PO Box 740035 San Diego, CA 92174 | Tel: 619.297.0115
Latina Upward Mobility Initiative (LUMI) Program
The Latina Upward Mobility Initiative (LUMI) is a transformative pilot program launched by MANA de San Diego to invest in the economic mobility of Latinas and their families. Rooted in the belief that empowering mothers creates a ripple effect for future generations, LUMI supports participants —mothers of Hermanitas—, in pursuing educational, professional, and personal growth.
LUMI is a trust-based guaranteed income project that provides monthly stipends to participants over the course of a 9-month program, which combines seminars, coaching, financial and digital literacy workshops, and wraparound case management support. Through partnerships with organizations like the San Diego College of Continuing Education, participants gain access to dedicated counselors and tailored resources that help them move toward economic stability and long-term success.
At the heart of LUMI is a commitment to breaking generational cycles of poverty by addressing the root challenges faced by Latina mothers. By supporting their upward mobility, the program helps reduce the financial burden on their children, allowing youth to focus on their education and future goals without the pressure of contributing to household income.
LUMI also builds on MANA de San Diego’s longstanding mission of transforming communities through education. The program brings together decades of experience in mentorship, leadership development, and workforce support, centralizing these efforts to create a comprehensive and scalable model.
Guided by principles of equity, social capital, and trust-based philanthropy, LUMI leverages MANA’s powerful network to connect participants with valuable opportunities and meaningful connections. Whether through job leads, mentorship, or educational support, LUMI is helping Latina mothers unlock their potential and shape a more prosperous future for themselves and their families.
Qualifications
To be eligible for the LUMI Program applicants must be low-income Latina’s who are mothers/guardians of current Hermanitas or current College Success participants.
Our 2026-2027 applications are now closed.
LUMI COhort
In-session
"El programa LUMI ha marcado un antes y un después en mi vida. Aunque siempre he dado lo mejor de mí para alcanzar mis metas, sentía que me faltaba el apoyo necesario para avanzar de verdad. Gracias a los talleres, he desarrollado la confianza en que soy capaz de lograr lo que me propongo. Ahora tengo una visión más clara y realista de las oportunidades que debo buscar y las expectativas que debo establecer. Escuchar a mis compañeras compartir sus retos y logros me ha hecho sentir parte de una comunidad de mujeres valientes. Somos mujeres que enfrentamos adversidades, que lloramos pero no nos rendimos, y que buscamos constantemente mejorar