Mujeres + Saludables – A First-of-Its-Kind Women’s Health Summit for Latina Women in Eagle County

In early November, MIRA and CSU Extension hosted Mujeres + Saludables, a groundbreaking Women’s Health Summit created specifically for Latina women across Eagle County and surrounding mountain communities. Held at Colorado Mountain College in Edwards, the full-day gathering brought together women of all ages to learn, connect, and talk openly about health topics that are too often ignored, stigmatized, or unavailable in Spanish.

Across Colorado, women’s health education remains limited—especially in rural areas where culturally relevant information is scarce. Topics like menopause, pelvic floor health, osteoporosis, mental health, and supplements are frequently overlooked in traditional health settings, leaving many Latina women without the guidance they need to make informed decisions about their well-being. This Summit was designed to change that.

A Day Built by and for Latina Women

More than 100 women from Eagle, Lake, Summit, and Garfield counties joined us for a day that centered their experiences, questions, and voices. The Summit was offered primarily in Spanish, with interpretation provided throughout the program to ensure seamless participation for all attendees. Free childcare and culturally familiar meals prepared by Grab and Grow made the event welcoming and accessible for mothers and caregivers.

The agenda reflected what women in our community told us they wanted most: clear, trustworthy information from experts who understand their realities. Participants heard from physicians, mental health counselors, nutrition educators, and fitness instructors through an engaging schedule that included:

• Mental health and emotional well-being
• Menopause and hormone changes
• Osteoporosis and bone health
• Movement and fitness
• Nutrition, vitamins, and supplements
• Pelvic floor education and guided exercises

Between sessions, attendees connected with local organizations offering resources for physical health, mental health, financial stability, and family support. The energy in the room remained warm, supportive, and deeply community-centered.

Born From Community Feedback

Mujeres + Saludables grew directly out of what local women told us last year during MIRA and CSU Extension’s bilingual menopause education series. Of the 55 women who participated, an overwhelming majority asked for more programming—and specifically requested topics like nutrition, mental health, and pelvic floor health, which can be difficult to discuss with providers or are often unavailable in Spanish.

This Summit represents the next step: expanding a successful model into a broader, more comprehensive health event shaped entirely by community voice.

A Collective Effort

The Summit was co-organized by MIRA and CSU Extension, with support from Vail Health, Colorado Mountain College, the MIRA Bus team, and a wide network of nonprofit partners. Together, these organizations helped recruit presenters, secure space, provide childcare, design materials, and ensure that every detail reflected the needs of the women we serve.

Tabling partners included Vail Health, Vail Valley Charitable Fund, Gula Wellness, SpeakUp ReachOut, Mountain Family Health Centers, Family Connect, Nourish Mind and Body, Exploremos, Sabia y Fuertes, CSU Extension, CMC, and others committed to women’s well-being.

Building a Stronger Future for Women’s Health

Mujeres + Saludables marks the beginning of a new chapter in women’s health programming for Eagle County. It reflects what is possible when community partners listen deeply, collaborate intentionally, and create spaces where Latina women feel informed, respected, and supported.

We are grateful to every participant, partner, and presenter who helped make this first Summit an inspiring success. With continued collaboration, we look forward to making Mujeres + Saludables a lasting annual tradition—one that lifts women’s voices, removes barriers to care, and strengthens the health of our entire community.