Young Hispanic women have the highest rate of teen parenthood when compared to other major ethnic or racial groups in the country; with a fourth of these women (26%) becoming mothers by 19-years-old. That said, the birth rate for teen mothers has decreased 18% (1990 to 2007) for young Hispanic women, and 29% overall. These facts seem to be indicative of how Latinas are doing in America: "Things are getting better, but rankings in terms of progression remain the same." Numbers like these remind the community that it's still important to offer information, literature, and workshops regarding sex education, education and health. Also, that Latinas still have a ways to go.

Several reports suggest that Latinas have improved in school, are acquiring more jobs and having healthier lives, but that's simply compared to before. In no way does this growth imply that their level of success is in anyway comparable to their white counterparts of the same age. There were historic teen pregnancy lows for Latina teens in 2012, at 39%, while white teenage girls' numbers were significantly lower. Latinas experience teen pregnancy, hypertension, lupus, AIDS, and HPV at a higher rate than white women; and are 17 times more likely to die from diabetes than non-Hispanic white women.

The college graduation rates for Latina have increased, but remain significantly lower than non-Hispanic whites. Latinas hold just 7.4% of degrees earned by women, though they comprise 16% of the female population. And, Latinas only represent 3% of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, in a field that's occupied by 24% of women; both numbers in need of significant growth.

"Latinos may be the largest minority group enrolled in 2-year and 4-year colleges, according to a recent Pew Research Center study, but a new report highlights that Latino college graduates are having a hard time entering the workforce with high-earning positions," Latina reported.

Continuing trends: Latinas make 55 cent to the dollar, compared to non-Hispanic white men, while white women make 78.1 cent; Latinas earn $549 per week, and white women's median earnings is $718. And, Latinas make 88% of what Latino-males make. Poverty rates for Hispanic women are triple the rate of white women; and Latinas are more likely to be incarcerated and targeted for victimization.  Also, Latinas continue to be unrepresented in government and political roles.

Positive news: Latina entrepreneurs have grown over the last 15, now representing 1-out-of-10 women-owned businesses; totaling $65.7 billion in revenue and holdings -an180% increase since 1997. Latina-owned businesses represent 36% of minority women businesses: 20% of those businesses are in the healthcare field, 18% administrative services, 10% retail, 9% professional and 6% real estate.

These numbers simply show that while Latinas have been motivated to attend school and create their own businesses, they are still confronted with limitations and glass ceilings placed in their way, in order to obstruct their paths. Those obstructions come in the form of injustice, discrimination, and an unspoken desire for non-Hispanic whites to forge ahead, and to keep people of color in the background.