WHAT LATINOS UNIDOS OF IOWA, INC. IS ABOUT

“We promote positive change, individual achievement, and a united community”

Latinos Unidos of Iowa, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Latinos Unidos was founded in 1989 by Lena Avila-Robison with the mission of providing support to Hispanics and Latinos in Iowa. Over the years, the organization’s mission has changed to reflect the greater diversity of Latinos in Iowa and the needs for community building and educational access. The current focus is on education and employment in skilled occupations and professions.  This non-profit corporation has always been non-partisan and all staff volunteer-based organization.

Latinos Unidos offers these activities and services:

• Our mission is to uplift underserved Latino students and empower them to be successful.

• Sponsored scholarship programs for Latinas/os who seek education beyond high school in Iowa. Institutional matching programs are specifically at Central College, Drake University Grand View University, and Mercy College Health and Sciences of Des Moines.

• Media up dates: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

• Fund-raising for special events include Radiothon, Suenos y Futuros and Annual Academic Scholarship Awards and Dinner.

• Latinos Unidos of Iowa has partnered with community sponsors & the Des Moines Public Library, Iowa Latino Cycling Club, Veridian Credit Union, Drake University, Grand View University, Central College. Sonia Parras Law Office, DMACC Urban Campus, Reyna Immerfall’s State Farm and so many more.

• A forum that addresses the issues faced by Hispanics & Latinos in Iowa & that promotes a positive image for people of all Americas.

• Scholarships for Latino Students studying at Iowa Institutions. The students submit they application and three professional judges for different institutions review, score and present their scores to our college liaison. Full time and part time student applications are considered and with funding available are awarded a scholarship. The scholarships begin with undergraduate to professional degrees.

• Officers & board members who reflect a wide range of agencies, businesses, community programs, employers, & educational institutions, & whose experience & leadership make Latinos Unidos a leading organization for supporting Hispanics & Latinos.