JOSE PONCE
JOMO CASTRO
SISI BELTRAN
GABRIEL CARDENAS
ALEJANDRA BERRA
CLAUDIO ABREU
NATALIA CORRAY
ROBERT CLARK
FERNANDA ESTRADA-RIDAURA MIGUEL RINCAND
2023 2nd edition En Contacto
SUZANNE SIERRA
DANIELA VELAZQUEZ
ELIAS CORPAS
AINETTE MARTINEZ
CLAUDIA OCHOA-ESPEJO
NOLAN RUIZ
MARTHA MENDEZ-FISCHER
Total or partial reproduction of the content, images, texts, designs, and photographs is prohibited without publisher authorization.
The information and content of the articles are the responsibility of the authors. The information and data contained in this publication are for informational purposes only, being able to vary from time to time. The magazine should not be considered a fundamental, main, or single source of information. This publication may vary without notice, including between the time that the article was made and until the moment of the magazine publication.
The citations of opinions and/or comments of people contained in this publication, were made independently by themselves.
Connect with us!
Send us your comments and suggestions at: festrada@hccstl.com
Join us in congratulating our new and returning members! The following individuals and companies have decided to make/ continue an investment in the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the St. Louis community at large. We encourage you to learn more about them and find ways to collaborate or utilize their services whenever possible. If you would like more information about any of these individuals or organizations, please contact us at 314.664.4432 .
v 2710 Wheaton LLC
v 2B Online
v Adobe
v Alberto Ridaura Echeverria
v Alliance Systems, LLC
v AMIA Insurance Agency
v Ana Montoya-Your Elite Agents/ Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Select Properties
v Angie Becerra — Vitri
v Antonio General Construction and Maintenance LLC
v APR Entertainment LLC
v Backstage Cleaning Services LLC
v Bank of America
v Bertarelli Cutlery
v Better Business Bureau
v Brows by Mel
v ByBs Group LLC
v Carlos Enrique Manrique
v Chapel Hill Mortuary
v Clement Ford
v Cocina Estrella
v Conflict Resolution Center
— St. Louis City
v Creations by Macarena
v Dolan Memory Care
v ECORN-MO (Ethnic Communities Opioid Response Network)
v Educapolis LLC
v El Toro Loco STL LLC
v Garcia’s cleaning
v Immigrant Home English Learning Program
v In n’ out car services
v Innkeeper Hospitality Services
v Jose Rios — Yourbrand
v Karbón LLC
v Korando Insurance Agency
v KSDK Justina Coronel
v Marcela Wicker Translation, LLC
v Modern Marketing Solutions
v Nicolas Reinoso
v Pan Pa Ti Bakery
v Pedro Molina
v Performance Foodservice — Middendorf
v Placesmart Staffing
v Prime 55
v Puentes de Esperanza
v QPS Employment Group
v Restyled by Izzy
v RGA Reinsurance Group of America
v Ricardo Ramos
v Señor Panchos Cantina
— Victor Hugo Arellano
v SHPE St Louis Gateway Professional
v Stl Automotive Group
v STL Santos
v Straight to Health LLC
v Telemundo
v Trivers
v US BANK
v Van’s Delivery Pharmacy
v Vidalia Romero
v Yesenia Gonzalez
The transition from summer to fall is always a bit exhilarating, but this is a new wind of change. Change that stems from moving forward, away from the past. Change that is finally taking hold. A sense of advancement. This is the energy that comes from a collective group of people coming together with renewed hope, determination and sense of pride in their achievements. A new energy of promise.
September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month, and this year the theme is ‘Prosperity, Power, and Progress’, recognizing the significant achievements of the Hispanic community in the economic and political realms. I hope your company will find many ways to celebrate and recognize the achievements of your Hispanic employees and vendors.
The Hispanic community of Metro St. Louis is experiencing tremendous growth, having increased nearly 50% since the 2010 census, counter-balancing the decline in the white and black population of STL. We are a growing community who is already contributing to the economic advances of our region. We are the fastest growing sector of the workforce increasing to 18.0% (29 million) in 2020
In 2030, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects Hispanics will account for 1 out of every 5 workers in the labor force, at 21.2%. By 2045 Latinos will make up 1 in 4 Americans. They are projected to be 78% of the new entries into the labor force in the next ten years. By sheer numbers alone, Latinos will shape the 21st Century. Your Hispanic Chamber is at the forefront of leading businesses toward growth and economic prosperity for the sake of strengthening and empowering our greater STL community. We see our role as a convenor, connector, and amplifier of all the good work being accomplished through our small businesses, entrepreneurs, contractors and sub-contractors, working professionals, and laborers. Juntos podemos hacer mas — together we can do more.
As I continue my Listening Tour with members, stakeholders, and community partners, I hope you will reach out to me directly, to share your story and to let me know how your Hispanic Chamber can better serve you. I look forward to it!
Siempre Adelante! Ever Forward,
Martha Garcia KampenOur palate becomes “festive” when we taste foods that lead us to remember the flavors of our upbringing and the places where we grew up. They are our “gastronomic memories”. When you come to places other than the place where you were born, that search for “those flavors” intensifies and triggers a search process. One of those products that we missed was “QUESOS”.
In that search in foreign lands, we have been trying cheeses that taste close to “those flavors” that we have missed, but they did not satisfy this gastronomic memory.
