Our History
In the midst of a tumultuous divorce and the overwhelming responsibilities of raising a child, Yurani Sandoval found herself struggling to navigate the complex emotional, physical challenges that beset her. Despite her efforts to build business skills, Yurani quickly realized that her most pressing need was access to mental, emotional, and community support while she was creating her business and participating in different incubators. Yurani began to connect with other Latina mothers, and she discovered a shared narrative of similar struggles. Yurani believes that entrepreneurial success depends not only on access to business education but also on quality wellness education. Both are imperative for Hispanic/Latina women. Her philosophy Emprender es deber is that you should be an entrepreneur in all aspects in your life not only in business.
It was then that the seed for Women Palante, meaning “women moving forward,” was planted. Alongside a group of dedicated volunteer mothers and volunteers tutors, Yurani initiated a grassroots effort to provide financial and emotional education in Spanish within local schools in D.C.
This initiative started with entrepreneurial training programs for mothers and even children aged 8-11, fostering early business acumen in a supportive environment. As the community grew, so did the scope of their programs. Women Palante developed comprehensive training for mothers, focusing not only on financial and business skills but also prioritizing mental health, psycho-emotional wellbeing, and physical fitness. This holistic approach aimed to create a nurturing community where women felt supported, empowered, and capable of transformative growth in all areas of their lives.
However, building and sustaining the foundation came with challenges. From its early days, Yurani believed Women Palante was just a hobby. Yet, over time, she realized it was a passion she couldn’t ignore. This realization led her to leave her career and dedicate herself fully to the cause. Despite the challenges, the foundation became a reflection of her personal journey, a space that blended personal development, wellbeing, community, and entrepreneurship.
The impact of Women Palante has been profound, yet the journey is far from complete. As the organization continues to flourish, its mission remains steadfast: to foster a community where Latina women can thrive, supported by resources that speak their language and address their unique needs. With further growth, Women Palante aims to reach even more women, amplifying its transformative influence and ensuring that every Latina woman has the opportunity to move forward with confidence, resilience and exceptional wellbeing.