By Alissa Anderegg

After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, Venus Ginés decided there needed to be more health awareness and education for other Latinas. Together with the Mexican consulate, she founded Día de la Mujer Latina to provide free services, seminars and screenings to women around the country.

Now in its 20th year, the organization has reached more than 96,000 women through “health fiestas” in 39 cities. Last week marked the second year the event has come to Chicago.