Message from our Founder,

Veronica Cool

Queridos amigos,

As October comes to a close, let's reflect on the roller-coaster ride of Hispanic Heritage Month. It was a vibrant season of celebration, recognition, and hard work. Our Latino community radiated energy, passion, and joy at every event, celebrating our rich history.

Joyously gathering, just like a family reunion, here are some fabulous highlights showcasing our unwavering community commitment: the Hispanic Health Access Roundtable hosted by Maryland Health Connection, MIMA's awards ceremony, Maryland Hispanic Business Conference, the Carroll County Women's Conference, the Maryland Women’s Small Business Conference hosted by Governor's Office of Minority Affairs, and the 2023 Maryland Nonprofits Annual Conference- check out our social media pages to check out the videos and pictures.

Remember, our commitment to empowering Latino communities doesn't end with the calendar. We work diligently every day; it's not limited to just a month.

We are headed to a Team Retreat to plan for 2024 and encourage you to, bluntly, review your 2024 strategy and budgets to ensure you are intentional about engaging the fastest growing population in the country- funding and efforts for trainings and community outreach efforts. Ideally, you can hire the Cool Team, but if not us, someone skilled and vetted to maintain the momentum in engaging this very vibrant community. Stay tuned for what's next, because our community has shown that when we unite, there's nothing we can't achieve.

¡Un abrazo!

Veronica Cool

Empowering Latinos for Professional Success in the U.S.

In the pursuit of professional success, the journey can often feel challenging, especially if you are a Latino navigating unique obstacles. Whether you are striving for excellence in the corporate world or embarking on an entrepreneurial venture, understanding the power of networks, mastering essential skills, and seizing opportunities are key to achieving your goals.

Empower yourself with insights and strategies to propel your professional journey forward and transform obstacles into stepping stones toward your ultimate success.

Our latest blog showcases the crucial aspects of building a robust professional network and the transformative impact of mentorship. 

Catch up on the conversation from the Maryland Latinos Unidos People’s Policy Series exploring what lies ahead for Maryland's Latino community post the Supreme Court’s Affirmative Action Rulings.

April Lugo, Senior Manager of Inclusive Diversity and Equity at Allstate Corporation, emphasizes that it's not about favoring the less qualified, but about providing equitable access.

Veronica believes that access is also linked to the unique narratives within each community. For instance, many Latinos hail from countries with different credit systems than that of the United States. Due to this disparity, Latino small business owners often face limitations in accessing credit, hindering their business growth.

Explore more insights shared by April, Dr. Gabriela Lemus, and Veronica as they shed light on the impact to recruiting and partnering with Latinos.

Medicaid in Maryland:

How to Renew Your Health Coverage

Are you or your family members covered by Medicaid in Maryland? If so, you may have heard that renewal isn't automatic. There are

a few steps to follow. Don't worry, the process is simpler than you think.

Our health and protecting our families is VITAL. Please review our blog- ¡en español! - detailing the Medicaid renewal process in Maryland. Including essential information, tips, and a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the renewal procedure seamlessly. Stay informed, stay covered, and let's make sure no one misses out on the healthcare they deserve.

In case you miss it, catch the replay of a dynamic session hosted by The Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as part of their BAM (Business, Advocacy, and Mentorship) event, specially curated for Hispanic Heritage Month. The insightful discussion, led by Cris Oviedo, featured an impressive panel of speakers, including:

• Y. Maria Martinez - Special Secretary of the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs
• Paulo Reátegui, MBA - Insperity Human Resources
• Veronica Cool - Our very own expert in the field of Hispanic Engagement

These industry leaders shared invaluable insights and experiences that can transform your approach to business and advocacy. Whether you're an entrepreneur, professional, or someone looking to learn from the best, this session is not to be missed.

Outstanding Latinos Recognized at the Maryland Latino Legislative Caucus

Awards Ceremony

During Hispanic Heritage Month, the Maryland Latino Legislative Caucus acknowledged exceptional members of the Latino community who have demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment to improving the lives of fellow Latinos and immigrants.

This year's award recipients embody excellence, dedication, and leadership in their respective fields:

Ninfa Amador - Recipient of the 2023 Emerging Leader Award, Ninfa Amador stands as a beacon of young Latino leadership.

Lucía Islas - The recipient of the 2023 Unity Award, Lucía Islas, has demonstrated exceptional efforts in fostering inclusivity, empowerment, and compassion within the community. 

