(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 graduate, she knows first hand how difficult it is to afford a great education. "I was at a place where I had to pick, my education over my daughter's," Romero says. "Thankfully, through the organization and their scholarship, which lasts until I complete my degree, I'm able to not have to make that decision. We can both go to school." Meanwhile, Rivera says on the best day of her life, seven years ago, she almost lost her life during the birth of her twins. The traumatic experience changed her life and launched her into service. "It gave me a newfound sense of what life and living is all about," says Rivera. "I didn't see Latinas behind the scenes producing Latina events. And I thought, 'No. This is different. This is why God chose me to live.'" She launched a business called Mindful Living with Z and wrote a book called, "Being Bruja: A Young Mystics Guide" for middle school and high school students. They're just two of 4,000 powerful Latinas that make up 100 Hispanic Women National. Their focus is empowering students with funds to make their dreams happen. This year, they're giving 23 scholarships, but they have 20 Latinas waiting for financial help. Rivera adds: "It's about telling these young people to love themselves early on, and 100 Hispanic Women is here to support them."