A Bridge Between Cultures: Independence Days, Summer Resources, and More!

Message from Our CEO, Veronica Cool

Colegas,

Long ago, I arrived in the USA on the 4th of July as a 10 year old, welcomed by fireworks and a promise of new beginnings- for me, this is a time to celebrate.

And what better way of celebrating our nation's independence than with restrictions being lifted as vaccination rates increase? We can finally reconnect with our loved ones in person, and relish our humanity by interacting with one another.

But the impact of Covid-19 is still being felt, as a recent study by S. H Woolf indicates; life expectancy in the USA has decreased by about 2 years, the greatest loss of life since WWII. Read this again: this is is greatest decrease in life expectancy experienced by Americans since the last World War. For Black Americans, life expectancy decreased by 3.25 years and for Latinos, the decrease was greater still: close to 4 years. Evidence that racial and ethnic inequities exists and have dire implications.

Which is why we do the work we do. And the Cool Team will continue to serve as bridge builders, whether through language access (including translations and subtitles, which seem simple, but desperately important) and community outreach efforts to raise awareness of the importance of vaccination within minority communities. After all, #thisisourshot!

Our efforts are often showcased during Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15) where the nation acknowledges the significant contributions of Hispanics in every facet of American life, culture and history. The Cool Team authored the first of it's kinds Hispanic Heritage Month Toolkit to bring you the tools to begin to engage and educate your workforce, consumers and community. This is a first step to foster an inclusive environment while acknowledging one of the fastest growing, yet complex, segments of the population: Hispanics.

Yes, it is a time for fireflies, fireworks and family; when the paces slows to a lazy summer breeze, but we don't have the luxury to neglect our duty to our future. Our health and community don't take a summer break...

Join me in celebrating all of the magnificence of being the greatest and freest nation in the world while remembering the necessary investment to remain so great.

Till next month,

Veronica Cool

CEO & Hispanic Strategist

Highlights & Announcements

My Independence

“Thirty-five years ago, we got on a plane and upon landing, caught a taxi to take us to our new home. As we drove through the city, the night sky was suddenly filled with fireworks."

Safe Activities for Summer

The Cool team has compiled this list of fun, interactive, and safe summer activities for all to partake in and enjoy the sunshine. Pick your favorite one here!

This is Our Shot: Time to Get Vaccinated!

Vaccines are now available to the general public! It’s time for our younger generations and others without underlying medical conditions to get their COVID-19 vaccinations. Read more on the benefits the COVID-19 vaccines have on our younger generations and how they are helping us get back to normalcy.

Join the nation’s leading businesses at the biggest event of the year. There will be more than 125 exhibitors, 1500 attendees, and networking opportunities. Register here.

Join the Latinas Book Club of New York this Summer

If you find yourself visiting the Big Apple in July, The Latinas Book Club of New York, is the perfect opportunity to explore the city while also discussing new genres of literature at a club meant for everyone interested in discovering and reading about the Latino experience narrated by its own voices. For more information regarding this event, you can click on the following link.

Important Dates & Events

July 4: Happy Independence’s Day!

July 5: Venezuelan Independence Day is taking place on Sunday,

July 9: Argentinian Independence Day

July 11: ¡Feliz día del Padre en Uruguay!

July 11: World Population Day (Hispanics are one of the fastest growing segments!)

July 18: Nelson Mandela International Day

July 20: Colombian Independence Day!

July 24: National Tequila Day

July 25: ¡Feliz día del Padre en República Dominicana!

July 28: Peruvian Independence Day

July 28: National Milk Chocolate Day: Did you know that cacao, the fruit chocolate is made up of, is from Latin America? We celebrate cacao and the essence of delicious milk chocolate every day!

July 30: A Hispanic Community Perspective on the Economy and Effects of the Pandemic from 1PM-12PM (EST). Register here.

July 31: National Avocado Day-What’s your favorite avocado dish?

Partners & Resources

We are pleased to share some useful resources and connect you to these partners in an effort to continue to bridge the gap in engaging and empowering our communities.

Starting a nonprofit organization is a complex and time-consuming endeavor. A nonprofit is a business and, just like a for-profit, it requires a collection of resources ranging from time and effort to financial support.

Check out this step-by-step article on how to start your own nonprofit.

Article in English

Artículo en Español

Check out the recently released report from Camino Financial! The Q'1 2021 Latino Small Business Credit Survey released upon announcing it is the first national neo-CDFI FinTech focused on lending to unbanked and underserved small businesses. This report highlights how Latino business recovery from the pandemic crisis is nascent and fragile.

The Center for Assistance to Families (CAF) is a non-profit, HUD approved comprehensive Housing Counseling Agency that provides free educational workshops and a wide-range of Housing Counseling services such as pre-purchase, foreclosure, non-delinquency, post-purchase; and rental counseling.

Learn more about services available.

Excelencia in Education, the nation’s premier authority on accelerating Latino student success in higher education and established in 2004 just received a multimillion-dollar grant by philanthropists MacKenzie Scott and Dan Jewett. Learn more on how this funding will provide vital funding for Excelencia to further Latino students’ success.

Hispanic Toolkit Promo