Araceli Esparza is founder and director of Midwest Mujeres Inc. The nonprofit empowers Latinas and Black women through storytelling, financial wellness and personal branding to close the wage gap and build community.
On November 1, Midwest Mujeres is hosting its “Voices & Dreams Live” event during which several women will take to the stage at Goodman Community Center to share their stories relating to the American Dream. Esparza shared more about the inspirational event and what attendees can expect to hear and experience.
What’s the inspiration behind this event?
Voices & Dreams grew from my belief that women’s lived experiences carry knowledge, leadership and value. Our mission is to close the gender wage gap by teaching entrepreneurial first-generation women — we help them craft their elevator pitch and expand their economic landscape. Latina and Black women are often doing the work of holding families and communities together, but we don’t always have a space where our dreams get that same care. We created this event so women can be heard, recognized and supported.
I hope attendees leave seeing someone differently — perhaps even themselves. Tennisha Loggins, one of our graduates and now a coach, described Midwest Mujeres as “a space of growth, connection, learning and opportunity.” That is what we want people to experience. When women share their stories, they build connections that can become mentorships, collaborations and opportunities for one another.
What is this year’s theme, and what kinds of stories will attendees hear?
This year’s theme is “The American Dream through the eyes of women from the Americas.” We’re asking what that dream means when women define it through their own experiences.
Attendees will hear stories about immigration, motherhood, education, entrepreneurship, faith, identity and beginning again. For some women, the dream is building a business or creating financial stability. For others, it is reclaiming their voice, returning to school or giving themselves permission to choose a different future. These stories invite us to consider both what women have achieved and what it has taken to get there.
Who are the women taking the stage? Can you share a little about this year’s participants?
This year’s participants include entrepreneurs, caregivers, educators, professionals, students and mothers. They bring years of experience caring for others, building careers, and contributing to their communities. The Academy gives them space to introduce the person behind those responsibilities.
Jackie Holland is a first-generation Mexican American and human resources professional with more than ten years of experience. Her story explores the resilience passed down through generations and what it means to define strength for herself. After years of helping others navigate difficult conversations, she is recognizing the power of her own quiet voice and growing as a leader.
Rosa Edwards, founder of Rosa Cares LLC, brings another perspective: turning a deep commitment to caregiving into a sustainable business. Through coaching with Tennisha Loggins, she began clarifying her pricing, introducing her services, and building community relationships. Her journey shows how encouragement becomes meaningful when it is paired with practical guidance and action.
How does the program help women build confidence, develop leadership skills or approach their personal and professional lives differently?
A five-minute story can take weeks to build. Participants reflect on their experiences, work with coaches, practice speaking and learn how to communicate what matters to them. Along the way, they also learn to recognize the knowledge and strengths they already carry.
That confidence can show up in a business introduction, a professional conversation, a leadership opportunity, or the decision to ask for support. Women have something to contribute, and they also deserve to receive. The Academy creates room for both.
Many of the women take on leadership roles after our program, and they come back and lead workshops and are paid for it.
Midwest Mujeres “Voices & Dreams Live” | “Voces y Sueños en Vivo” is a bilingual event taking place on Sunday, November 1 at Goodman Community Center (149 Waubesa St.). The community Día de los Muertos altar runs from 3–5 p.m., followed by “Voices & Dreams Live,” our bilingual storytelling celebration and graduation, from 5–7 p.m.
Come early to honor loved ones at the altar, share a memory in English or Spanish, or leave a written reflection. Then stay for food, storytelling and the opportunity to celebrate the women and connect with our community. Everyone is welcome.
Adult admission is $25, including food; the elder ticket option is $15 for ages 45 and older. Free admission options and free children’s tickets are also available. Paid tickets carry a small service fee. Tickets are available at midwestmujeres.com.
