
March is Women’s History Month. Although March 8 is considered International Women’s Day all over the world, in the United States since 1987 Congress and U.S. Presidents have designated March as Women’s History month.
To celebrate women, Hola America and Hola Iowa staff wanted to share with the readers some of the women that inspire us. Take a look and you might feel inspired by their stories of perseverance and success as well. Also, we invite our readers to tell us about women that inspire you. We want to know who is that woman or women in your life that makes you want to be better, to do more, to be the best you can be.

Foto por Tar Macias / Hola Iowa
Mary Campos an exceptional lady
Because of her life long dedication to community, politics and helping immigrants Campos received many awards and recognitions, but one of the most important to her is the one she received in 2005 from the Mexican Government. She was awarded the “Ohtli” a prestigious award given by the Secretary of Interior from the Mexican Government. She received it for her work with immigrants. She also received the “Lifetime Achievement” award from the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute.
Read her story here

Eva Savala the Latina Godmother of politics in Rock Island County
Eva Savala has always used her voice to help others: as a wife and mother of five; as a local, state and international union representative; as an advocate for Latino voter registration and education; as a grassroots organizer and supporter of local, state and federal candidates running for office.
Read her story here

Photo Tar Macias / Hola Iowa
Rosa Mendoza lives a purpose driven life
This is a story of triumph. This is the story of a person who did not give up when facing the difficulties of life. This is the story of Rosa Mendoza, a woman that feels that helping immigrant families gives purpose to her life.
Read her story here

Photo Tar Macias / Hola Iowa
Maria Ramos leading by example in Storm Lake
She is not just a woman elected to office, she is also a first-generation immigrant. Ms. Ramos was born and raised in Nayarit, Mexico. She immigrated to the United States when she was 12 years old. She lived in California, but in 1991 Maria Ramos moved to Storm Lake, Iowa, where she had been living since. She is a mother of 4 grown children and even though she is still in her mid-40s she is already a proud grandmother of three. She is also a human resources director at United Community Health Center.
Read her story here

Perla Alarcon-Flory is the first Latina to be named president of the School Board in Sioux City
“No female has been an officer of our board for over 12 years; there have never been 2 female officers; certainly, not 2 women of color as President and Vice-president,” Perla Alarcon-Flory, who was recently elected to lead Sioux City school board, said. “This is definitely, the first time a Latinx is the Board President.”
Read her story here
Ila Plasencia was honored as one of the Sages Over 70 by dsm Magazine
Ila Plasencia was a teenager during World War II when she learned the value of community service. She grew up on a farm on the outskirts of Des Moines, but when both her brothers joined the armed services and therefore couldn’t help on the farm any longer, her father moved the family to the Valley Junction neighborhood. In their free time, Plasencia and her father assisted the war effort by using a horse and wagon to organize a scrap metal drive. Plasencia recruited her Mexican-American friends to help and formed an official group called the 12 Stars.
Read her story here
What does Kamala Harris becoming VP represent for young women of color?
For many women especially young women, daughters of immigrants, African Americans, Indian Americans, Asian American, Jamaican Americans, Latinas, immigrant women to see two women together at such a big stage brings a sense of pride as they relate to them.
Read her story here
We want to know who is that woman or women in your life that makes you want to be better, to do more, to be the best you can be.
Tell us in the comment area below: