The MolinaCares Accord Empowers Native American Women Entrepreneurs
Media Contact: Caroline Zubieta, Caroline.Zubieta@MolinaHealthcare.com, 562-951-1588
SANTA FE, N.M. – Jan. 16, 2023 – The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”), in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of New Mexico (“Molina”), has donated to Native Women Lead, an organization dedicated to inspiring innovation by investing in New Mexico Native women in business. The donation is part of the MolinaCares for Families initiative, in which MolinaCares committed an initial $400,000 to community-based organizations across the state to improve the health and overall well-being of all New Mexicans.
With the grant funding, Native Women Lead is supporting Native American women entrepreneurs in New Mexico through professional empowerment, cultural and spiritual healing, and connections back to the community. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, economic stability is a key indicator of an individual’s social determinants of health, affecting numerous outcomes and risks related to health, functioning, and quality-of-life. The wage gap for Native American women is significant, with Native American women only earning 57 cents to the dollar, when compared to white, non-Hispanic men.
“We are a proud partner of Native Women Lead and value helping Native American businesswomen across our state, said Carolyn Ingram, plan president for Molina Healthcare of New Mexico. Social determinants of health are major contributors to health outcomes. Through their programs, a coalition of women can come together to inspire professional growth, business innovation, cultural connections, and self-wellness – all positive contributions towards economic stability and health.”
“We are grateful to MolinaCares for their support of our programs and their commitment to health equity across New Mexico,” said Alicia Ortega, director of strategy and growth for Native Women Lead. “We believe women are the backbone of the community. Economic security and cultural connections are key to the overall well-being, health, and safety of our women and our Native communities.”
Learn more about the MolinaCares for Families initiative and all of the community-based organizations supported by MolinaCares here.
About The MolinaCares Accord:
Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc.
About Molina Healthcare of New Mexico:
Molina Healthcare of New Mexico has been providing government-funded, quality health care since 1998. The Company serves members through Medicare and Health Insurance Marketplace programs throughout New Mexico. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a FORTUNE 500 company, served approximately 5.2 million members as of September 30, 2022. For more information about Molina Healthcare of New Mexico, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.
About Native Women Lead:
The mission of Native Women Lead is to revolutionize systems and inspire innovation by investing in Native women in business. The organization co-creates with and convenes the community to build a coalition while honoring culture, creativity, and connections. For more information, visit NativeWomenLead.org.
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