Person in graduation gown jumping in front of brick wall with large red heart and number 716 painted on it.
A person in a graduation gown and cap walking on a path in a park. The cap is decorated with flowers and the text 'Through it all, she mastered it.' The background features trees and lamp posts.

2025 Submissions
now open! 

Scholarship Opportunity

In 1979, a group of Hispanic Women, mainly educators and social workers responded to an editorial opposing bilingual education. The need for an organization to address issues in the Latino community from a woman’s perspective became apparent and the Hispanic Professional Women’s League was born.

The scholarship awards were initiated in 1983 and the league became the Hispanic Women’s League - Liga de Mujeres Hispanas. Ana Maria Hidalgo and Olga Mendell were instrumental in developing the criteria and headed the Scholarship Committee.

Since that time, we have awarded over $450,000 in scholarships to Latina women pursuing more education.

What to know before you apply

Requirements

  • Must be a female of Hispanic/Latin American origin (a direct descendant of Hispanic/Latin American heritage from at least one grandparent)

  • Must have a valid ID (Ex. Student ID, NYS ID, or driver's license)

  • Must be a high school graduate. GED and Home School Students welcome to apply.

  • Must reside within the 8 WNY counties. Proof of residence.

  • Must attend the scholarship award ceremony.

  • Must be currently enrolled and show proof of registration in a continuing education program - Community College, University, Online Learning Platform, Trade School or Professional Development Program.

  • Must provide a Personal Statement (at least 350 words) or 3-Minute Video/Audio File providing your Hispanic/Latin American heritage and plans for educational journey. (May be submitted in Spanish or English)

  • Must be available for an online or in-person video if selected as an eligible applicant.

  • Must submit 2 recommendations, one personal and one professional via an online form.

  • Specific to the American Legion Auxiliary, Gabriel A. Rodriguez Unit 1928 Scholarship, the recipient must have a direct relation to a veteran.


    Important Information to Consider​
    Past Hispanic Women's League Scholarship Awardees are not eligible.
    All applicants must show a dedicated commitment to the Hispanic/Latinx Community.
    Recipients are encouraged to volunteer.

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Past Recipients

Where are they now?

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    Elda Altagracia Pichardo

    2019 Scholarship Recipient
    Clinic Liaison at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center

    The highest level of education that I have completed has been a Master’s Degree. The Sylvia Rodriguez scholarship helped me pay off my semester that Fall year of 2019. The impact that the scholarship has had in my life, is that anything is possible when you persevere. The scholarship that year motivated me on aiming to excel more academically. In addition, I focused on stressing less on finances in regards to my tuition that semester. Also, my grades were positively impacted as I completed my semester with a 4.0.

    The impact that the scholarship has had in my life, is that I can motivate those Latinas that are coming up that anything that they set their mind to, can be accomplished even while facing challenges. I am also grateful to have received the Sylvia Rodriguez Scholarship; Sylvia was a Hispanic woman who was a pioneer here in the Western New York area within the Hispanic community. I would like to thank the Hispanic Women’s League, for everything that they do to make us visible accomplished Women, today and the day of tomorrow.

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    Natalia Marte

    2019 Scholarship Recipient
    Attorney at Phillips Lytle LLP

    I practice business litigation and labor and employment in the D.C. office. I received the HWL scholarship in 2019 (fact check me) and used the scholarship funds to pay off the remaining balance in my tuition bill. This allowed me to lessen the amount of hours I would work throughout the academic year to pay off my tuition bill as well as my personal bills.

    Given that I came from a single parent household and was the first in my family to attend college, graduate school, and law school, I did not have much financial support and relied on myself financially. However, thanks to the GHWL scholarship, I was able to focus more of my time on my academics than surviving, and for that I am eternally grateful.

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    Tayrin Tapia

    2019 Scholarship Recipient
    Visionary and Owner of Latinas Evolving LLC

    I was honored to receive the HWL Scholarship in 2019, which helped fund my third semester toward earning an Associate of Science degree in Business, Management, and Economics at Empire State University. This financial support was instrumental in alleviating the stress of tuition costs, allowing me to fully focus on my studies and achieve my educational goals. Upon completing my degree, it greatly enhanced my resume, complementing my extensive experience across various fields and making me a more competitive candidate in my career pursuits.

    The HWL scholarship helped me feel heard and seen within the Hispanic community, especially among Latina women paving the way. To future applicants: Write your goal down. Make it known. Claim it. Stay focused on your end result. Trust the process, and you will see the fruits of your labor.

We empower, advocate, mentor, and support the Latina woman and all women in our community.

Founded in 1979 | 46 Years Strong