UConn School of Social Work and Connecticut Latinas in Politics Announce 2026 Latina Campaign School
The University of Connecticut School of Social Work and Connecticut Latinas in Politics (CLIP) invites individuals interested in empowering the next generation of Latina Leaders to the upcoming 2026 Connecticut Latina Campaign School. This one-day, bilingual leadership program will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 11 in Hartford, Connecticut.
Designed to address the historic underrepresentation of Latinas in the political landscape, the campaign school equips women with the essential tools, strategies, and confidence needed to run for office and lead social change. Led by UConn School of Social Work Professor Lisa Werkmeister Rozas, the initiative is a collaborative effort featuring distinguished community leaders, including State Representative Hilda Santiago, Councilwoman Maly Rosado, and Councilwoman Jessee Muñiz-Poland.
Bridging the Representation Gap
Despite making up 9.6% of the total U.S. population, Latinas hold only 2.9% of state legislative seats nationwide, according to the Center for American Women and Politics. The 2026 Campaign School directly tackles this disparity through a comprehensive curriculum focusing on political literacy, grassroots organizing, and community advocacy.
“Every day I see the leadership and brilliance within our Latine communities, particularly in the Latina mothers and working women who are already leading in their homes and neighborhoods,” said Werkmeister Rozas. “Yet there remains a significant gap between lived experience and knowing how to navigate a political system that was not built with us in mind. This campaign school exists to bridge that gap, because the women who understand our communities best are exactly the leaders we need.”
Event Details and Registration
To ensure accessibility for all participants, bilingual translators will be available throughout the program.
Date: April 11, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Hartford, Connecticut (Exact location TBA to registered participants)
For more information, contact: Carina Adams-Szabo at carina.adams-szabo@uconn.edu