As a consequence of this need, we decided to prepare cheeses of our land in an “artisanal” way. After many weeks of “trial and error” we decided to launch our “semi-hard white cheese”, “fresh white cheese” and a special product: “The Nata” which is a cream cheese to spread with bread or preferably with “AREPAS” (Venezuelan and Colombian bread made with white cornmeal).
But not only the cheeses, the memories of those flavors and tastes of our table, have directed us to bring to the local market, other dishes that are part of the Venezuelan gastronomy. The arepas filled with an assorted variety of meats, cheeses, and vegetables, could not be missing, as well as the rice dishes accompanied with ingredients from “Paellas de Mar y Tierra” (seafood and land food rice), which have formed part
of our Spanish heritage. In Venezuela, in all celebrations, there is an appetizer that may not be missing, the “Tequeños” which are a kind of cheese sticks. It is said that if there are no Tequeños at a marriage party, there will be a divorce for sure.
We chose the name “Catatumbolight” which came from a river in west Venezuela “Zulia State” that has a meteorological phenomenon which is a permanent Lightning: (relámpago del Catatumbo) that takes place in the lake of Maracaibo.
It’s a never-ending Lightning and hope that Catatumbolight will be a neverending provider of Venezuelan Food in the USA. This venture has brought us many satisfactions, and many people that have tried our products have expressed their acceptance in a “beautiful way”. They inspired and made us be proud of bringing the “TASTE of our Land” to the United States of America.
To get in touch with us and experience our products, feel free to reach out via text at (314) 283-9041.
Don’t forget to also connect with us on Instagram by following @catatumbolight2020.
Henner J. Truchsess Owner of CatatumboLight
CatatumboLight welcomes you to taste the flavors of our land
For over 100 years, the Better Business Bureau of Eastern & Southwest Missouri & Southern Illinois (BBB St. Louis) has set and upheld high standards for fair and honest business behavior in our region.
BBB St. Louis is a nonprofit, businesssupported organization. We work hard to serve consumers, businesses, and nonprofits in our service area, with offices in St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Springfield, and Quincy. Last year, your BBB provided nearly 21.4 million instances of services to consumers and businesses.
We offer the opportunity for businesses with a strong track record of ethics to apply to become a BBB Accredited Business. Our 8,700 BBB Accredited Businesses have earned the ability to use the BBB Seal, which shows consumers that they operate honestly and with integrity. We also provide businesses with resources and tools to help them thrive in a competitive marketplace.
The support of BBB Accredited Businesses allows us to provide consumers with resources that help them make informed marketplace decisions: Objective advice, BBB Business Profiles (which have received 5.3 million pageview inquiries), 11,000 Charity Reviews, scam alerts and education. We conduct investigations into businesses with serious patterns of complaints and scams, review questionable ad claims and resolve consumer-business disputes. Our outreach efforts include an ethics program for local schools, education for consumer and business groups on the latest scams to avoid, and a program to reach underserved and under-engaged minority-owned businesses.
Each year, we host the TORCH Awards for Ethics event to honor businesses, nonprofits, and students who have gone above and beyond to demonstrate ethics in their communities.
BBB St. Louis is a proud member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
To learn more, please visit BBB.org/stlouis or call us at 314-584-6741.
Michelle L. Corey BBB St. Louis // President and CEO
Facilitec, Inc., is an agile integrated services firm that designs, procures, and installs commercial furniture, architectural products, and technology. Offering a range of products from trusted brand partners, we can create a fresh, innovative space for businesses across the country. We are proudly St. Louis’ sole dealer of Teknion, a vertically integrated Grade A commercial furniture manufacturer that offers quality products made of sustainable materials made in North America. Facilitec’s mission is to be the absolute best business partner, and the company’s core values have fueled this mission for over three decades.
We became an exclusive Teknion dealer in 2003, and for nearly twenty years, the partnership has proven to be a fantastic match for both parties. Located in Toronto, Ontario, Teknion stands as a premier furniture manufacturer renowned for its exceptional quality. With an unwavering commitment to creating beautiful and inspiring interiors, the company takes pride in its innovative and sustainable design practices.
As Georgina shifts to a more consultative role as CEO, and both she and Mark transition towards a well-deserved retirement, the new core leadership team is comprised of Brian Randazzo (Vice President, Business Strategy), Megan Campos (Director, Business Development & Marketing), Tom Jurgensen (Director, Architectural Products), Angie Bollmann (Director, Design), and me, Tony Randazzo (President). We are poised to lead the company into an exciting new era of growth and expansion.
We plan to strengthen Facilitec’s position as an industry leader through strategic initiatives and partnerships, enhanced operational efficiencies, implementation of cutting-edge technologies, and constant recruitment for fantastic people to join our team.
Connect with the team and learn more about how Facilitec can be a partner of yours or how you can join the squad by contacting us at 314-428-4900 or by visiting our website at www.facilitec-stl.com.
Casa Loma Ballroom on Cherokee St. and Iowa Ave. is celebrating 96 years of live music, and dancing. With its huge 5,000 sq. ft. “floating” dance floor, 45’ stage with over $125,000 in specialty lighting, sound, and video, and occupancy of 850 people, it has hosted many local and touring bands from Mexico. One of the most famous bands that has played at Casa Loma recently is Tigres del Norte. And they played two different times. We also feature swing bands, big band orchestras, rock ‘n roll, and Motown bands as well.
The ballroom rents out for private parties, fundraisers, wedding receptions as well as Quinceañera’s. Along with my wife, I have owned Casa Loma Ballroom since 1990. I have also been a member of the Hispanic Chamber since 1995.
