Founding History
In the Spring semester of 1994, five inspiring young women: Zuleyka Heredia, Ricki Robles, Amelia Schustz, Erica Solorzano and Bernadette Vargas came together to establish one of the first Chicana/Latina groups at the University of California, Berkeley. This organization was created in order to give Chicanas/Latinas on campus an opportunity to find a home away from home, while providing academic and community resources and a family networking system through a basic of three pillars: academics, community service and collegial networking. The founding mothers agreed to shorten Hermanas Unidas letter to "HaU", with an emphasis on the "A" in HermanAs. The first official general body meeting was held in Wheeler Hall at UCB, where the official colors, motto, and logo were chosen. Hermanas Unidas has now developed into an eighteen year organization with eighteen chapters.
SFSU History
In the Spring of 2012, five inspired young women: Candice Aparicio, Alexandra Brawdy, Patricia Huitzil, Iris Sanchez and Laura Villagomez were moved to establish a Latina based organization at San Francisco State University. With the help of Danette Dominguez, Kimberly Iniguez and Nohemi this became possible. These young empowering women were brought together by others who shared the same dreams and goals. Together these five women recognized the need for support, resources, and unity for Latinas on campus. Wanting to help meet such needs, these visionaries set the foundation through hard work and dedication. The devotion and pride they have in this organization enabled them to successfully transform a vision into what is now a recognized organization on campus, emphasizing Hermandad, community service, and social activities to unite and support Latinas who have chose to pursue a degree in higher education.