FACUNDO OYENARD
JOSE PONCE
SISI BELTRAN
JOMO CASTRO
BERTO GARCIA
CLAUDIO ABREU
GABRIEL CARDENAS
ROBERT CLARK
SUZANNE SIERRA
DANIELA VELAZQUEZ
ELIAS CORPAS
AINETTE MARTINEZ
CLAUDIA OCHOA-ESPEJO
NOLAN RUIZ
FERNANDA ESTRADA-RIDAURA
MIGUEL RINCAND
2022 3rd edition en Contacto
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Connect with us!
Send us your comments and suggestions at: festrada@hccstl.com
JOIN US IN CONGRATULATING OUR NEW & 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 AAD eco cleaning & restoration v Agilix Solutions v ALPFA—St. Louis v American Family Insurance v Barquet Stege PLLC v BlueBoat International, LLC v BluSky Restoration Contractors v Building Butlers, Inc v Callaway Realty Group LLC v Carrera Law Offices PLLC v Connect Video v Crossroads Accounting & Tax v Daniela Velazquez v DTA LLC v Edward Jones—Ana Del Castillo v Eiwa v Emerson v EvolutionMD v Go! International v Harris-Stowe State University v Housing Authority of St. Louis MO v Innkeeper Hospitality Services LLC
v Isabel Evelyn Photography
v Jaime Falquez
v Keith Short and Associates, PC v LaunchCode Foundation v Layton & Associates —Charles L. Crane Agency v LocalProBook v Lorelai Technologies LLC v María Gabriela Simek v Martorello Schildhaus LLC
v Midwest Pasta Inc v MVP Pring v PARIC v Per Scholas v Rangel Tax Group and Services LLC v Rose River Consulting LLC v Sapphire Prospects LLC v Seed Matriz v Senses v St. Louis Shakespeare Festival v US Dept of Commerce/ITA v USI Insurance Services v Youth In Need
v Global Learning Exchange Initiative v The Greater St. Louis Area Council Boy Scouts of America
Greetings in this new season! I would like to emphasize that we had a very active quarter that included holding the HCC Foundation 16th Golf Tournament on a beautiful sunny day with 200 golfers at Forest Park. The community partnerships signed with Chamber are bearing fruit, with special emphasis on the partnership with the International Language Center and Spry Digital. Among other benefits, the Chamber will be offering business Spanish classes (beginner and intermediate) and strengthening its strategy and digital presence.
On Friday, October 28th we had a wonderful Adelante Awards gala at the Four Seasons hotel with the attendance of 510 guests and an incredible keynote speaker Domenika Lynch, Executive Director of the Latinos and Society Program at the Aspen Institute, Washington D.C. It was an unforgettable night in which we recognized the contributions and achievements of individuals, entrepreneurs, and corporations in the St. Louis Metro Area.
Finally, in this month of November, we had our strategic retreat where the Board of Directors and HCC Staff met to define the Board and Foundation’s 2023 planning and priorities. The Chamber continues to grow the number of Chamber members (large, mid-sized, and small), with special emphasis on companies and organizations in the region that are looking to invest in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. With a commitment to strengthening the economic development of the St. Louis metropolitan area, we continue to work on advancing business and workforce development, quality of life, representation, research, labor, and immigration, thus creating the conditions for the full success of our region.
Eduardo Platon, President & CEO Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis
HAVING A RESTAURANT OR BUSINESS HAS BEEN MY DREAM SINCE I WAS 12 YEARS OLD. MY FAMILY AND I USED TO JOKE ABOUT THE FUTURE RESTAURANT NAME AND THE IDEA OF HAVING ALL MY FAMILY WORKING WITH ME.
My tías in the kitchen cooking, some primos taking orders, and the tíos cleaning and keeping up the structure. I always envisioned the phrase “FROM MOROVIS, PUERTO RICO TO THE WORLD...” and my present world is Saint Louis, MO.
I am originally from Morovis, Puerto Rico, and moved to New York in August 2013 with a volleyball scholarship. I had difficulty transitioning between the language and being alone, but mostly trying to find similar food from home. Since I moved to the USA, finding Sofrito was impossible, and I was very used to my mom’s recipe. For a while, she used to send me sofrito every month in the mail until I realized the price, time, and effort my mom was making to send me those packages.
After 4 years, I moved to St. Louis and decided that it was my time to make the Sofrito myself. I grew up watching my mom, abuela, and tías, so I was familiar with the ingredients and process. After a lot of research and drives around St. Louis, I finally found all the ingredients to create a Puerto Rican Sofrito, just like my mom’s. However, it was not until November 2021, when my oldest brother came to visit me during Thanksgiving that I got inspired to go big or go home.
He commented on starting a Sofrito business during our dinner and it got stuck in my mind. I was taking a break from my dream, and him bringing this idea motivated me to do it right away.