Recently, Casa Loma has been drawing in wrestling promoters, boxing, MMA, and more! We also have burlesque, vaudeville, and pole dance events. The schedule of events is posted on our website at www.casalomaballroom.com. There is a Casa Loma Ballroom Facebook page that features pictures and videos of shows as well.
The Casa Loma is always prepared to discuss rentals and ideas for everyone. You can contact me at 314-664-8000 or 314-650-2462. My email is pvbrannon@aol.com.
As the clock struck 5:30 pm, a spirited crowd of 160 women, representing diverse backgrounds, came together for an evening dedicated to growth, learning, and empowerment.
Organized to create an inclusive space for all women, irrespective of race, ethnicity, age, or birth gender, the event aimed to strengthen the position of women in the labor market and society. “Live Auténtica“ was nothing short of transformative, offering an array of enriching experiences.
Keynote Speaker Michelle Faraco, a social entrepreneur boldly living as her most authentic self, set the tone for the evening. Michelle’s candid story began with her journey as a young girl living with an autoimmune condition, facing adversity and bullying. With unyielding determination, she learned to embrace her true identity and make it her life’s purpose. Midwest BankCentre brought Michelle as a beacon of inspiration to guide attendees towards embracing their authentic selves.
The evening featured exceptional guest speakers, including Ileana O’Neill, Marketing Coordinator at FCB Banks St. Louis, and Karina Arango, Director of Advocacy at The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis. Their valuable insights shed light on various aspects of personal and professional growth, resonating deeply with the audience. Guiding the evening’s events with finesse was the multi-skilled journalist and reporter at KSDK — 5 On Your Side in St. Louis, Justina Coronel, who charmed the crowd as the Master
of Ceremonies. This momentous gathering would not have been possible without the support of esteemed sponsors. Caleres proudly stepped up as the Title Sponsor, joining hands with Success Brands, the Goodie Bag Sponsor, and Luzco Technologies, the VIP Lunch Sponsor.
The event also received invaluable support from the St. Louis Lambert Airport and Edward Jones.
The Hispanic Women’s Event 2023 was a celebration of strength, resilience, and unity, leaving an indelible mark on all who attended. As the evening drew to a close at 8:30 pm, hearts were filled with a newfound sense of empowerment.
We extend our deepest gratitude to every participant, supporter, and sponsor. Your contributions have ignited a spark that will continue to inspire and uplift women in their journey toward success.
ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, A REMARKABLE GATHERING TOOK PLACE AT THE SHELDON CONCERT HALL AND ART GALLERIES—THE MUCHANTICIPATED HISPANIC WOMEN’S EVENT, “LIVE AUTÉNTICA.”
HERE’S TO A BRIGHTER AND MORE EMPOWERED FUTURE FOR ALL WOMEN!SPONSORED BY SUPPORTERS
From the moment I entered the event venue, I was captivated by the atmosphere of empowerment and enthusiasm that permeated the surroundings. The lineup of speakers was nothing short of extraordinary. Each woman shared her unique journey, challenges, and triumphs, making it an incredibly relatable and empowering experience for all attendees. I was particularly moved by Michelle Faraco’s powerful story of overcoming obstacles in her personal and professional life.
Karina Arango and Ilena O’Neil’s insightful advice on leadership in a male-dominated industry and owning their cultures and being proud of their roots were also inspirational. Their words resonated deeply and provided me with invaluable insights that I can apply to my own personal and professional journey. I appreciate the HCC’s commitment to fostering the growth and empowerment of professional women.
Susan Gobbo, Civic Leader. Gobbo Consultant.
While running is in our name, we are so much more! Girls on the Run teaches girls in 3rd-8th grade critical life skills, such as managing emotions, making intentional decisions, and helping others.
THE PROGRAM
Meeting in small teams twice per week for 8 weeks, Volunteer Coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skills to enable girls to adapt to whatever comes their way. The research-based curriculum includes three parts: Understanding Ourselves, Valuing Relationships plus Teamwork, and How We Shape the World. The program culminates with girls positively impacting their communities through a service project and completing a celebratory 5K event in Forest Park.
THE IMPACT
Girls on the Run reaches girls at a critical stage, strengthening their confidence at a time when society begins to tell them they can’t. Underscoring the connection between physical and emotional health, the program addresses the whole girl when she needs it the most.
In partnership with Washington University, we completed a comprehensive program evaluation — and the results are incredible.
After just one season
£ 92% stated that they had a positive attitude towards themselves.
£ 93% stated that they listened to others, even when their views were different from their own.
£ 95% know what to do when they feel frustrated, angry, or upset.
FOR EVERY GIRL!
We serve 4,000+ girls every year across 23 counties in Missouri and Illinois. Over 90% of participants receive financial assistance.
We assess and address barriers to participation so every girl can be a Girl on the Run, including physical modifications, language access, and more.
JOIN US
By getting involved with Girls on the Run — whether signing up your girl, coaching a team, volunteering at a 5K, or making a financial gift — you are intentionally supporting girls in our community.
CONTACT
Courtney Berg, Executive Director. Girls on the Run.
courtney@gotrstl.org
(314) 862-6266
gotrstl.org
7:30 -9AM MISSOURI ATHLETIC CLUB 405 WASHINGTON AVE
$35 EACH SESSION OR $120 ALL SESSIONS PARKING PASSES
REGISTER HERE
Programs
PRESENTED BY BMO BANK
EXECUTIVE BREAKFAST SERIES
APRIL
Presenters:
Nalini S. Mahadevan JD, MBA, Principal Attorney - MLO LAW LLC.
