Message from our CEO, Veronica Cool

Queridos amigos:



Spring is in full bloom, and we at Cool are busier than ever serving as the Spanish voice for organizations and the Hispanic community!

Starting with the absolute privilege of returning to my alma mater, Loyola University Maryland, to speak at the Sellinger Scholars program's seniors' graduation ceremony. Thinking back to my own college year, I couldn't help but be impressed with these students, with the limitless possibilities and their stellar preparation focused on mission and impact. I can not wait to see how they make their mark on this world!

This event made me reflect on the importance of sponsorship and mentorship in one's career. As I reminisced recently with old friends and my sponsor, Andy Bertamini, I was reminded that hard work alone is not always enough to succeed. It takes access, guidance, and most importantly, sponsorship, to truly accelerate your career. Andy did just that for me, consistently opening doors and providing opportunities for me to be heard in the rooms that mattered.



We continued our client work addressing health disparities, with clear and direct messages about health insurance and the Medicaid check-in campaigns, to ensure our Spanish-speakers are informed and empowered. We also activated various community outreach campaigns that improve access to services and resources as well as employment opportunities, after all, 20% of the U.S. population is Latino, and growing.

Remember to include the Latino segment in your marketing and engagement efforts, I promise, it's more than just a feel-good DEI move, it will grow your bottom line AND improve retention, both for those you serve and those who work for you.

Saludos, 

Veronica Cool

Photo credit: Maximilian Franz

LAYC Gala:

A Night to Support our Inspiring Youth

A beautiful evening was had during the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) Gala on April 26, 2023! Glitzy and fun times reconnecting with old friends and partners and a fabulous auction (Veronica bid and WON a trip to Africa!). Most importantly, the focus of the evening was the resilient youth with their inspiring stories and grace.

The Latin American Youth Center provides crucial support in areas such as workforce development, mental health, and youth leadership development, and we encourage everyone to consider contributing to their cause.

In March, our CEO, Veronica Cool, was the first guest ever in the Maryland Latinos Unidos Cafecito Virtual series! With her powerful energy, Veronica shared her incredible journey, experiences and challenges as a Latina leader in the business world, and discussed, in Español, how she finds hope and inspiration in her community.

Hosted by Dr. Gabriela Lemus, this new virtual series connects Marylanders with inspiring leaders and trailblazers- tune in!

Our Cool Team was so proud to partner once again with our friends at Bags of Love to make a difference in our community! 

We helped pack 1000 boxes full of food, hope and love for those in need. This important work doesn’t happen without hardworking individuals like Elda Devarie, Zulema Tijero, Pedro Biaggi, the amazing team at EMD SALES, INC. and everyone who supports this initiative!



Huge THANKS to Giant Food for their Round Up program and having Bags of Love be the beneficiary! Folks, when you go to Giant and the cashier asks you to ROUND UP- say yes!! Every cent goes to a fantastic cause! 

Cool is proud to collaborate with Southeast CDC to help members of our community achieve their homeownership goals. Join us at ¡Viva Baltimore! on Saturday May 6 from 9 am – 1 pm at the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Church, located at 600 S. Conkling St. Meet with lenders, real estate agents, and home-buying counselors to get valuable information and answers to your questions. 

You'll also have the opportunity to visit available homes on a bus tour and receive a voucher for a free credit report. The event will also provide entertainment and childcare activities, so bring you the whole family! All in Spanish and free of charge!

To register for the event, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/viva-baltimore-feria-de-vivienda-tickets-603859960397. 

Engaging the Latino workforce through

Employees Resource Groups

As organizations increasingly focus on promoting diversity and inclusion in their workplaces, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have become a widely used approach to engage and retain employees from diverse backgrounds, including Latinos.

To learn more about best practices for leveraging Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to engage and retain Latino employees, check out our blog!

STUDENT OPPORTUNITY:

Join the 2023 Pharmacy Camp and

Prepare for Your Future!

Attention high schoolers! Don't miss out on the 2023 Pharmacy Camp hosted by Notre Dame of Maryland University and NDMU School of Pharmacy.

Limited scholarships are available for bilingual students! Gain hands-on experience, and expert guidance from faculty, and prepare for pharmacy school. Register before May 27!

Milestones and Achievements:

A Month of Latino Greatness

April was a month full of exciting achievements and milestones for Latino artists, highlighting the rich and growing impact of our cultural heritage. Among the notable accolades, we celebrate Shakira's historic recognition as the First-Ever Latin Woman of the Year by Billboard, which she will receive at the upcoming Latin Women in Music gala. This special event, airing on Telemundo on May 7 at 9 p.m. ET, will also honor other trailblazing female artists, including Ana Gabriel, Emilia, Evaluna, Goyo, and Thalia.

In addition to Shakira's recognition, Bad Bunny also made history by becoming the first Latino solo artist to headline the prestigious Coachella Valley Arts and Music Festival with a phenomenal two-hour performance. He also graced the cover of TIME magazine, featuring an all-Spanish edition, marking another monumental achievement for Latinos.

Chilean actor Pedro Pascal received many accolades for his outstanding performances in The Mandalorian and The Last of Us. He also has an upcoming appearance in a short film directed by the acclaimed Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar.

• May 1: International Workers' Day
• May 3: Small Business Week (May 1-7)
• May 6: Un Día Especial con Mamá, hosted by Artesanas/Creative Alliance (Baltimore, MD)
• May 6: ¿Qué Pasa? Festival, hosted by The Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (Richmond, VA)
• May 6: ¡Viva Baltimore!, hosted by Southeast CDC (Baltimore City, MD)
• May 6: Maryland Taco Fest, organized by OHLA and the City of Annapolis (Annapolis, MD)
• May 6: Community Wellness Day, organized by Chase Brexton Health Care and UM BWMC (Glen Burnie, MD)
• May 6: Tamarindo Festival (Washington, DC)
• May 7: World Laughter Day (First Sunday of May)
• May 13: Spring Fiesta Fest (Baltimore City, MD)
• May 14: Mother's Day- did you call your Madre?
• May 15: International Day of Families
• March 16: National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day, organized by Chase Brexton Health Care (Baltimore, MD)
• May 18: Achieving Financial Goals, organized by ALPFA Baltimore (Owings Mills, MD)
• May 21: World Day for Cultural Diversity
• May 24: HCCMC Minority Contractor Summit 2023 (Rockville, MD)
• May 25: The BIG Baltimore Kite Fest (Baltimore, MD)
• May 25: Fiesta Del Sol: Latin American & Caribbean Festival (McLean VA)
• May 29: Memorial Day

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. 

Creative Alliance

Creative Alliance supports to area artists, promotes Baltimore as a center for creative production, acts as a positive force in our community, and advocates for cultural expression rooted in a sense of place.

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.

Hispanic Access Foundation 

HAF improves the lives of Hispanics in the United States and promotes civic engagement by educating, motivating, and helping them access trustworthy support systems. Their initatives, programs, and grassroots outreach efforts are aimed at empowering and inspiring individuals to improve themselves and their families and, in turn, strengthen their communities and their country.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund



HSF empowers students and parents with the knowledge and resources to successfully complete a higher education while providing support services and scholarships to as many exceptional students, HSF Scholars, and Alumni as possible.

Emprendedores Latinos

Emprendedores Latinos is a Facebook group with tools and resources curated by our own Cool team to support Spanish-speaking business owners and entrepreneurs. Become a member today!