State of Latinas in the Economy
November 19, 2024

The Hispanic Women's Network of Texas - Arlington Chapter and the UTA EDGE Center  join together for an impactful night of networking and expert panel discussion regarding the critical role that Latinas play in the U.S. Economy.  

According to Bank of America's inaugural GDP report, U.S. Latinas contributed a total economic output of $1.3 trillion in 2021, up from $661 billion in 2010. This makes their economic output larger than that of all states except California, Texas, and New York. From 2010 to 2021, the real GDP of U.S. Latinas increased by 51.1%, compared to only 18.8% for the non-Hispanic population—growing 2.7 times faster.
Latinas are the fastest-growing demographic fueling the economy. This panel is focused on Latinas in North Texas, examining how they leverage their purchasing power, support the labor force, and become the fastest-growing educated population.
“U.S. Latinas entering the labor force are overwhelmingly second- and third-generation Americans. These daughters and granddaughters of immigrants are combining the extraordinary work ethic of their elders with rapid gains in human capital to invigorate the U.S. economy,” said Dr. Hayes Bautista.

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Meet the Speakers

Anna M. Alvarado
PANELIST

Managing Director Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc.

A business-oriented, bilingual executive with 16+ years of experience, Anna serves as the Managing Director, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary of Texas Capital Bank and its parent company, Texas Capital Bancshares. She oversees legal services, advises the Board, ensures regulatory compliance, and leads strategic initiatives, including the launch of Texas Capital Securities and the firm’s new ETF business. She joined in 2021 to support the company's transformation.
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Previously, she was Global General Counsel at FirstCash, Inc., leading international expansion and acquisitions. She holds a BA and MBA from Bentley University and a JD from SMU Dedman School of Law.

Recognized as a Top Corporate Attorney and one of the Top 100 Most Influential Latinas, she serves on the boards of ACH Child and Family Services and Cristo Rey Fort Worth College Prep. She lives in Fort Worth, Texas, with her two children.

Marycruz De León
PANELIST

Senior Community Development Advisor, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas

Marycruz De Leon is a Senior Advisor in Community Development at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, where she works on the Digital Inclusion initiative, addressing broadband access, affordability, and digital skills. She also contributes to Advance Together, a Dallas Fed initiative focused on education and workforce development in Texas.
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​Previously, Marycruz was an Assistant Economist at the Dallas Fed, analyzing regional economic issues and contributing to the Beige Book and other publications. She has also worked as an Economist at Moody’s Analytics, specializing in Latin American economies, and as a Research Analyst at the Greater Houston Partnership. Marycruz holds a BS in Economics from Baylor University and an MS in Economics from the University of Texas at El Paso.

​Ruth Villalonga
PANELIST

Public Relations, Media and Branding Expert

An award-winning Communications, Public Relations, and Media Leader with 20 years of experience as a C-suite trusted advisor building, protecting and enhancing the reputation of Fortune 500 companies.
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As a communications expert, Ruth’s counsel empowers client leadership teams to shape their brand’s narrative, implement their strategy, respond to crises, and drive their commitment forward, propelling business growth. Ruth's passion for advancing the Latino narrative and her deep understanding of multicultural America uniquely positions her as a thought leader and communications practitioner who connects brands authentically with diverse audiences, delivering results and driving impact.
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Ruth is originally from Venezuela. She currently lives in Southlake with her husband and two children.

​​Christina Elbitar
MODERATOR

Owner, Cafe Chadra Inc.
Owner, 1622 Properties
HWNT ARL State Rep & Secretary

A restaurateur and housing developer, she is co-owner of Cafe Chadra, Inc. and 1622 Park Place Properties, LLC, contributing to Fort Worth's culinary and real estate landscapes. Along with her husband, she has operated Chadra Mezza and Grill and West Fork Grill while creating affordable housing through revitalizing properties.
Their latest project is a two-story development in the Historic Stockyards, featuring a boutique hotel, wine bar, and retail space.
A 21-year Hispanic Women's Network of Texas (HWNT) member, she co-founded the Latinas In Progress program, which supports first-generation college-bound students. She serves on multiple boards, including the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.
In 2019, she received the Joan Kline Watts Award for her entrepreneurial impact from Near Southside, Inc. She and her husband live on an 8-acre farm in Southeast Fort Worth and are parents to a 10-month-old. They give back to the community through charity work and an annual scholarship in honor of her mother, Valentina Lerma.

Discover the Power of U.S. Latinas

Curious about the economic impact of Latinas in the U.S.? Check out the latest U.S. Latina GDP Report to see how this vibrant community is driving growth and innovation across the country.​

Explore the Report