Simmons College and Madrinas Partner on needs of growing number of Latina Professionals.

Recognizing the rapidly growing number of Latinas flooding the corporate workplace, the Simmons College School of Management and Madrinas – a national network for Latina professionals – are forming a unique partnership to develop resources and strategic programs to help them advance in their careers.

Madrinas, in conjunction with the Center for Gender in Organizations at the Simmons School of Management, will focus on long-term research, programming, mentoring, and networking opportunities to ensure that Latinas have tools to help them grow and succeed in diverse corporate industries.

Areas of collaboration include seeking a better understanding of the unique challenges faced by Latinas in the corporate workplace through enhanced research; mentoring young Latina professionals to navigate often homogeneous work environments; and creating opportunities, such as specialized executive education programs, to enhance the group’s professional development options.

Supporting the growing number of high-level Latina professionals was the catalyst for the creation in 2002 of Madrinas, a network committed to career advancement, leadership development, and mentorship for Latinas in the workplace across a multitude of industries.

“One of the core missions of the Simmons School of Management is to effectively serve the needs of professional women of color,” said Deborah Merrill-Sands, dean of the school, which is the only business school in the nation designed for women. “Our alliance with Madrinas is key to furthering the professional empowerment and success among Latinas in corporate positions.”

Simmons School of Management Professor Patricia Deyton, director of the school’s Center for Gender in Organizations (CGO), will oversee the partnership and coordinate upcoming projects.