In Houston’s vast workforce, breaking into the job market as a Latina often requires overcoming language and cultural barriers, underrepresentation, and a lack of support. Created as a response to the glaring lack of representation for Latinas in the blogging and media space, the Houston Latina Collaborative (HLC) began as Houston Latina Bloggers in 2014. Over the last 11 years, it has evolved into a thriving community supporting Latina entrepreneurs, media professionals, fashion and makeup artists, and other creatives. Today, HLC continues to fill the gaps in access, support, and resources for Latinas, fostering collaboration and empowerment across industries.
A Vision Born from Exclusion
Connie Leon, a founding member of the HLC and of Mexican descent, recalls the moment the idea was born.
“We were at a conference, and it was a predominantly white female conference,” Leon said in an exclusive interview with Que Onda Magazine. “We realized that there weren’t a lot of people of color in general, and it was only about eight of us who were actually Latinas.”
Determined to create a space for Latina voices, Leon and her peers took immediate action.
“Literally sitting at that conference, we looked it up and thought, ‘THIS CAN’T BE RIGHT. WE ARE NOT THE ONLY LATINAS AT CONFERENCES,’” she recalled. “And there was nothing else. That’s crazy—so let’s create something.”
What began with a simple Twitter account, Facebook group, and Instagram page has now flourished into a thriving network. From an initial group of six to eight women, the HLC has grown to include over 800 members in its private Facebook group and 17,000 followers on Instagram.
“It’s work, but it’s a community effort, and so it’s definitely been something that we’ve grown and love to see grow,” Leon said.
A Space for Growth and Opportunity
Carolina “Caro” Rodriguez, a tech enthusiast of Salvadoran and Venezuelan descent, joined the Houston Latina Collaborative when she was searching for guidance in blogging and social media.
“I met Connie at a panel, and I kind of stalked her,” Rodriguez admitted with a laugh. “I wanted to be a blogger and work in social media. I reached out and got introduced to the community.”
Rodriguez quickly realized the impact of the HLC.
“What Connie created was something great because a lot of people would come up to us at events and ask, ‘How do I get started? Where do I go? What do I do?’” she said.
HLC became that launching pad.
“The goal is to get as many people as we can not just involved, but to just know that the community exists and that you can be a part of it,” Leon said.
Representation and Collaboration
Desiree Klaus, a Mexican American entrepreneur and founder of Let’s Vámonos Network, has played an instrumental role in expanding HLC’s reach. She currently serves as the Chief Collaborative Officer, leading partnerships and brand initiatives.
“Once the community started to grow, that representation also started to grow,” Klaus said. “Cultivating future bloggers to create their own audiences and platforms grew immensely because Houston Latina Bloggers was that first step for so many.”
Klaus, who produces two shows—Let’s Vámonos Live and Mornings with Madre—leverages her expertise in media and community advocacy to uplift Latina entrepreneurs. She believes in the power of collaboration.
“There’s growth in our community,” Klaus said. “It’s not just me being the marketing manager or social media manager. There’s opportunity for me to grow and bring in other people to fill in the gaps.”
Challenges and Triumphs
Running a large-scale collaborative effort isn’t without its difficulties.
Leon reflected on HLC’s evolution.
“Where it has come from—from being a small group of six or seven people that we didn’t know what it was going to turn into—to now, it has been huge,” she said.
Before the pandemic, HLC hosted numerous workshops, panels, and networking events. COVID-19 forced a shift to virtual engagement, but it also reinforced the group’s resilience.
“During COVID, our team kind of disintegrated, but we kept going. We all have our own platforms now,” Leon said. “Wherever there is a need to fill in that space, we can pull from a lot of different places.”
HLC’s adaptability allows it to remain a central hub for Latina professionals and entrepreneurs. Members actively post about needs, job opportunities, and collaborative projects, ensuring those seeking support can find it.
Standing for the Community
Beyond business and networking, HLC has taken a stance on social issues.
“Over the last two years, we’ve found ourselves in controversial moments,” Klaus said. “We needed to let the community know where we stand. We are here for the immigrant community; we are families of immigrants. We are a collaborative community of immigrants.”
Speaking out has strengthened the community’s trust in HLC.
“When people know where you stand and that you’re willing to speak out for them, it creates a sense of unity and a bond that some of these other platforms might not do because they’re too scared,” Klaus said. “But we are not just about the pretty pictures—we want to make sure our voices are heard.”
Balancing Growth and Self-Care
For many involved, particularly working mothers, balancing personal and professional responsibilities is a constant challenge.
“Something’s always going to be sacrificed,” Leon said. “It’s really important for me to be present in every single space. When I have my kids, I disconnect from work and everything else.”
Rodriguez, who once burned out from overcommitting, learned to set boundaries.
“I started being available 24/7, and I burned out,” Rodriguez said. “Now, I know how to delegate, say no, and recognize what I can handle.”
Impact and Future Plans
For Klaus, the impact of HLC is clear.
“Without HLC, I don’t think it would’ve pushed me to where I am now with my own business,” she said. “I am a product of being able to show what opportunities and growth can happen when you work with the right people.”
Rodriguez takes pride in watching members flourish.
“I still follow women who were just starting, and now they’re huge,” she said. “It makes me happy because they found what they loved and are thriving.”
Moving forward, HLC aims to assess community needs and form strategic partnerships.
“We’ve learned that we can’t be everything for everybody,” Klaus said. “So, we will continue to be more purposeful and authentic in our collaborations.”
Get Involved
Those interested in joining HLC can connect via:
- Instagram: @houstonlatinacollaborative (DM for inquiries)
- Facebook: Houston Latina Bloggers
- Email: htxcollaborative@gmail.com
As HLC continues to grow, its mission remains clear: to uplift, connect, and empower Latinas in Houston and beyond.
Keep up with the stories of Houston’s vibrant Hispanic community with us on Que Onda Magazine.
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