Mission Statement
Miss Borinquen is a program of the Hispanic Heritage Council. The mission of the Council is as follows: The mission of the Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York, Inc. is to foster and inspire awareness, understanding, and appreciation of past, present, and future contributions of the Hispanic community in Western New York.
Description
The Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York, Inc. is a leading organization that creates and supports the promotion of the Hispanic community and its contributions to Western New York’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
Within the Council's programming The Miss Borinquen Leadership Program of Western New York (MBLP) has been helping to empower young Latina women 15-19 years old for the past 12 years; by offering space, guidance and opportunity for growth, Miss Borinquen prepares its participants to become confident and effective role models in their communities.
Workshops on issues that are relevant and of impact to these young women in a safe, culturally sensitive and empowering environment help them grow into leadership roles and navigate the challenges that they face with sound and informed decisions. With this programming, along with the dedicated mentorship of women from their own communities, participants are poised to be successful in their educational endeavors, chosen careers, and day-to-day lives.
Since its inception a decade ago, the Miss Borinquen Leadership Program has evolved into much more than a pageant and has become a comprehensive leadership development curriculum that is readily recognized as both unique and effective, having changed the lives of over 100 young women in Buffalo and Western New York.