Betsy Cohen Executive Director- STL Mosaic Project, World Trade Center
Marcelle Pires Head of Global Customer Success Center of Excellence COE
Unidos Business Resource Group (BRG) Co-Lead - Bayer.
Dawn Higgins PHR, SHRM-CP Director Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Nestle Purina
How geospatial technology can benefit your business. New technology available to help your business operations.
Presenters:
Enbal Shacham Acting Director of Strategic Initiatives for Taylor Geospatial Institute
Andrew Dearing Lead - GeoFutures, President- Spatial STL Advisors
Matt Hebner P.E. Director of T&D Line Engineering - Luzco Technologies
Timothy Siems Director, Programs- Reinventing Geospatial, Inc. (RGi)
AUGUST 8TH
Environmental Social and Governance. Practices with high impact.
Presenters:
Lincoln Boschert Business Development -Ameren Missouri BizSavers Program
Virginia Covo Senior Director Sustainability - Anheuser Busch
Cassandra Brown Ray CFO -Saint Louis Zoo
Janelle Turner Director, Supplier Diversity Office of Operations and University ServicesWashington University in St. Louis
Samantha Anderson Director, Environmental Policy & ESG -Peabody
OCTOBER 10TH
How to successfully navigate the logistic disruptions.
New normal post- Covid logistic crisis.
Presenters:
Justin Woodard Region President, Midwest - Sysco
Dorian Boscan Thunderstone Logistics - Time DC
Based on the success of our 2022 series, we have introduced our 2023 Breakfast series in a panel format, sponsored by BMO Bank and with the support of Washington University. The series is designed to bring together executive peers for a networking breakfast, where they hear from four panels of top area thought leaders and change agents on topics relevant to their business.
Hear about lessons learned, best practices, and tips from representatives of well-known companies, and join us on October 10th for our final event in the series, where we will delve into the crucial subject of “How to Successfully Navigate Logistic Disruptions: Embracing the New Normal Post-Covid Logistic Crisis.” Esteemed industry experts presenting include:
Ŋ Justin Woodard, Region President Midwest — Sysco
Ŋ Dorian Boscan, Director — Thunderstone Logistics Time DC
Ŋ Dave Shogren, President — US International Foods, LLC
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights from these distinguished speakers. Mark your calendar and be part of this informative session that promises to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to thrive in the dynamic logistics landscape.
11
What is the geospatial ecosystem? Everything happens somewhere. The science and application of geospatial data is the study of where and what events and behaviors occur. The geospatial ecosystem in St. Louis is the interconnected network of organizations, businesses, academic institutions, and government partners that are focused on the collection, analysis, interpretation, and application of geographic information and spatial data.
The St. Louis region has built a coalition to grow geospatial science and its application through the establishment of the Taylor Geospatial Institute (https://taylorgeospatial.org). The Institute is made of 8 institutions, housed at Saint Louis University, Harris Stowe State University, Washington University, University of Missouri at St. Louis, Missouri Science and Technology, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, University of Missouri at Columbia, and University of Illinois and Urbana, Champaign. The collaborative effort is aimed at growing more research and the talent pipeline to respond to new technologies and addressing the grand challenges of our time.
There would not have been a concerted effort to grow the geospatial ecosystem without the commitment to St. Louis from the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA).
This investment in North St. Louis promises growing business and government contracting opportunities.
Numerous private companies in St. Louis specialize in geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, satellite imagery analysis, and spatial analytics. These companies provide solutions for industries such as geospatial intelligence, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and logistics.
The geospatial ecosystem in St. Louis encourages innovation through collaboration between academic institutions, government agencies, and private enterprises. This leads to the development of new technologies, applications, and methodologies in the field of geospatial analysis.
Various collaborative initiatives and partnerships exist to foster the exchange of geospatial knowledge and expertise. The St. Louis Area Working Group (SLAWG) is a working group through the USGIF and the GeoFutures Coalition support community building and networking for geospatial efforts. To get involved contact them: A great place to start is the USGIF, U.S. Geospatial Intelligence Foundation where the St. Louis Area Working Group offers networking and community: https://usgif.org/
PHD, PROFESSOR ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR RESEARCH IN THE COLLEGE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SOCIAL JUSTICE.
ACTING DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC INITIATIVES FOR TAYLOR GEOSPATIAL INSTITUTE
RECAP BY ENBAL SHACHAM
An ESG, or Environmental, Social, and Governance, program is developed through a process of identifying, managing, and communicating risks to an operation or a company that may not necessarily be quantified in a traditional balance sheet but could still have an impact on the overall health and performance of a company.
Over the past decade, ESG practices have evolved from an annual Corporate Social Responsibility report to complex programs, commitments, disclosure frameworks, and even regulatory requirements.
Regardless of the size of your business, here are a few things to consider regarding effective ESG practices:
1. Understand Materiality
Companies must craft an EGS strategy with finite resources, and the most effective utilization of those resources are to (1) identify and address ESG areas that are important to your business, your stakeholders, and your industry and (2) commit your resources to the initiatives that bring value and drive performance. This means, that rather than strict alignment to a single disclosure framework for developing metrics, consider what data your organization currently collects and where further data collection opportunities and metrics
will enhance performance. The data that you choose to collect and disclose or may be required to disclose under a regulatory obligation, will likely be compared with similar operators within your industry by a broad array of interested parties. Ensure your data is accurate, auditable, and aligned within your industry to ensure the comparisons are meaningful and in context.
