(NEXSTAR) -- There's a strong community of Latinos all across the New York area and they're all about economic empowerment, community and scholarships.

A New York City-based group called 100 Hispanic Women brings together thousands of Hispanic women, some the most powerful Latinas in business, healthcare, academia and many other fields.

Elena Romero and Zayda Rivera are both single moms, Boricuas and powerhouses. Their connection: love of culture, heritage, and being Latina. They say it's a super power.

"100 Hispanic Women National was my lifeline," Romero says.

Romero is a Fashion Institute of Technology professor by day, and student by night. At 52 years old, this mother of three decided to go back to school to the CUNY Graduate Center to get her Ph.D.

As a first generation college

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