MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO, VERONICA COOL
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Queridos Amigos y Colegas,
A key mission here at Cool, is to bridge cultures by continuing to work alongside our partners, clients, and community members and I'm proud to say that our work, especially during February is exemplary of our mission.
Starting with the International Roofing Exposition 2022 in New Orleans where we proudly joined SRS Distribution Para Latinos. SRS hosted their first-ever Spanish booth and Premios Éxitos (Success Awards) designed to celebrate the success of Hispanic contractors and roofers across the country. Learn more here.
We’ve also kicked-off ¡Viva Baltimore! with our colleagues at Southeast CDC, helping the Hispanic and immigrant community get closer to their dreams of homeownership by presenting the first of four virtual events filled with important information about grants, financial assistance, mortgages and homeownership counseling- all available in Spanish! In case you missed it, make sure to watch the first event here!
During Black History Month, we reflect and honor on the contributions of our African American and Afro-Latino brothers and sisters, a complex and richly vibrant community. Significant contributions that impact our society and economy richly. Read more here: Black History Month & Latinos.
Yes, February is proving to be hectic, but the work is in fact, helping to build bridges. As Spring approaches, I look forward to seeing the fruits of our collaborative efforts.
Saludos,
Veronica Cool
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Highlights & Announcements |
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¡Viva Baltimore! 2022
Southeast Community Development Corporation (SECDC) kicked off their annual ¡Viva Baltimore! event. This year, the event is a four-part virtual series that spreads the word about SECDC's Tu Hogar loans and other housing programs. On January 29th, the first event was broadcast on Facebook Live, featuring Southeast CDC Housing Counselor Glenda Sierra-Schulz alongside Veronica Cool, introducing the organization's initiatives and discussing who can qualify. The upcoming second Facebook Live informational session will take place on Friday February 25th at 3pm EST, featuring PNC Bank Mortgage Loan Officer Vernon Kelley as a special guest.
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Black History Month
Afro-Latinos are a vibrant part of the Hispanic community in the U.S. An estimated 25% of the country's Latino population identifies as Black, most of whom are of Puerto Rican or Dominican descent. Read here about the complexities of the Afro-Latino identity and ramifications in the workplace. Click this link to read more.
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Equity in Education
The Community Workgroup on English Language Learning is working with the Maryland State Department of Education to improve English Language Learning programs and policies across the state. They have already submitted recommendations for early reform! Read more.
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Veronica Cool Honored with El Poder de Ser Mujer Poderosas Award!
El Poder de Ser Mujer recently featured Veronica Cool in the 2021 Poderosas awards alongside 20 other powerful Latinas who are advocating for education and empowerment. Read more about these 21 Poderosas in El Poder de Ser Mujer Magazine.
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LCDA Reports Their Most Impactful Year To Date
The Latino Corporate Directors Association released their End of Year Report recently, announcing that 2021 was a pivotal year in which they created more impact than the previous 4 years combined through their efforts to develop talent and increase the number of Latinos on corporate boards across the U.S.
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$2 Million Grant Program for
Hispanic-Owned Restaurants
The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Education Fund partnered with Grubhub to launch a $2 million grant program for Hispanic-owned restaurants across the country that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Dominicans Setting an Example with Their Commitment to Vaccination
A recent study shows that Dominican Americans are highly likely to comply with public health recommendations related to the pandemic. Nearly 80% of respondents reported having received at least one dose of the vaccine, frequent mask usage, and generally positive attitudes and respect towards the CDC's suggested daily safety measures.
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Support Afro-Latino Businesses!
Black History Month is a great opportunity to learn more about Afro-Latino business initiatives. Check out these Afro-Latino-owned online shops that you can support all year round! (Bookmark for future gift ideas!)
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- February: Black History Month
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February 1: National Freedom Day / Lunar New Year
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February 2: National Girls & Women In Sports Day
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February 3: National Women Physicians Day
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February 10: Friends of the National Museum of The American Latino presents: El Mosaico de Latinos
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February 11: International Day of Women and Girls in Science
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February 13: World Radio Day
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February 13: Super Bowl (Why isn't this a national holiday???)
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February 14: Valentine's Day, Día del Amor y la Amistad
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February 17: Ash Wednesday
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February 18: National Caregiver's Day
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February 20: World Day of Social Justice
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February 21: Presidents' Day / International Mother Language Day
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February 22: National Margarita Day
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February 24: ALPFA-Baltimore Power Charlas with Powerful Women. Register Here!
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February 25: ¡Viva Baltimore! Como Comprar tu Casa Propia FB LIVE EVENT
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National Compadres Network
The NCN works with community leaders and decision makers to create strategic, sustainable systems of change and provide support in order to strengthen and re-root the capacity of individuals, families, and communities to honor, rebalance, and redevelop the authentic identity, values, traditions, and indigenous practices of Chicano, Latino, Native, Raza, and other communities of color.
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Unidos US
Serving the Hispanic community through research, policy analysis, advocacy efforts, and program work via 300 affiliates, Unidos US is challenging the social, economic, and political barriers that affect Latinos in the U.S. across a range of key issues.
To celebrate Black History Month, learn more about the multi-faceted Afro-Latino experience via these resources, highlighting contributions from performers, musicians, writers, cultural icons, and scholars.
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"The Latino Gateway to Silicon Valley," Manos Accelerator is the first of its kind, offering hands-on mentorship-driven business education and access to early-stage capital and resources to foster a new generation of Latino entrepreneurs by enabling them to build and grow their companies.
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LEDC is a nonprofit organization empowering members of the Latino community and other underserved groups to build long-term financial security through programs focused on small business development, homeownership, counseling, and tenant organizing in the D.C. metro area.
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Yo Quiero Trabajo FB Group
YQT is a resource for Spanish-speaking individuals focused on workforce opportunities and development. Become a member today!
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Please consider sharing on your social media platforms and also leveraging with your team and network. #SelfCare matters.
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