Making friends as an adult can feel isolating, especially in a city where remote work, busy schedules and new beginnings leave many searching for connection.

In Tucson, two women turned that shared loneliness into Tucson Primas, a growing social club that creates welcoming, offline spaces for Latina women to meet, build confidence and find community together.

“A lot of girls who’ve moved to Tucson found there are not a lot of spaces to connect outside of work,” said cofounder Karen Velasco.

Velasco and Tucson Primas cofounder Paola Bustamante are cousins whose renewed time together helped spark the idea for the group. As they navigated adulthood, distance and busy schedules had pulled them away from each other, but reconnecting highlighted how much they had been missing and how powerful shared space can be.

“There was a point when we got older that we did not hang out as much. Those were kind of hard times for both of us,” said Bustamante. “I was isolated from my primas, my community and friends. Hanging out again, just that one time, was a big burst of energy.”

That realization led them to see they weren’t alone in those feelings and that other women in Tucson might also be searching for connection beyond work and routine.

“Tucson Primas sprouted from that sentiment, the idea of community and recreation amongst Latinas,” said Bustamante. “We have seen success in it and they (the attendees) agree how special these spaces are when you’re in a community.”

Since starting the group last September, the two have received positive feedback and found success in helping others make connections.

Many of the girls and members who have joined have found confidence in public spaces. Some who are more soft-spoken or shy now initiate conversations, while others are becoming more confident learning English as a second language.

“It’s really special for us to see, we gave them the space to do that,” said Velasco.

Bustamante shared a similar perspective, emphasizing the vulnerability it takes to put oneself out there.

“It takes a lot of courage to sign up for an event where you do not know anybody or what the vibe is,” Bustamante said. “Active showing up is so vulnerable.”

Creating a safe space is a priority for Velasco and Bustamante, and as the group continues to grow, other members are helping foster that same sense of welcome for newcomers.

“A little bit of awkwardness is a given, it’s the price you pay for friendship, in order to get to the other side,” said Bustamante.

She noted that the group is for everyone, introverts and extroverts alike.

“You’re not alone in doing this,” Velasco added. “All the girls are going for the same goal of making friendships.”

Past events have included a launch party, group hikes, movie nights, pumpkin painting and stocking decorating. The pair said they have noticed a growing desire among participants to get offline and be more engaged in the community.

“Everybody is yearning for community,” said Bustamante. “We all want to go outside and do things together. We are really excited to carry that energy into the new year.”

This month’s events will include motivation and wellness for the new year, and February events will be Galentine’s-themed.

One of the group’s first events took place during Hispanic Heritage Month. Beyond building friendships, the group aims to uplift Latino culture while also welcoming people of other ethnicities. Bustamante said she wants participants to feel a strong sense of belonging in the community.

During their “Friendsgiving” event in November, many participants brought homemade dishes passed down through their families and cultures. The gathering was one of several events that helped solidify that sense of community.

“We are open to anyone with the Prima Spirit,” said Bustamante.

Velasco and Bustamante said the group is open to all women in Tucson who want to make friendships while appreciating the city’s strong Hispanic influences.

“At the very least, if you show up you’ll leave with two new friends,” said Bustamante. “Because Karen and I are always excited to meet the girls. We always want to create connections and make sure they feel welcomed and seen.”

Tucson Primas’ next event will be a group pilates class Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. Find details on their Instagram page.

Emma Diaz is a University of Arizona alum and freelance journalist based in Tucson.

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