2. Identify Material Risks
Modern ESG practices encompass the ways in which a company identify, manage and, if necessary, mitigate risks. These environmental, social, and governance risks contribute directly to balance sheet performance, but may not be adequately or effectively characterized in a strict financial sense. Emerging ESG areas are changing, many are now evolving beyond voluntary disclosure into inclusion in regulatory actions. Companies with mature ESG programs may have well-established programs, targets, and commitments but should assess transitional risks to ensure regulatory obligations are fully covered by current practices. Companies that with less mature ESG programs may require further program development to ensure requirements are met in ways that are both compliant and efficient.
3. Embrace the Opportunities
While there is risk, there is also immense opportunity. ESG practices and a mature approach to risk challenge our perspectives and encourage the identification of nontraditional opportunities to improve our business, such as improving company culture, attracting a talented workforce; enhancing our relationship with the communities we serve and the ecosystems in which we operate, both social and environment; and improving our emissions profile while finding opportunities to streamline and improve our operations.
Fundamentally, effective ESG practices are an extension of a mature risk management program. Implementing these practices should not be viewed as onerous but instead as an opportunity for a company to track performance and improve business practices.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND ESG DIRECTOR —PEABODY ENERGY
RECAP BY SAMANTHA ANDERSON
Founded in 1994, Behavioral Health Response (BHR) has been serving the community’s crisis intervention needs for three decades. BHR is the only professionally staffed, live-answer 24/7 telephone crisis hotline in the region that also provides: face-to-face clinical assessments, onsite and virtual, and access to next-day urgent appointments through its partnerships with community mental health centers. BHR is the largest 988 provider in Missouri and has been a model organization for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline since it started in 2005. Additionally, when a crisis caller would benefit from a higher level of assistance, mobile outreach care is dispatched. An experienced clinician visits a caller’s residence or local agency to complete a crisis assessment and recommendations for care following the crisis.
BHR has also formed a partnership with Saint Louis City and its Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department in an innovative first-of-its-kind approach to support law enforcement and reduce the strain of 911 calls. BHR’s Justice and Crisis Response Unit (JCRU) provides a “cops and clinicians” model in which a trained JCRU clinician manages a 911 call or partners with a St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officer on calls related to behavioral health including mental health disorders, substance use, trauma, quality of life events, and self-sufficiency incidents.
We often get questions about mental wellness and self-care. It is an important topic because it shares many similarities to physical health care. There are things we need to do every day to improve our mental health and wellness. Eating healthy regular meals (most of the time), getting 30-60 minutes of exercise every day, connecting socially, and 8-9 hours of sleep every day are mood stabilizing and wellness building. In fact, sleep deprivation may be one of the primary causes of our observed increase in reported anxiety and depression in youth. Some anxiety and/or sadness/down moods are absolutely normal. Being distressed about being anxious or sad exacerbates these experiences.
However, it is important to know when to reach out and get help. If you are having suicidal thoughts, your anxiety/ depression/negative thoughts are significantly impacting your ability to meet your daily routines, you are not able to sleep, and/or you cannot make day-to-day decisions without much difficulty are good reasons to call 988 or talk to a mental health professional. Even if you aren’t sure but want to talk to someone about things that are concerning you, that is an excellent reason to call 988.
June 9th, 2023 — A Day of celebration and triumph, as the 12th graduating class of the Professional Hispanic Leadership Institute reached the pinnacle of their transformative journey. Spanning from October 2022 to June 2023, this remarkable program, a part of the HCCSTL Foundation, empowered 19 outstanding participants from prestigious organizations, including Bayer, Midwest BankCentre, St. Louis Community Foundation, Purina, Spire, Logan University, Bunge, Centene, Behavioral Health, Rung for Women, Cortex, SLU, Casa de Salud, Edward Jones, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro St. Louis.
Over the course of nine months, these aspiring leaders immersed themselves in a dynamic curriculum, enriching their skill sets and strengthening their leadership acumen. Key topics included Effective Communication, Emotional Intelligence, and Personal Branding, among many others, which provided the participants with an array of essential tools to succeed in their professional journeys.
As the program neared its end, the participants eagerly looked forward to their graduation ceremony, which took place at Rung for Women. Surrounded by their family members and friends, they felt proud and accomplished. The graduates were filled with confidence, knowing they had overcome challenges and embraced growth throughout their time in the HLI.
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro St. Louis commends the graduates on their extraordinary achievements and congratulates them on this momentous occasion. As ambassadors of excellence, they represent the unwavering spirit of the Hispanic community and serve as beacons of inspiration for future leaders to follow.
JASMINE RANGEL Director of Member Engagement. Rung for WomenI was born in Laredo, TX and my family is Mexican American. We moved to St. Louis when I was really young, so I wasn’t around a lot of people who looked like me growing up in the 90s. Having the chance to engage with other Hispanic leaders was one of my driving factors to apply for the Hispanic Leadership Institute. I gained more than I could have imagined during our time together. The variety of classes they offered, as well as the opportunity for community, kept me engaged as we met month to month. My favorite class was maximizing your cultural identity because it taught me all the ways that my heritage and culture make me a unique individual with so much to offer. I encourage other Hispanic professionals to invest in themselves by attending the HLI because not only will you grow professionally but you will also gain so much personally.
CLASS XII
¡FELICIDADES Y ÉXITO EN SU CAMINO!
