be heard. It’s a place to belong to a group of like-minded women [who are] strong, independent and gifted. I can’t wait to see what the future holds and everything we can accomplish.”
You can follow Latinas Rising Together on Facebook and Instagram for updates on their events, volunteer opportunities, news, and member highlights featuring Latinas prospering in Storm Lake.
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