Top 100 Women of Impact: Margarita Solórzano

Margarita Solórzano

Executive Director, Hispanic Women’s Organization of Arkansas

About me: I was born and raised in Mexico. In 1990, I migrated to the U.S. with my two young daughters and started a long journey to learn a new language and adapt to new cultures. I first arrived in California, then relocated to northwest Arkansas in 1996, a place I call home. 

My life as an immigrant single mother in Arkansas, a new immigrant destination state, has shaped my work and community activism. I focus on improving educational opportunities, promoting civic engagement and increasing access to resources and services for the Spanish-speaking and immigrant communities. 

In 1999, I became a founding member of the nonprofit Hispanic Women’s Organization of Arkansas that promotes higher education attainment, citizenship, civic participation and community integration.


Lives/Works in: Springdale

Best Career Advice: Try new things, venture into unexplored terrains and create your own definition of yourself. Don’t be afraid. Develop the talents and abilities you need in this ever-changing work environment. Use your skills and determination to decide how far you want to get. Set lines you will not cross, and enjoy life.

Lesson Learned the Hard Way: Even those close to you may not always have your best interests in mind. I learned to stand by myself, to use my own voice and to fight my and my daughters’ battles. I want to help others follow the same principles and move forward for a better life.

Call to Action: Women, use the power of your vote to protect your rights. In Arkansas, women represent a slight majority. It is fair that we use the power of our vote for our benefit and the benefit of generations of women to come. Your vote is going to shape your daughters’ future. Our children deserve to live in a place where women’s contributions are valued and receive respect. Register and make your vote count.


TOP 100 WOMEN OF IMPACT IN ARKANSAS 2023
A Women’s Foundation of Arkansas Initiative

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