Message from our Founder,
Veronica Cool
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Queridos amigos,
As we wrap up the first months of 2024, I continue to be grateful for the great journey we've undertaken at Cool, thanks to our partners and clients.
Hosting the Women Legislators of Maryland Annual Opening Reception was quite the honor. The event marked the 52nd Anniversary of the 1st Women's Caucus in the Nation. Introducing Governor Wes Moore and connecting with key legislators and stakeholders underscores the importance of our collective efforts in promoting equity. Remember, if you are not at the table then you are the meal.
The recent Maryland Nonprofits board retreat was a gathering of like-minded individuals dedicated to making a difference sustainably. Their support has been instrumental in the progress we've achieved at Maryland Latinos Unidos around language access and improved access for Spanish-speakers in the region.
On a personal note, being welcomed to Loyola University Maryland’s Sellinger School of Business Board of Sponsors is both humbling and exciting. It's an opportunity to contribute to the development of a diverse student body, echoing the transformative impact education had on my own life. A reminder to you all, over 80% of the growth in America's workforce will be from Latinos- so developing this talent is imperative for our collective success.
These milestones are not just events; they are steps in our ongoing journey to drive sustainable empowerment and improvement. I'm grateful for the support from clients and allies like you.
Looking forward to leveraging our collaborations to create a better future for us all.
¡Un abrazo!
Veronica Cool
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Promoting Access and Representation
for the 2024 Elections
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The Cool team is honored to once again champion election outreach efforts in Maryland! We just wrapped up a video shoot, featuring outstanding Latino leaders in English, Spanish, and Spanglish! Check our social networks to see the final videos soon.
As we gear up for the upcoming elections, it's crucial to grasp the changing landscape of the U.S. electorate. Here are some key facts from the Pew Research Center regarding Hispanic eligible voters in 2024:
- Latinos now constitute 14.7% of all eligible voters, reflecting a steady increase from 13.6% in 2020 and significant growth since 2000 (7.4%).
- California takes the lead, with 25% of Hispanic eligible voters, totaling 8.5 million out of the nation’s 33.7 million. Texas, Florida, New York, and Arizona follow closely.
- In New Mexico, an impressive 45% of eligible voters are Latino, surpassing White, non-Hispanic voters (40%), making it the highest share in any state.
- The Latino impact on the electoral landscape is tremendous, with over half (53%) being eligible to vote.
- Hispanic eligible voters tend to be younger, with only 33% aged 50 and older, compared to 48% of all U.S. eligible voters.
This journey is not just about statistics; it's a testament to the fact that where there’s access, there’s representation!
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The Cool team celebrates a historic achievement as Maryland Health Benefit Exchange reported record-breaking enrollment for 2024 coverage, with a phenomenal 30% increase in Latino enrollment!
Kudos to Executive Director Michele Eberle and the entire team for their outstanding efforts in making affordable healthcare accessible to all Marylanders. Special shout out to Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk for her legislative leadership in ensuring health equity for all.
Overall enrollment reached 213,895, a 17% increase from last year, with Hispanic enrollment soaring to 28,701—a remarkable 30% surge.
The enrollment of Hispanic young adults (18-34) saw an impressive 50% growth.
The Cool team is a very proud contributor to this collaborative success to improving health access across Maryland.
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In our latest blog we explore the topic of bridging Hispanic and non-Hispanic cultural gaps in the workplace. With Hispanics comprising 18% of the U.S. labor force, understanding these cultural nuances is crucial. Discover the differences, celebrate diversity, and learn practical strategies for creating an inclusive environment. From engaging Hispanic employees to increasing creativity and improving retention, this blog covers it all.
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If you're new to the country or striving to improve your finances, understanding credit is your key to the American Dream. Our latest blog explores the nuances of credit, debunking myths and providing practical tips to build generational wealth. Learn why good credit is crucial for renting, buying a car, getting a credit card, or even starting a business. Get ready to take control of your financial reputation and build a healthy credit history.
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Upcoming Important Dates & Events | |
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February 26: Mentoring Monday 2024, Baltimore Business Journal
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February 28: Financial Literacy Workshop, Centro de Apoyo Familiar
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March 2024: National Women's History Month
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March 4-8: National Foreign Language Week
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March 6: Language Access, Maryland Latinos Unidos
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March 7: Virtual Mediation Event, Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
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March 8: International Women's Day
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March 8: Conferencia Anual de la Mujer, El Poder de Ser Mujer
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March 9: Prince George’s County Latino Education Summit, Office of Prince George's County Latino Affairs
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March 12: Women’s Cooperatives Catalytic Grant Program, Latino Economic Development Center
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March 13: Growth opportunities in Amazon, Centro Hispano de Negocios
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March 14: Carefirst & ALPFA Baltimore Present: Women & Health, ALPFA Baltimore
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March 15: 2024 Packing Day, Bags of Love & El Tiempo Latino
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March 15: BAM! Business Support (Legal Representation, Accounting & Taxes), Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
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March 25: Maryland Day
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March 25: March Resource Meeting, Latino Providers Network
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March 26: MLU Pathways to Progress: Latino Education Summit for Equity, Maryland Latinos Unidos
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March 28: Maryland Latinos Unidos: People's Policy Series, Maryland Latinos Unidos
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March 28: GWHCC Business Expo, Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
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March 31: Cesar Chavez Day
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April 11: 7ma Expo Mujer, El Poder de ser Mujer
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Southeast CDC is dedicated to growing and supporting a thriving, socioeconomically and racially diverse Southeast Baltimore where residents share in the success and improvement of their communities. Southeast CDC promotes healthy, vibrant and diverse communities in Southeast Baltimore through creative community development projects and proven programs.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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