Local Folkloric dance group, Sones de Mi Tierra

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Author's Note:  People with Latin American roots have varying preferences about the terms “Latino,” “Latina,” "Latine," and/or “Latinx." We opted to use Latinx in this article.

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According to the Iowa Data Center, the Latinx population increased in our state by 46.4% between 2010 and 2022. 

Latinx and Hispanic individuals face a specific set of challenges in America. This National Hispanic Heritage month, which runs from September 15-October 15 in celebration of the Independence Days of several Latin American countries, we are highlighting a few trends and developments that impact such a large part of our community. 

Our September roundup of articles and news explores how current policies and practices marginalize Latinx populations — and some of the ways people with Latinx heritage are gaining back their power. 

Latino workers are often segregated into bad jobs, but a strong U.S. labor movement can boost job quality and U.S. economic growth - Equitable Growth

Latinx employees in the U.S. face many barriers to accessing quality jobs that give them greater economic security. This is a form of racial segregation based on employment and occupation, and it is widening economic inequality in our country.

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JEFAS - Latinas in Business - Hola America

Latinx entrepreneurs in Iowa are growing and thriving despite facing barriers. The owners of Hola Iowa/Hola America News,  Erika and Tar Macias, recently launched a new  initiative to celebrate Latina business owners. The new JEFAS - Latinas in Business Magazine is designed to inspire and empower Latina business owners. The goal is to increase their access to opportunities, representation, and resources so more of them can realize their full potential and inspire other Latinas to do the same.

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Closing Latino Labor Market Gap Requires Targeted Policies To End Discrimination - American Progress

Latinx employees are more susceptible to under- and unemployment during market constrictions, such as the recession triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Strategic policy making around employment opportunities and social support could improve these conditions, as well as conditions of the U.S. economy as a whole. 

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This Entrepreneur Found Her Voice While Giving Voice to Others - JEFAS Magazine

Mentorship can make a noticeable difference in one’s career trajectory, but not everyone has the same access to that support. Vanessa Marcano-Kelly reached out to a potential mentor that helped her business grow. Now she’s able to support her community and give voice to others. 

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How Claiming My Brownness Helped Me Decolonize My Ideas Of Beauty - Refinery29

Writer Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez spent her entire life receiving negative messages about her brown skin. Rejecting the colorism prevalent in many Latinx communities has changed the way she views herself and her Latinx identity.