Message from our CEO, Veronica Cool

Queridos amigos,

Summer is supposed to be relaxing and chill... but not for us! Great stuff is happening all around! From the Barbie movie to the pioneering Healthy Babies Equity Act!

First up, The Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Carnaval Gala was an absolute blast! Felicidades to my dear friends Maria Pilar Rodriguez, Marco Ávila, and their amazing team for organizing this family reunion after four long years. We laughed, danced -and even got down to business- all while having a fabulous time! Special Secretary Y. Maria Martinez emphasized the importance of increasing Latino participation in State procurements—when we do well, we ALL do BETTER!

We were honored to be present at Coppin State University when Vice President Kamala Harris announced $20 billion in federal funding for clean energy projects for disadvantaged communities nationwide. Described as the largest investment of its kind, the funding will be accessible to nonprofit organizations, banks, and lenders and matched by private contributions to support projects such as installing high-efficiency appliances in apartments, transitioning businesses to electric-powered vehicles, and implementing solar panels for local power generation, finally addressing climate equity and going to the communities most disproportionately impacted over the years.

All around the world, pink is undeniably the hottest color this summer! Movies featuring Latino leads or stories are getting the spotlight they deserve in Hollywood. From the success of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse with its Afro-Latino and Mexican Spider-Man characters to Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and The Flamin' Hot Movie!, it's an exciting time for diverse storytelling. And the queen of all is Barbie, with the wonderful America Ferrera, continues crushing it at the box office and sparking conversations about real-life issues —and this is driving real impact, not just box office dollars. 

And this leads into our busiest seasons. Hispanic Heritage Month is just around the corner, and our team is gearing up to support our clients with their Hispanic strategies. We are ready to embrace our culture and express gratitude for your ongoing support during this journey.

Saludos, 

Veronica Cool

Are you ready for

Hispanic Heritage Month??

Engaging with the Hispanic community can lead to new business and grant opportunities. Use our Hispanic Engagement Toolkit to kickstart your outreach efforts with the Latino community- whether you seek new consumers, volunteers, students, voters or employees. 

With a wealth of resources, facts, and insights, this toolkit will equip you with the information and resources to connect with Hispanics more authentically and engagingly. 

P.S.: Remember that Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15th… Our toolkit is gonna help you. Trust us. 

Cannabis: Business Opportunities for Maryland's Latino Entrepreneurs

On June 28, Veronica Cool had the honor of participating alongside esteemed guests such as Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk, Will Tilburg from the Maryland Cannabis Administration, and Special Secretary Y. María Martinez from the Governor’s Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs, in the first-ever Cannabis: Business Opportunities for Latinos Business virtual forum. We explored the vast array of resources available, including over $40 million in financial support for business creation, expansion, job opportunities, to drive the local economy.

The Cool Team is very proud to have been part of this event, sharing our expertise and insights on the exciting potential of the cannabis industry for Latino businesses in Maryland. We believe in the power of collaboration and community empowerment, which is why it was such a privilege to join forces with influential leaders and organizations for this important occasion.

Exciting news! Starting July 1, Maryland has taken a significant step towards ensuring the health and well-being of all pregnant individuals in the state. The implementation of the Healthy Babies Equity Act marks a momentous occasion, as it extends medical coverage to pregnant women who would otherwise be eligible for Medicaid or the Maryland Children's Health Program, except for their immigration status.

Under this new law, they can receive medical coverage up to four months after pregnancy, providing vital support during this crucial time.

Why does this matter? HEALTH EQUITY. Ensuring Moms and Babies access healthcare as early as possible is necessary to ensure our community thrives.

Workforce Best Practices:

Engaging & Developing Latino Employees

In today's dynamic workforce, embracing diversity and fostering the development of employees from all backgrounds is crucial for any organization's success. The Latino workforce accounts for 17.3% of workers as of 2020 and is projected to grow to 35.9 million by 2030. As this segment continues to shape the economy, organizations must remain informed and adapt their human resources practices to accommodate the unique cultural aspects while incorporating culturally competent innovations.

Check out our latest blog for valuable insights and actionable tips on how to cultivate a culturally competent and inclusive workplace for your organization.

The Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs is hosting an informative webinar series for small business owners to learn and leverage the State's procurement processes. The 2023 T.I.P.S. Webinar Series, Training & Insights for Procurement Success, is a monthly webinar series specially curated to support small, minority, women, and veteran business owners. The best part? These webinars are completely free of charge and are designed to improve your core competencies, providing you with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in government procurement.

