Founded in 1985, MANA de Albuquerque aims to empower Latinas through leadership development, community service, and advocacy. Its Hermanita program is designed to encourage and support Hispanic adolescent girls, ages 11-17, to stay in school, to pursue high academic and career goals, to maintain and/or improve their health, to connect with themselves, their families and their communities, and to raise their self-confidence and expectations for the future. For nine months, Hermanitas receive one-on-one mentoring and personal, career, and leadership training; they also attend national conferences and legislative training in Santa Fe.