This post was written by Hatchet reporter Catherine Hood.

Feelings of empowerment and pride dominated Wednesday night when four women took the stage to discuss growing up as Latinas in America.

“There’s nothing like doing what you love,” said Susanne Ramirez de Arellano, a Puerto Rican journalist, who has braved gender bias as well as war zones in Sierra Leone and El Salvador.

Her fiery attitude captivated the crowd, as she encouraged aspiring professionals to follow their passions and make sacrifices for their dreams – all with a cautious note.

“Don’t mess with a Puerto Rican woman,” she warned the crowd.

Co-panelist Naomi Ayala, urged the audience to do what they love as a career. Ayala told stories of being raised in a violent household while facing the pressures of ethnic stereotyping.

“I decided I never wanted to be powerless again,” the author and educator said.

Though the audience consisted of about 30 women, one of the few male participants of the event found the discussion relevant to his life too.

Mikel Peña, a junior, said that de Arellano was one of his favorite aspects of the event, and he also said that he found the speakers inspiring.

The panel discussion was one event planned as part of the Latino Heritage Celebration. organized by the Multicultural Student Services Center, Hispanic Heritage month runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.