Register in advance to secure your spot and receive updates on upcoming webinars. Join the T.I.P.S. Webinar Series and empower your business for procurement success!

Latinos & Language Literacy: Why It Matters?

Effective communication is crucial for organizations seeking growth and success. One key demographic that should not be overlooked is the low-literacy population in the United States.

Understanding the significance of literacy levels and implementing appropriate training, data-driven strategies, and language services can unleash the potential of this segment of the U.S. population. Discover why language literacy matters, especially for Latinos, in our latest blog post.

Bilingual Resources with the Maryland Small Business Development Center 

If you are an aspiring entrepreneur or an existing business owner in Maryland, the Maryland SBDC is your go-to place. They support the growth and success of small businesses by offering FREE and individualized consulting services and comprehensive training programs in ENGLISH and ESPAÑOL.

From introductory courses for those considering starting a business to advanced executive training, the Maryland SBDC programs are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in today's competitive business landscape. Best of all, most classes are available at low to no cost, making them accessible to all entrepreneurs!

OCS Community Resources

The Office of Community Services (OCS) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families is committed to providing vital assistance and support to communities and families nationwide. Through distinct social service and community development programs, they offer a wide range of services that cater to the needs of low-income children, individuals, families, and communities.

• Among the services offered are initiatives to assist families with energy costs through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), which helps with water and wastewater bills. 
• In times of disaster, OCS collaborates with local organizations to fund and support relief efforts. 
• OCS also supports families by funding diaper distribution efforts and offering access to food, housing, job training, health care, and child care through community organizations. 
• The Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) supports various services, including counseling, daycare for children, treatment for substance use disorder, and care for vulnerable adults and youth at risk. 

These services aim to support our communities, significantly impacting the lives of countless individuals and families in need.

Smithsonian's Storyteller Interviews

GUSTAVO TORRES

The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino is offering an exclusive opportunity to gain insights from the influential storytellers featured in the exhibition Presente! A Latino History of the United States, and publishing two interviews every month, delving into the unique perspectives of remarkable Latinos on topics such as Latino identity, families, and community.

Among the storytellers, they feature our good friend Gustavo Torres, the Executive Director of CASA, a leading Latino immigration advocacy group fighting for immigrant rights in the United States. Tune in as Gustavo shares the importance of understanding immigrants' love for their homelands.

Empowering Immigrant Leaders: Join the New American Leadership Institute 2023!

Exciting News! MIMA Baltimore presents the 3rd Annual New American Leadership Institute (NALI) from September to October 2023.

This free four-session civics academy empowers immigrant and refugee emerging leaders with local governance insights, leadership skills, and networking opportunities. Don't miss out! Apply by August 30th. Scan the QR code on the flyer for more details. 

• August 2: 2023 CHCI Pitch Competition Registration Ends!
• August 6: Ama Tu Vida: Feria de Salud, Latino Health Initiative Montgomery, MD
• August 6: 12th Festival Salvadoreño Americano, COTSA, Montgomery, MD
• August 9: International Day of the World's Indigenous People
• August 10: Hispanic- Latino /Minority Business Talks 2023 Season, Anne Arundel County, MD
• August 10: Selling to Brazil: Insights & Resources for Women-Owned Small Businesses, Office of International Trade
• August 11: Cool's 12th Anniversary! 🎂🥳
• August 12: International Youth Day
• August 17: National Nonprofit Day
• August 19: World Humanitarian Day
• August 20: National Latina Day
• August 21: National Senior Citizens Day
• August 26: Women's Equality Day
• August 28: August Resource Meeting, Latino Providers Network Baltimore, MD
• August 31: Member Town Hall with the Maryland Secretary of Health, Maryland Nonprofit Association

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. 

Centro de Apoyo Familiar

A non-profit, HUD-approved comprehensive Housing Counseling Agency that provides free educational workshops as well as a full range of Housing Counseling services, including pre-purchase; foreclosure; non-delinquency post-purchase; and rental counseling. CAF serves annually over 15,000 low-income Latino and immigrant families.

Maryland Latinos Unidos

Maryland Latinos Unidos (MLU) is a statewide network of organizations, businesses, and individuals who support Latino and immigrant communities. We work within and with the Latino/Hispanic community in Maryland by supporting Latino-serving nonprofits, convening around public policy priorities, and working together in common cause.

Yo Quiero Trabajo

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