In December 2021, I decided to start the journey by registering the business name, getting paperwork done, and beginning to promote the business via Instagram. I quickly got a lot of customers, and they were able to enjoy my Sofrito during the festivities where we, Puerto Ricans, miss those flavors the most.
Hecho en Casa now operates locally in St. Louis and our goal is to be visible in all the grocery stores in the USA and Puerto Rico. Our Sofrito is unique and provides all the flavors and scents from our country and childhood. When you cook with Sofrito from Hecho en Casa, you can be transported to Puerto Rico, family and friends, music, and memories.
Hecho en Casa has participated in excellent programs such as IGNITE 2022 from CET, Tactix course, and Marketing sessions. We have also been present in the City Foundry STL market and The Date Night Market at Union Station STL. We have collaborated with notable companies such as the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Cortex Innovation Community and Edward Jones during their Hispanic Heritage Month event.
Our goal is to expand our business so that everyone in St. Louis understands what Sofrito is and how it can be utilized.
Check out our Instagram page at @hecho–en–casapr, for offers, recipes, event details, and information about Sofrito and our Puerto Rican culture.
Nerishka Cruz, Owner of Hecho en Casa
OUR LITTLE HAVEN IS RELENTLESSLY COMMITTED TO PROVIDING EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.
Our community of professional caregivers creates a safe, secure, and healing environment for those impacted by abuse, neglect, and mental or behavioral health needs. We make the hurting stop, the healing begin, and the love last one family at a time.
Celebrating our 30th anniversary, Our Little Haven focuses on the young child and their family. Through day treatment services, outpatient mental and behavioral health services, and foster care case management; we are serving over 500 children and families each year.
Our team of licensed and dedicated professionals addresses the needs of the young child, when our work will have the most impact. These formative years of a child’s life are crucial to their development.
Community involvement is crucial to our mission and the holidays are a great way to share with those who need us most. Visit ourlittlehaven.org to learn how you can help though our holiday wish list, group projects, or special needs.
Chris Muñoz, MA, CFRE Associate Director, Our Little Haven
AZTECA INSURANCE WAS FOUNDED IN MARCH 2020 WITH OUR PRIMARY MISSION BEING TO REACH OUT TO OUR FAMILIES, FRIENDS, AND COMMUNITY TO HELP MEET THEIR INSURANCE NEEDS.
Additionally, we aim to educate our clients and help them gain an understanding of their specific insurance needs and options. We believe in the peace of mind and protection that insurance can bring to the people and businesses, and we want to share that mission with those we serve.
As an independent insurance agency, we work with 20 different insurance companies so that we can offer you a variety of policies and help you determine which would best suit your needs and circumstances.
Since our founding day in 2020, our team has been able to help hundreds of individuals and businesses within our community. We value our partnership with our community members that trust our team and share their clients with us. We take pride in ensuring that clients are satisfied with our service.
Facundo Oyenard, Owner and Lead Broker, Azteca Insurance
Our first production at Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park was in the summer of 2001. Since then, more than one million people have attended free Shakespeare in the Park productions, and the festival has expanded to producing theater all over the region.
At Shakespeare in the Park, nearly 50,000 attend each year from St. Louis and beyond, making this one of the largest Shakespeare festivals in the U.S. and a beloved St. Louis summer tradition.
The unique traveling show, TourCo, stages an abridged Shakespeare play in dozens of parks across the bistate with six actors in multiple roles.
For Shakespeare in the Streets, festival artists gather the stories of a distinct St. Louis community over a year-long collaboration. A playwright weaves their testimony with the poetry of Shakespeare to create a new play.
Learn about these programs, our commitment to producing New Works and our newest partnership providing theater education at the historic Sumner High School at stlshakes.org or follow us online at @stlshakesfest.
Allie Magee, Marketing and Communications Manager, The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival
our golf classic was held on september 21st at the course, forest park, and in this 16th year, raised over $43,000.
THIS MONEY IS USED TO FUND THE FOUNDATION PROGRAMS, WHICH INCLUDE THE HISPANIC LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE AND THE HIGH SCHOOL HISPANIC LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE.
These institutes educate and empower not only current Hispanic business leaders in the St. Louis area, but also young future leaders. As one of the only programs in this area, we strive to invest in these students so that they can go on to become innovative business leaders and strengthen Hispanic participation in the St. Louis business sector and beyond.
We are so glad to have been able to hold the tournament again this year, with a record of 200 registered players and 17 sponsors on that beautiful day. The staff incorporated new technology, which made the registration and tickets sales more streamlined, and the catered lunch, from Havana’s Cuisine, LA Taco Cantina, and Guido’s Pizzeria and Tapas, was a success with people going back for seconds.
