Wishing You Joy.
Hermanas and Hermanos, 2021 wasn’t the comeback year so many of us were expecting. While we hoped we would be past the COVID-19 pandemic, the delta and omicron variants have had other ideas. So many of our families and neighbors have been hit hard, whether it was by the virus, loss of loves ones, virtual learning, unemployment, or other financial difficulties.
But hope springs eternal.
Yesterday (12/21) was the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, with the longest night. Today, we woke up knowing that we get more daylight each day from this point forward. That’s how I feel when I think about the commitment our MANA Members make to our communities across the country – each day is brighter than the last.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama said, “You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.”
As you go into this holiday season, I hope you know the impact you have when you volunteer in your community, when you see a need and act, when you mentor another leader or young person, when you lead with character.
You give hope.
You certainly give me hope for the future of the US Hispanic community. Latinas will lead the way forward. And while the holidays may be bittersweet for some, my wish for you all is to find joy. This is the time of year to reflect and share moments with those you love most. Enjoy that time.
On behalf of our MANA National Board of Directors, we wish you a safe, healthy and happy holiday season. Please get vaccinated and boosted if you haven’t already. We want to see you in 2022!
Wishing you joy,
Amy Hinojosa
MANA President and CEO