In late March, the daylong LEAD IX Summit, ¡Viva la Mujer!, celebrated the accomplishments of Latina women and addressed the challenges they face, both in and outside academics.  The honorary chairs, or madrinas de honor, for the 2018 summit were Gloria Macías Harrison and Marta Macías Brown, sisters from San Bernardino who have a long history of contributing to the community. The event also brought together past honorary chairpersons. Seven of the past nine madrinas de honor shared how each overcame challenges to succeed in their given professions in the capstone presentation “VIVA LA MUJER: Nosotras Las Madrinas.” “Women are strong. We can do anything,” said Eloise Gómez Reyes, 2017 LEAD Summit Madrina de Honor and state assembly member representing the 47th District. “And just remember that women can lead, and often times will lead.” Two panels that addressed educational issues, and four keynote women speakers who focused on topics ranging from empowerment, civil rights, education and conditions faced by women farmworkers, complemented the event. This year’s summit was seen worldwide on the internet and social media, with a combined viewership of more than 480,000.