Midwest BankCentre knows a thing or two about dreams. As one of the largest community banks in St. Louis, we’ve been helping people step into their dreams since 1906. Midwest BankCentre takes a values-led approach to banking, meeting our clients where they are to help them get where they want to be. We do this while equitably reinvesting deposits in the St. Louis region, empowering historically underinvested communities with access to capital and opportunities.
When you Bank Your Values with us, you get all the products and services as big national banks — with 16 branches in St. Louis, a business production office in Illinois, and 24/7 digital banking services — as well as the personal service, regional knowledge, and community investment of a local bank.
The Hispanic community has been instrumental in enriching the St. Louis region. In the past decade, St. Louis’ Hispanic population has grown nearly 50%, adding to the economy, contributing tax dollars, and strengthening neighborhoods. Midwest BankCentre supports this vibrant and growing community with a dedicated team of Spanish-speaking professionals, most of whom have lived experiences as immigrants or first-generation Americans. They know firsthand the diverse needs and aspirations of Hispanic individuals, families, and entrepreneurs. They understand that Hispanics want what every American wants: a path to social and economic mobility, which starts with access to opportunity and capital.
Homeownership is a fundamental pillar of building wealth and stability — and achieving the American Dream. At Midwest BankCentre, we have built a top-ranked team to aid the community with their new home loans, refinances, or new builds. Our experience ranges from helping families move into their forever home or those that recently relocated to St. Louis, to serving those with limited or no credit history, no down payment, or no social security number. We are committed to providing solutions that make the dream of home ownership attainable for all.
Our best-in-class technology offers a seamless customer experience from application to close, with an intuitive, secure online application for borrowers. And for those that prefer to communicate in Spanish, we have two Spanish-speaking mortgage specialists that walk clients through each step of the process in their native language. Our home loan experts can help the most sophisticated buyers or help those who might need help building credit or obtaining a home loan through Midwest BankCentre’s ITIN or 0% financing loan programs.
Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and Midwest BankCentre recognizes the vital role they play in driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering community development. The Bank is dedicated to empowering Hispanic entrepreneurs and business owners by providing them with the necessary resources and support to thrive.
Karlos Ramirez, Vice President of Community Engagement and Business Development at Midwest BankCentre, leverages his extensive experience to help Hispanic business owners navigate the banking landscape.
By providing guidance on working with a banking partner, managing cash flow, and securing lines of credit to pursue larger contracts, Ramirez plays a crucial role in facilitating the growth of Hispanic-owned businesses. His deep connections within the community enable him to connect people for mutual benefits, fostering collaboration and synergistic growth.
Midwest BankCentre ensures that Hispanic immigrants without Social Security Numbers have access to the essential financial products and services they need to start their new lives in the U.S. For immigrants who have ITINs, the Bank offers a robust line of products to help them build financial futures for themselves and their families. These include:
£ Free checking accounts with low or no minimum balance
£ Credit Booster CD loans that establish your credit history while you save
£ Checking Accounts that rebuild or establish your credit score
£ Auto refinancing options with lower interest rates
£ Pay Day Alternative loans to access short-term emergency cash at a low-interest rate
£ Personal Unsecured Emergency Loans to access emergency funds for longer-term needs
£ Business loans for ITIN entrepreneurs
£ Low-interest mortgage loans
£ Home Equity Lines of Credit and Home Equity Loans to pay for home improvements, children’s college educations, or to consolidate high-interest debts
£ Youth savings accounts with no monthly service charge or minimum balance to prepare your children for a lifetime of savings
Midwest BankCentre’s commitment to the Hispanic community extends beyond its products and services. The Bank actively supports the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, serving as the title sponsor for various events that promote Hispanic businesses and entrepreneurship. The Bank also supports the Venezuelan Association in Missouri, The St. Louis Colombian Society, the Puerto Rican Society, STL Santos, and multiple Hispanic community events throughout the year.
Midwest BankCentre’s unwavering commitment to its purpose has been recognized and celebrated by peers, customers, and employees alike. For three consecutive years, the Bank has been named one of St. Louis’ Top Workplaces, reflecting its positive and inclusive work environment. It also received the Champions for Diversity & Inclusion Award from the St. Louis Business Journal, recognizing its efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the community.
Additionally, it was voted the 2022 Best Small Bank by Small Business Monthly, highlighting its exceptional services for small businesses. The Bank has also been honored with the prestigious What’s Right with the Region Award for Enhancing Regional Prosperity by Focus St. Louis.
When I was little, I dreamed of having my own house. ~Luis Luis came here from Guatemala and doesn’t have as many options as a U.S. citizen would have. His credit history was nonexistent, and he has an ITIN. For Luis to find Midwest BankCentre, and them not only be willing to help but gladly and openly help him through the process, it was great. ~Denise
— LUIS PASTOR POZ & JANECE COLTER
Refinancing my car with Midwest BankCentre saved me over $250 a month and over $14,000 over the term of the loan. I’m very grateful for the savings and I appreciate that the bank employee that helped me with the process communicated in Spanish.
— JOSE ANTONIO NARCISO
Our Breakfast Workshop Series — “Taking Your Nonprofit to the Next Level” — served as a beacon of knowledge and empowerment for small and mediumsized nonprofit organizations. This new series, consisting of four impactful workshops, focused on essential aspects of accounting, volunteer recruitment, digital marketing, and fundraising, providing attendees with valuable insights to elevate their organizations’ impact. Held every Friday in May from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at CIC, this event proved to be a game-changer for participants seeking to enhance their nonprofit endeavors.
