On June 1, Armstrong State University was designated as the first college campus in the country to have a collegiate chapter of the National Latina Organization MANA, which represents the interests of Latina women, youth and families in the areas of education, health and well-being, financial literacy, equal and civil rights and immigration reform. The campus affiliation is named MANA de Savannah at Armstrong.
 
"This is an exciting development for student life on our campus,” notes Armstrong Director of Multicultural Affairs Nashia Whittenburg. “With MANA, we will be able to provide community support to our Hispanic/ Latina students on their journey to actualizing their goals and dreams. We know initiatives such as this one have a positive impact on retention, progression and graduation, and we expect nothing less from MANA.”
 
Founded in 1974, MANA is a national grassroots membership organization with chapters, individual members and affiliates across the country. MANA de Savannah at Armstrong joins the national MANA mission to empower Latinas through leadership development, community service and advocacy.

“We are thrilled to welcome MANA de Savannah at Armstrong as our newest chapter,” says Veronica Padilla, chair of the MANA National Board of Directors. “Our focus has always been to provide Latinas with the tools to take on leadership roles, educate our communities and grow stronger collectively. Starting the first MANA Chapter on a college campus signals a new avenue for Latina leadership. We are confident that the leadership of chapter president Alejandra Gonzalez-Galan, vice president Jennifer Yanes and secretary Mabel Vizcarra will build a strong community of active Latinas committed to Armstrong State University and the greater Savannah community.”