Hispanic Heritage Month brings Lupe Fund Inc. conference to Montclair State University

Written by Rash Vinakota

Published on October 20, 2024

MONTCLAIR, NJ– Lupe Fund Incorporated hosted a conference at Montclair State University on October 17, 2024. The conference was titled ‘Power of Latinas: Strengthening Our Legacy,’ and covered panels and speeches by female Latina business owners and educators. 

The event took place in the conference center in University Hall on the 7th floor. The conference invited female Hispanic-owned businesses to sell their products. The businesses include Book Haven Books, Hermanitas, Biuchic and Tutu’s Designs. 

The event seemed like it would hit a major obstacle as the fire alarm went off in the building at 1:50 p.m., ten minutes before the conference began. But the organizers were able to get it back on track. 

Montclair State University president Jonathan Koppell gave the introduction speech, “I would not be doing my job if I didn’t express why I believe this conference belongs here (Montclair State University).” Montclair was designated a Hispanic-serving institution in 2016 and currently has a Hispanic enrollment rate of 45% in the class of 2028. 

The keynote speaker of the event was First Lady Tammy Murphy, “I am truly honored not only to be here but to be surrounded by so many powerful women and I’m sure men…and in many ways succeeded in spite of the odds.” She goes on to talk about women in leadership positions and the shared experience of being “the only woman in a room full of men.”

In an interview, First Lady Murphy shared advice she has for young girls and women, “Never learn anything when you go (forth with) success after success. You’ve got to fall down and assess why did you fall down, pick yourself back up and keep at it.”

Murphy was the recipient of the Amiga award, presented by the president of Lupe Fund Incorporated, Rosemarie Moyeno Matos. 

The rest of the event consisted of panels on health, education, business and politics and attracted panelists from a variety of backgrounds, universities and fields. The conference played a big role in elevating Hispanic voices and empowering female entrepreneurs and students. 

Lupe Fund Inc. is a non-profit organization that aims to empower, educate and engage Latinas to promote leadership and civic engagement.

 

Featured image by Rash Vinakota