The first workshop on Grant Writing & Fundraising, led by Kitty Nangle Lohrum, M.A., Senior Director of Philanthropy at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation, set the tone for the series. Participants gained comprehensive guidance on navigating the world of grants and cultivating successful fundraising strategies, fostering financial sustainability for their worthy causes.
The second workshop centered on Bookkeeping & Accounting, featuring the expertise of Tosha Anderson, CPA, MBA, Founder & CEO of The Charity CFO, LLC. Attendees delved into the
intricacies of financial management, learning invaluable practices to ensure transparency, compliance, and effective stewardship of their organization’s resources.
Rick Skinner, Vice President of the Volunteer Center at United Way of Greater St. Louis, spearheaded the Volunteer Recruitment workshop, offering participants the keys to unlocking a strong network of dedicated volunteers.
The final workshop on Marketing & Social Media, facilitated by Sheila Burkett, CEO & Founder of Spry Digital, harnessed the power of digital platforms to amplify the nonprofits’ impact. Participants explored dynamic marketing strategies and discovered how to leverage social media to engage with their audience effectively.
The Breakfast Workshop Series showcased a collective commitment to empowering nonprofits to thrive. Attendees left with newfound knowledge, expanded networks, and a renewed sense of purpose, ready to lead their organizations to new heights.
I found a lot of value in the nonprofit series. I found the presenters experts in their fields and full of knowledge. They were able to give us some useful tips and insight from a top-level perspective. One of my favorite parts was just connecting with other area nonprofits and learning more about how they are working for our community. I would 100% recommend this series to anyone working in the nonprofit field or anyone thinking about wanting to start a nonprofit.
Elisa Bender, Board Member. Hispanic Festival, Inc.In the history of her publication, she has been in competition with other Spanish-language newspapers and radio broadcasts, but she has found innovative ideas to make her publication one of a kind. Velazquez feels that the connection between the Hispanic communities is very strong due to her leadership qualities.
“The system wants you to be a follower,” Velazquez said “I’m not one”. The media mogul was born in Mexico City, Mexico where she received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and received her Master degree in Mass Communications and Journalism. She worked for Sonoco Products Co. in Mexico for 10 years as the human resources director then decided to move to the U.S. in 1998. She was working in Illinois; however, her employer did not pay her as promised and was giving her problems with her Visa. She took matters into her own hands and started selling goods to Hispanic restaurants as an undocumented worker, where doors began to open for her.
In that role, “I noticed the lack of informational paperwork in their language” Velazquez said and decided to launch Red Latina in July 2000.
Velazquez is very proud of her business and has seen direct competitors come and go “about five” she said. Red Latina, still standing, with many informational daily articles on the webpage, from local businesses to the most recent news, as well as health tips and job opportunities for the Hispanics in the region.
The newspaper has a 20,000 circulation. What started as a weekly publication became biweekly, then monthly, and is currently printed the 4 seasons of the year. Although the interactive digital edition of the magazine continues to be published since 2015.
What started as a weekly publication became biweekly, then monthly, and is currently printed in the 4 seasons of the year. Although the interactive digital edition of the magazine continues to be published every fortnight on the 1st and 15th of each month since 2015, its distribution extends all the way west to Jefferson City and east into Illinois.
Red Latina has adapted to the technological times and now has an audience of around 72 thousand followers. She has ventured into other sources of media, including stints co-hosting “Ahora St. Louis,” the #1 Spanish-language show on public access
television, and Radio Cucui (WEWAM 770), and in 2017 she launched a bilingual digital radio. She believes that diversity is advancing in St. Louis, especially with the Hispanic festivals. She has participated in other rewarding volunteer experiences raising funds for different causes.
In 2003 Red Latina Publisher threw the first pitch at the baseball field in St. Louis Cardinals Stadium on Hispanic Family Day.
In 2009 she received The Hispanic Businessperson of the Year by the HCCSTL. Furthermore, Velazquez has been part of a music promotions team. She has collaborated with Grammy Award Winning artists, bringing them to St. Louis for special events. Her outstanding work with her promotions team was recognized with a star on the Las Vegas Strip in 2010.
In 2013 the editor was recognized by St. Louis Business Journal as Diverse Business Leader in St. Louis.
If you want to learn more about Red Latina or get in contact with them reach out to Cecilia Velasquez at cecilia@redlatinastl.com. Or you can follow them on social media:
The HCCSTL Foundation takes immense pride in nurturing the leaders of tomorrow, and the High School Hispanic Leadership Institute (HS HLI) Class VII exemplifies this commitment to excellence. Designed as a select program for 15-20 high school students (10th-12th grade), this transformative institute aims to cultivate leadership skills while instilling a deep sense of community service.
The six-day program, which started on June 19 and concluded on June 24, proved to be a life-changing experience for the participating students. As they embarked on this extraordinary journey, they were welcomed into a dynamic learning environment that fostered personal growth and community engagement.
With an emphasis on empowerment and education, the HS HLI Class VII not only enriched the students’ knowledge but also the HCCSTL Foundation provided them with a $250 stipend upon completion, investing in their educational savings as a testament to the students’ future success. The HS HLI Class VII students had the unique opportunity to explore various educational institutions, gaining firsthand exposure to potential paths for their futures.
Each day took them to different locations, including Cortex, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, St. Louis Community College, Harris-Stowe State University, Southeast Missouri State University, and Webster University. These visits broadened their horizons and inspired them to dream big about their academic pursuits.