Jermin Laviera - Recipient of the 2023 Community Service Award, Jermin Laviera stands out for her exceptional dedication to providing meaningful services to Maryland's Latino and immigrant communities.

Dr. Gabriela Lemus - Recipient of the 2023 Health Equity Champion Award, Dr. Gabriela Lemus has demonstrated outstanding commitment to advancing public health initiatives aimed specifically at improving the well-being of immigrant and Latino families in Maryland.

Ruby Stemmle - Recipient of the 2023 Environmental Justice Award, Ruby Stemmle is recognized for her extraordinary contributions in the field of environmental leadership, energy, and climate.

Become a Mentor in the

Towson University MAPD Program

The MAPD (Mentoring to Advance Professional Development) program at Towson University is currently in search of dedicated mentors to join their ranks. This academic year-long initiative is open to all interested juniors and seniors within the College of Business & Economics, encompassing majors in Economics, Accounting, Business Administration, and Business Systems & Processes.

Being a mentor in MAPD is not only an opportunity to give back to your community but also a platform to hone your leadership, coaching, and communication skills.

Celebrate Small Business Saturday by Supporting Local Latino Businesses

Small Business Saturday is a reminder of the significant role small businesses play in our communities, driving local economies and fostering growth. In past years, this event has spurred an impressive $17.9 billion in consumer spending at independent retailers and restaurants.

Let's show our support for Latino Small Businesses this year! According to the Joint Economic Committee Hispanic Entrepreneurship and Business Brief, nearly one in four new U.S. businesses is Hispanic-owned, contributing over $800 billion annually to the American economy.

This holiday season let's come together and support these wonderful Latino-owned businesses. Choose to support Latino-owned businesses! 

• October 28: Day of the Dead Festival, City of Annapolis
• November 1-30: National Diabetes Month, National Alzheimer Disease Awareness Month, National Entrepreneurship Month
• November 1: All Saints' Day - Día de Todos los Santos
• November 1-2: Day of the Dead | Día de los Muertos
• November 2: 2023 Blingo Gala, Spanish Speaking Community Frederick
• November 4: Day of The Dead Festival and Parade, Creative Alliance/CIELO
• November 4: Accelerating Generational Wealth for Black & Latina Women, LEDC
• November 8: National STEM Day
• November 9: 7th Annual Gala, PODEROSAS, El Poder de Ser Mujer
• November 9: Exportando a Casa: Exporting Your Products to Latin America, NOVA Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce
• November 11: Veterans’ Day
• November 15: GWHCC Cares: Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway & Food Distribution, The Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• November 16: MLU: People's Policy Series, Maryland Latinos Unidos
• November 17: BAM Business Advocacy & Mentorship, Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• November 18: 47th Annual GWHCC Gala, The Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• November 20: National Entrepreneurs Day
• November 21: Taller de Salud Para Hombres, Coaching Salud Holística
• November 23: Thanksgiving
• November 25: Small Business Saturday
• November 28: Giving Tuesday
• November 28: Panama Independence Day
• December 4: Annual Holiday Celebration, Latino Providers Network

Coaching Salud Holística

Coaching Salud Holística was founded to serve an underserved and underrepresented set of communities that is in need of wellness support. Coaching Salud Holística, LLC. provides services in English and in Spanish, in person or virtually, to advance the knowledge of the community regarding holistic practices about pregnancy, nutrition, physical wellness, mental health wellness, and more.

Creative Alliance

Creative Alliance builds communities by bringing together artists and audiences from diverse backgrounds to experience spectacular arts and education programs and engage in the creative process. We provide support to area artists, promote Baltimore as a center for creative production, act as a positive force in our community, and advocate for cultural expression rooted in a sense of place.

Latino Economic Development Center

The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) equips Latinos and other underserved communities with the skills and financial tools to create a better future for their families and communities. Participants in their programs learn how to build their long-term financial security by buying and staying in their homes, taking control of decisions affecting their apartment buildings, and starting or expanding their small businesses.

Latin American Youth Center

The mission of the Latin American Youth Center is to empower a diverse population of youth to achieve a successful transition to adulthood through multi-cultural, comprehensive, and innovative programs that address youths’ social, academic, and career needs. 

Yo Quiero Trabajo

YQT is a resource for Spanish-speaking individuals focused on workforce opportunities and development.

Become a member today!  If you a nonprofit organization or government agency, please share your resources and events, free of charge, every Wednesday.