This dissertation examines the history of Comision Femenil Mexicana Nacional (CFMN). Focusing on a class, race, and gender analysis, CFMN emerged in the 1970s as the prominent Chicana feminist organization. Though often categorized as a middle-class Chicana organization because of its members' socioeconomic standing, CFMN's origins come from the communist class, race, and gender analysis of founder Francisca Flores to address Chicana poverty.

Central to this study is the development of Chicana feminist thought through personal engagement with the Chicano Movement. Questioning the role of women, particularly their second-class status within the Chicano organizations of the 1960s, young Chicanas gravitated to CFMN because of the organization's philosophy of helping Chicana and Latina women. As CFMN established chapters throughout the Southwest, it tackled multiple issues that impacted Chicanas' economic upward mobility.

By addressing the triple oppression of class, race, and gender that Chicanas faced, CFMN developed programs that challenged the stereotypes of Chicanas in the workforce. Utilizing both governmental and private resources, CFMN established self-help organizations that targeted Chicana poverty through improvement of skills and the development of leaders within the organization itself.