LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Seeking to inspire and empower Latinas, who represent an important voting bloc this November, actress-activists America Ferrera and Eva Longoria have launched a digital lifestyle platform called She Se Puede.
“This election year, everyone is reminded of the Latino population numbers and how fast we are growing as a community. But let’s be clear: demography is not destiny,” said Ferrera, who is also a producer and director.
“Unless and until we believe in our own potential and realize our own power, we will remain underrepresented as a political and cultural force.’’
The site aims to create a nonprofit online community that gives Latinas the information and support they need “to transform their lives, their families, their community and their nation,” according to its founders.
Stephanie Valencia, co-founder and president of Equis Labs and Equis Research, said Latinas have historically failed to turn out to vote in big numbers.
“This year, there are 32 million eligible Latino voters in the US, yet Latina turnout rates are 14 to 20 percent lower than non-Hispanic Black or white women,” Valencia said. “These women are turning out in lower numbers not because of apathy, but because they don’t feel certain they have the power to change their own lives, much less the outcome of an election.”
The mission of She Se Puede is to help Latinas realize and act on their own power. It will curate content by sharing a wide range of relatable articles, videos and photos celebrating stories of Latina achievement. The online site is centered on a Latina lifestyle that includes health, parenting, food, beauty and civic engagement.
In addition to holding virtual events, the online platform will use text message notifications, weekly emails and social media posts to share news and content impacting Latinas.
Longoria, who has also leveraged her acting career to access opportunities to produce and direct, said the site will be more than political.
“She Se Puede is a state of mind,’’ Longoria said. “So when we say empowerment, we mean we want Latinas to feel empowered in everything that they do, from their careers, to their workouts, to what food they eat and even how they can request their mail-in ballot.”
The founders’ plan for She Se Puede came out of a discussion early this year about how to engage Latinas in civic life. The group — which also includes Alex Martinez Kondracke, Carmen Perez, Christy Haubegger, Elsa Collins, Jess Morales Rocketto, Olga Segura and Monica Ramirez — felt that the experiences and perspectives of Latinas often go unheard.
“From organizing rallies in support of Dreamers to ensuring farm workers are equipped with masks and critical supplies, Latinas are changing this country for the better,” said Ramirez, an activist, author and civil rights attorney.
“There are so many heroes among us, but too often our stories aren’t being told. She Se Puede is a platform that will amplify efforts that support Latinas and empower us all to feel confident that we can make change ourselves.”
The site can be accessed at shesepuede.org, where a sign-up page says, “She Se Puede is the destination for the modern Latina who wants to level up her life. We celebrate our diverse experiences and dreams, and provide the tools we need to own our power. She Se Puede is a community for Latinas, by Latinas.”