MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO,
VERONICA COOL
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Queridos amigos y colegas,
Spring is officially here! This season brings fresh energy, and a focus on rebirth, whether blooming flowers, or new business opportunities. As our Cool team continues to grow, we too are hopeful now that the end of the pandemic is in sight.
We are thrilled to celebrate the success of Latinos in many different industries in recent weeks—from seeing Hispanic actors and producers accept Academy Awards to California making history by swearing in the first Latina justice to its Supreme Court. We are encouraged that Latino culture is being documented and honored by local universities and even as new additions to the Library of Congress.
As we observe and find joy in these great accomplishments, we recognize there is still plenty of work to be done. April is National Minority Health Month, reminding us of the significant disparities that Latinos and other groups face in receiving access to high quality health care. Hispanics are three times as likely as whites to be uninsured—in fact, they have the highest uninsured rates of any racial or ethnic group within the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health. However, we are confident that systemic change is on the horizon. Recently, Dr. Gabriela Lemus, Executive Director of Maryland Latinos Unidos, proposed a three-pronged approach to finding solutions and achieving equity in healthcare in a post-pandemic world. Proudly, Cool has been delivering on this approach for various clients.
As Easter approaches, we are reminded of the importance of hope and possibility, and nothing fosters hope more than today's youth. A few weeks ago, I had the honor of engaging with Latina students in the Latina Legacy Conference hosted at Patterson High School. Our youth are the future, and we must empower them with the tools and resources to become strong leaders. While I was there to inspire them, I left inspired and motivated by their resilience and grace.
As the weather warms and the cherry blossoms bloom, I encourage you to take the time to slow down and breathe in the spring air. Wishing you a bright Easter season of cherished moments with friends and family.
Saludos,
Veronica Cool
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Highlights & Announcements |
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UMBC Students Archive Highlandtown's Latino Immigration History and Food Culture
A group of University of Maryland, Baltimore County students has begun the Highland Town Immigration and Food Project. The neighborhood has become the nucleus of Baltimore’s booming Latino community, and through archival research and discussions with local leaders and business owners, the students have created a timeline of Latino politics, history, and food culture from the 1980s to 1990s. This is the initial stage of a larger community engagement project, according to UMBC associate professor Tania Lizarazo.
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Library of Congress to Archive Thousands of American Immigrant Stories
In 2008, Tony Hernández, a Cuban-American entrepreneur, launched the Immigrant Archive Project. After more than a decade, he has collected over 3,000 video interviews capturing the stories of American immigrant families across the U.S. Now the Library of Congress has requested to include the project in the Handbook of Latin American Studies Web Archive, part of a larger collection of historically and culturally significant websites designated for preservation, available to current and future generations of researchers.
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Latinos Shine at the 2022 Academy Awards Ceremony
Ariana DeBose became the first openly queer Black and Latina actress to win an Oscar. She won the Best Supporting Actress category for her portrayal of Anita in “West Side Story.” Encanto, a film following a multigenerational Colombian family, has become a fan favorite, and won Best Animated Film. It was co-produced by Mexican-American Yvett Merino and is the first Walt Disney Animation Studios film to feature an all-Latino cast.
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Creating Systemic Change in Healthcare for Latinos
The COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on just how far we are from providing adequate, equitable healthcare to all. Immigrants in particular face a host of additional challenges, and healthcare professionals are underprepared to address immigrants’ unique needs. Dr. Gabriela Lemus, Executive Director of Maryland Latinos Unidos, proposes a three-pronged approach to find solutions and achieve equity in healthcare in a post-pandemic world.
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Judge Patricia Guerrero Sworn in as First Latina on California Supreme Court
On March 28, Judge Patricia Guerrero was sworn in as the first Latina on the California Supreme Court by Governor Gavin Newsom, after a unanimous confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments. The daughter of Mexican immigrants, Guerrero expressed gratitude, commenting on the historical significance of her elevation to the court that “this is not just about me...this is a story of the American dream, the belief that with hard work, perseverance and opportunities, anything is possible.” Guerrero was praised by her colleagues and the State Bar Commission as being exceptionally well qualified. California joins Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, New York and Texas as states that now have Latina justices on their high courts.
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The Value of Volunteerism and Best Practices for Recruiting Latinos
From strengthening communities to improving mental health for individuals, volunteering offers an array of benefits. Yet only about a quarter of adults in the U.S. spend time volunteering, and of these 62.6 million individuals, only 15.5% are Hispanic. Latinos represent a valuable resource for organizations to tap into, as they made up more than half of total U.S. population growth over the last decade. For April’s National Volunteer Month, we’re examining how to increase community engagement, and why it’s important.
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Latinos and Easter Celebrations
Easter is near! In the U.S., nearly eighty percent of the population celebrates the Easter holiday. In Latin America, 69% of adults identify as Catholic, so naturally the Easter season is a prominent part of the culture. However, it is celebrated very differently than in the U.S. Throughout the region, Easter Sunday itself is not the focus, but rather the entire week—Semana Santa (Holy Week). Traditionally, everything revolves around the image of Jesus during this time, and altars can be found and processions observed from town squares, to churches, to people's homes.
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Latina Legacy Conference Empowers Patterson Highschool Students
On March 11th, our CEO Veronica Cool had the opportunity to inspire young Latinas as the keynote speaker for the Latina Legacy Conference hosted at Patterson High School! Our youth are the future, and we believe it’s essential to empower them with tools and resources to become strong leaders. Showing up for them as role models is key to demonstrating that they too can grow up to be Mujeres Poderosas that impact the world!
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Third ¡Viva Baltimore 2022! Event Features Personal Stories that Inspire
Last month, the third event in our partner Southeast CDC’s series ¡Viva Baltimore 2022! streamed live on Facebook. In this session, Tu Hogar program participants Daniel Hernández and his wife Yesmeri shared about their journey to homeownership in Baltimore City!
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Enrollment Open for Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Pharmacy Summer Camp
Do you know a student interested in a career in healthcare? The Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Pharmacy has opened enrollment for its 2022 Pharmacy Summer Camp. The week-long camp allows students to explore diverse pharmaceutical opportunities and learn about the role of pharmacists in research and patient care. Scholarships are available for bilingual students!
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April: National Volunteer Month, Stress Awareness Month, National Poetry Month, National Minority Health Month
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March 20-April 17: National Cherry Blossom Festival
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April 1: International Fun at Work Day / April Fools’ Day
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April 6: Centro Sol Virtual Career Fair
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April 7: World Health Day
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April 8: National Empanada Day
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April 12-13: Hispanic Lifestyle Latina Conference 2022 (Virtual)
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April 15: World Art Day
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April 10-16: Holy Week
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April 17: Easter Sunday
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April 20-30: Carnival – Brazil
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April 21: Latin American Music Awards
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April 22: Earth Day
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April 23: World Book Day
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April 21: Latin American Music Awards
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April 28: Workers’ Memorial Day
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April 28: Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
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April 28: Latin American Youth Center’s Our Youth Matter Gala 2022
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April 30: Viva Baltimore LIVE Facebook Event (Last Session in the 2022 Series!)
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April 30: Tacos N’ Taps Festival (Baltimore)
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League of United Latin American Citizens
LULAC is the largest and oldest Hispanic organization in the United States. LULAC advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, housing, health and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 1,000 LULAC councils nationwide. The organization involves and serves all Hispanic nationality groups.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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