We are so grateful that the participation and support for the Golf Classic continue to grow each year. Again, thank you so much for your donation and participation to the HCC STL Foundation Golf Classic this year. Without your support, it could not have been a success.
The Hispanic Chamber Golf Classic is my favorite golf outing of the year, this year certainly did not disappoint. While my golf game has plenty of room for improvement, the camaraderie, great weather, plentiful food, and beverages plus all the raffle prizes always make this a fun event.
I am always encouraged to see the support we have from the Hispanic Chamber’s members as well as local businesses. This year’s sold-out event raised over $43,000 to fund the Hispanic Foundation programs that will equip many young Latinos for years to come.
We are grateful to the volunteers, the Norman Probstein Golf course staff, our generous sponsors, and every player who made this event a success, I have no doubt next year will be even better. I look forward to seeing you next year!
M. Berra, Lead Crypto Strategy Analyst, Commerce Bank
Harris-Stowe State University provides educational opportunities that reflect excellence in holistic student development. They offer programs designed to nurture intellectual curiosity and build authentic skills that prepare their students for success in a diverse, global society.
Anheuser-Busch School of Business (ABSB)
The Anheuser-Busch School of Business offers undergraduate on-campus and on-line programs to educate students in the art and science of business. The programs foster the development of knowledge and skills necessary for gainful employment and the successful pursuit of graduate degrees.
The College of Arts and Sciences is committed to providing all students an accessible and affordable quality liberal arts education in mathematics, physical and life sciences, humanities, and social and behavioral sciences.
The College of Arts and Sciences also provides course offerings in general education. In this role, the college is the gateway to all degree programs at the University. In addition, the College of Arts and Sciences, in collaboration with the College of Education, provides course offerings in many areas of content knowledge concentrations, leading to Bachelor of Science degrees in Early Childhood, Elementary School, Middle School and Secondary School Education.
The College of Education at Harris-Stowe State University offers baccalaureate programs designed to enrich and enhance the academic as well as socialization experiences of its students. Toward this end, diversity pervades the curriculum, the field placements, faculty, and clinical staff.
Candidates understanding of their culture and respect and responsiveness for others is a basic premise of the College of Education. The Educator Preparation Program (EPP)’s conceptual framework revolves around the principle of preparing a culturally sensitive population of individuals who will adapt and perform successfully in an ever-changing technological world.
A gift of any amount can make a tremendous difference in the life of a Harris-Stowe student. It can help to fund a scholarship to keep a deserving student enrolled, provide food to another in difficult times, or emergency funds for students when they need it most. When you support Harris-Stowe, you are giving more than a donation; you are truly inspiring change in the region and beyond. All donations to Harris-Stowe Foundation, Inc. are tax-deductible and applied to students and initiatives that strengthen the institutional mission.
HARRIS-STOWE STATE UNIVERSITY (HSSU) IS THE ONLY HBCU (HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES) IN THE ST. LOUIS METROPOLITAN AREA AMONG TEN COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, AND ONE OF ONLY TWO HBCU’S IN THE STATE OF MISSOURI.
June 14th
The CURE Mindset: Establishing Your Baseline for Inclusive Leadership.
Allison Choi, HR Consultant and Laura Scheidhauer, President, LHS Consulting LLC
August 9th
Developing
October 11th
This April the HCC proudly launched a new program, The Evolving Workplace executive breakfast series, presented by the SLU Chaifetz School of Business. The purpose of the series is to offer executives networking with peers, keynote presentations, and engaging table discussion. The topics are designed to provide attendees with new ideas and resources for their evolving business.
We kicked off the series with Judy Ryan, CEO of LifeWork Systems presenting “Steps to understand and implement a responsibility-based workplace culture”. In June Laura Scheidhauer, President of LHS Consulting LLC spoke about “The CURE mindset: Establishing your baseline for inclusive leadership”. In August R. Lewis, Director of the Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship at Saint Louis University presented information on how to develop and encourage an entrepreneurship mentorship. Lastly, we wrapped up the series with the topic “How to Leverage Enterprise Agility for Competitive Advantage” presented by Doug Less with Agile Transformation Consultant.
We are already planning the 2023 breakfast series, stay tuned on our social media channels to learn more about the new topics that we will bring you.
See you next year!
laura
IT WAS SUCH AN HONOR TO PRESENT IN JUNE AS PART OF THE HCC BREAKFAST SERIES TO A WONDERFUL GROUP OF ENGAGED LEADERS.
When we think about inclusive leadership, I’m sure we have all experienced leaders who don’t make the effort to connect, leaving us feeling marginalized and ignored. When people don’t feel heard, they feel disrespected, misunderstood, and undervalued.
To solve these common problems, we introduce the C.U.R.E. Mindset: four key attitudes that lay the foundation of becoming an inclusive leader.
C-Connection, U-Understanding, R-Respect, E-Empathy.
