Who We Are?
The Latina Women’s League (LWL) is a 501c3 nonprofit which was incorporated in 2005 to increase the understanding of Latinx experiences, histories, and cultures among North Central Florida residents. The League partners with community groups to host free public educational and cultural events, and promotes the educational, professional and personal advancement of Hispanic/Latinos in Alachua County.
This mission is accomplished through the following activities:
- Networking
- Social activities
- Community service projects, including free English language and U.S. citizenship preparation classes, a Spanish-language book group, and a Children’s Spanish-language storytelling program.
- Annual Gainesville Latino Film Festival
- Mentoring and advocacy

League members are men and women from myriad public and private sectors, including business, education, government, health and mental health organizations, among other walks of life.
Membership is open to individuals – regardless of age, national or ethnic origin, creed, disability, gender or sexual orientation – living in North Central Florida. Members share a desire to promote the educational, personal and cultural advancement of Latinos within Alachua County.
The Latina Women’s League is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is not affiliated with any political party, or religious entity. However, we are willing to participate and collaborate with different groups on community issues that pertain to Latino culture.

Our Philosophy
League's Fundamental Principles
The Latina Women’s league was created as a forum for the discussion of the experiences of Latina women living in the United States. The league is open to all Latina women who live in the greater Gainesville, FL community.
The Latina Women’s League does not have any political or religious affiliations. However, this group is willing to participate and collaborate with different groups on issues that pertain to the Latino culture.
The Latina Women’s League will work with different group affiliations or programs within the community on issues affecting the Latino population.

Our Leadership
Latina Women’s League & Gainesville Latino Film Festival Members
2020-2021 Board of Directors
President: Juanita Duque Vice President: Ericka Ghersi LWL Treasurer: Luisa Amelia Dempere Secretary: Lauren Samuels Parliamentarian: Lillian Guevara-Castro
Programs Directors & Coordinators
Health Project Director: Victoria Bird English Classes Project: Ericka Ghersi Citizenship Classes Project: Juanita Duque Migrant Farm Workers Project: TBA Club del Libro: Martha Berdat La Hora del Cuento - Programa de Inmersion en Español para niños: TBA