Beyond academic and personal growth, the students also imbibed the essence of community service. The program instilled in them a profound sense of responsibility towards the St. Louis community, encouraging them to give back in meaningful ways.
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of St. Louis Foundation takes pride in the accomplishments of the HS HLI Class VII and extends its heartfelt congratulations to these future leaders.
The HS HLI summer camp was a great experience filled with fun, learning, and amazing people. Each day was a new exciting topic taught by professionals where I got to learn and explore with new friends. One topic that stood out in my eyes was the Financial Basics course taught by Claudia Ochoa. It was amazing to be able to learn about something so important, but it was even better to enjoy it in the fun way it was taught. I would definitely recommend this camp to anyone who wants to take advantage of this great opportunity.
Sponsors
WE HOPE YOU HAVE OBTAINED RESOURCES FOR YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.TESTIMONY
ROANOKE CONSTRUCTION IS A MISSION-DRIVEN GENERAL CONTRACTOR BASED IN ST. LOUIS. OUR MISSION IS TO BUILD AND RENOVATE HOUSING TO IMPROVE PEOPLE’S LIVES AND STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES.
This fall, we will complete work on two independent senior living projects. Elm Ridge Apartments in Hazelwood will open in late September. Elm is a 50-unit mixed-income building with amenities including in-unit laundry, Energy Star appliances, secure access, an elevator, a fitness room, a computer room, a community room with a kitchen on the first floor, and additional community spaces on the two upper floors. Elm will include three ADA accessible units. Scott Manor Phase II in unincorporated North St. Louis County will open in October. SMII will add 50 additional units of senior housing to the campus. Roanoke completed work on Scott Manor Phase I, a 42-unit building, in 2020. Both Elm and SMII will be mixed-income buildings with the majority of units set aside for households at or below 60% of the area median income. The remaining units will be leased at market rates. Leasing for both Elm and SMII will be managed by Sansone Group.
We are particularly proud to have achieved 56% M/WBE participation on Elm Ridge and 34% on Scott Manor Phase II. Roanoke has strong relationships with local M and WBEs, and we have a track record of M/WBE participation that is unmatched by other general contractors. We choose to exceed our clients’ goals for M/WBE participation because we believe it is the right thing to do, and because we want to change the face of who creates wealth within the construction industry within our lifetime.
If you are a construction contractor with an interest in or experience with multifamily projects, please contact Erin Wright at erin@roanoke-construction.com to join our bidders’ list.
The Hispanic Chamber provides you and your organization with programs and events, unique business connections, promotion opportunities, and educational tools to grow.
We are open to Hispanic and non-Hispanic companies, organizations, and professionals.
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!
Here are some of the benefits we offer:
Business After Hours: These events are meant to connect our members in a lively and friendly atmosphere. BAH events are designed to encourage networking and help build stronger relationships with the business community.
Our BAHs are held every 3rd Thursday of every month, they are hosted by an active member of the Chamber, providing a unique experience at the selected location.
In addition, we can help you make connections with other of our members through a personal referral.
HCC’s digital platforms give you access to promote your business to several thousand people. This is an opportunity for us to amplify member events, accomplishments, deals, promotions, or anything they want the public to know or learn.
Moreover, take the starring role in Cámara en Vivo — El Show and/or in Members on Air — An HCC Podcast. We will help you magnify yourself and your organization through HCC’s social media, website, e-newsletter, and our memberonly platform.
Our sponsorship opportunities are an excellent option to gain exposure and showcase your organization to specific audiences.
We bring job seekers and employers together at our annual Job Fair. This is the job fair to attend if you are looking to attract more diverse talent for your company or organization.
Additionally, post job vacancies on our public job board. We also feature them in our e-newsletter and social media platforms.
We provide business education through keynote presentations, hands-on activities, table discussions, webinars, and networking opportunities. It has been proven that the more attendance to our business events and programs, the more successful your business will be.
Please reach out to Alejandra Niño, Membership and Engagement Manager, at anino@hccstl.com or at 314-666-4432 ext. 1 if you have any questions or would like to learn more.
We look forward to welcoming you to this energized chamber!
Allen Roofing & Siding
American Family Insurance
Ameristar Casino Resort and Spa
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Bank of America
Ben Hur Construction
BMO Bank
Breakthru Beverage Missouri LLC
Busey Bank
Carmody MacDonald
Carrollton Bank
Central Bank of St. Louis
CIBC
Commerce Bank
Dot Foods
First Bank
Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis
Frick’s Quality Meats Inc
Garcia Properties
Grey Eagle Distributors
Home Depot
Keeley Construction
Lindenwood University
Luxco, Inc.
Luzco Technologies, LLC
Midland States Bank
Midwest BankCentre
Mississippi Lime Company
Missouri Constructors
Missouri History Museum
Montgomery Bank
Mutual Of Omaha Advisors
Panera Bread LLC
Pangea Group
Performance Foodservice — Middendorf
Precoat Metals
Re/Max Gold
Regions Bank
Reinsurance Group of America
Sherwin Williams
SIUE
Spire, Inc.
St. Louis Community College
STL Partnership
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
St. Louis-Kansas City Carpenters
Success Brands
Talisen Technologies
Tarlton Corporation
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis
Thompson Coburn LLP
University of Missouri — STL (UMSL)
University of Missouri System
Verizon
Washington University in St. Louis
World Wide Technology