For almost 45 years, a group of Hispanic women has uplifted their own.

“I always tell people I grew up in a world of education,” said Soda Kuczkowski, a Hispanic Women's League legacy and current board member.

Learning is always at the forefront for Kuczkowski. It's a love instilled in her by her mother, a Puerto Rican immigrant.

“She worked for the Buffalo Public Schools for 32 years in the English as a Second Language Program, and she was very instrumental in a lot of what we see now in terms of bilingual education in the schools," said Kuczkowski.

Her mom, aunt, and a few other women got together in 1979 to form the Hispanic Women’s League.

“Our mission is to empower mentor, advocate and support the Latina woman,” said Kuczkowski.

It took a different form back in the 70s and 80s.

“The thought process was, 'we're women, we're part of the education system, these changes you're making are affecting our children, we're going to sit at the table and we're going to have a voice,'” explained Maria Cruz, the group’s president.

“I know it feels like it's not a long time ago, but 44 years ago is still a very long time for women to say, especially Latina women in a place that is not only ruled by men, but by the white men- to stand in and have a voice and say, 'no, we're going to be part of this change,'” said Cruz.

Cruz felt the impact this group has when, years ago, she got one of their scholarships.

“It helped me with my books. It helped me to have it alleviate some of the expenses for my family," she explained. "It's a big deal.”

Now the organization having discussions about financial wellness, wage gap issues, and more.

“Women, in terms, of the fields that we're in, we still take up a very small percentage of STEM careers and pursue certain types of degrees," added Kuczkowski. "For all of the progress that we've made, there's still so much work to be done.”

They have more than 100 members now.

“I see a different generation of women who are pushing the needle forward," said Cruz. "I'm just proud to know that I'm part of the legacy that this organization is [having] and the work that we're doing.”

As they get bigger, so does their visibility and the footprint they leave.

“I attended meetings as a little girl," recalled Kuczkowski. "Now I'm a mother to a nine-year-old and she's attended meetings as a little girl.”

Their work continues to empower the Latina community for generations.

"What do you think of when you see these pictures," asked Spectrum News 1 Buffalo as the women leafed through previous albums.

“Strong women, legacy, advocacy, sisterhood," said Cruz.

"Pride," added Kuczkowski.

"Absolutely, pride,” laughed Cruz.

The Hispanic Women’s League is trying to find more corporate partners to create more legacy scholarships in different sectors.

They’re holding their 44th Annual Gala to celebrate many young women and community members this Saturday, October 14.