When we’re talking about inclusive leadership, CONNECTION means that I am intentionally pursuing diversity in my relationships and making connections that put me in situations where I can learn from and better understand people who are different than me. That may mean people who look different than me, ethnically or culturally. But it can also mean people who think, believe, and live a very different lifestyle than me.
Once I have made a connection with you, it is important that I try to UNDERSTAND more about you. I want to “Get” you. This can only happen when I show more interest in what you are sharing with me than in what I want to tell you about myself or my opinions. Intellectual understanding is gained through the intentional process of active listening.
Everyone wants to feel heard and wants to feel RESPECT. Professionalism means that I can be myself and accept others as they are. I give you respect when I humbly consider what you have to share and validate you even when I don’t agree with you.
EMPATHY is the result of having pursued intentional Connection, Understanding and Respect. It is a mark of a mature inclusive leader. When I can empathize with what you have shared, I can grow to be willing to walk in your shoes. I no longer just want to “GET” you, but I now have the capacity to “FEEL” you. Again, that should include those I do not agree with.
In order to move beyond inspiration, and experience transformation in your leadership and the culture of your organization, it is important to take the next step and create an action plan for yourself.
To implement the CURE Mindset for yourself, your team, or your whole organization to make DEI a true competitive advantage, empower your people to bring their best, and create an inclusive culture where everyone is valued, heard, and feels a sense of belonging. You can BE MORE at work, home, and play. 314.402.5038 BeMore@lhs-consulting.com lhs-consulting.com
Recently, I had the opportunity to address this topic at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Series in an effort to instill and ignite an entrepreneurial mindset in the audience. Almost all concepts for new ventures, products, and initiatives are generated from 3 categories — Unsolved Problems, Gaps in the Market, and Changes in the Environment.
I tried to show the audience how Uber solved many problems in building their company to provide access to transportation where taxis may not be readily available, but also demonstrated the other problems and solutions Uber addresses. For example, transparency around the cost, the driver, and the route. In addition, Uber solves problems for the drivers by providing flexibility for unemployed or underemployed gig workers. When people think about entrepreneurship, we frequently recognize the problem/solution category because it is often directly related to our own experiences.
In the following two categories I dove into better recognition of opportunities and how to take advantage of them.
For example, I explained how Fresh Thyme has filled a gap in the market created by a food desert in Midtown or how Spotify took advantage of a change in our technological environment to provide quick and easy access to millions of songs within seconds. Compare this to how we used to have to travel to a record store, purchase a cassette tape and play it on a device like a Sony Walkman. The technological change in the environment of the proliferation of smartphones has generated countless new opportunities like Spotify that we take for granted today, i.e. Google Maps, Facebook, Twitter, and Venmo just to name a few.
I concluded the presentation with the importance of how taking action is a critical component of an entrepreneurial mindset by highlighting the pathway from idea to a new venture, product or initiative only happens by acting on the opportunity recognized. I recommend starting with the customer. Use the information you gather from them to build a minimum viable product, go back to the customer, and iterate in incremental steps until you have product market fit.
We will board the 4th topic in the next edition. Keep an eye out!
r. lewis sheats, director of the chaifetz centerfor entrepreneurship at st. louis university
THEY ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THOSE WHO ARE LIVING WITH VISION LOSS AND WELCOME YOU TO ACCESS SOME OR ALL OF THE SPECIALIZED SERVICES THEY PROVIDE.
For more than 111 years, St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired has been enhancing independence, empowering individuals, and enriching lives. Located in Brentwood, MO, the Board, and staff believe in a community where vision loss is not a barrier to a full life.
Society’s main services include Assistive Technology, Low Vision Medical Exams, Occupational Therapy, Orientation and Mobility, Social Work, Support Groups, and Transportation, which occur in the agency, community, and in the client’s homes. Their primary service area includes St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Jefferson County and St. Charles County.
A new transportation program is fulfilling the needs for those who rely on others to drive. Their clients not only receive transportation to Society for appointments and programming, but also to other medical appointments, grocery shopping, the post office, the bank or just to meet friends for lunch.
In 2021, they added a bilingual staff person to interpret for their Spanish speaking clients and to translate their documents into Spanish.
Society serves all, without regard to documentation. They offer client assistance to those without insurance and their Minority Advisory Board has made a concerted effort to reach out to all minorities so they can learn about the opportunity to use their services.
After a study on the needs of the blind in St. Louis, Society was founded on December 28, 1911, as the Missouri Association for the Blind. Workshops were held to help the blind find jobs and live a productive, happy life. Their evolution continued:
• 1915 Began teaching Braille in client’s homes
• 1930 Name change adopted to St. Louis Society for the Blind
• 1986 Added “Visually Impaired” to their name to recognize that the majority of individuals served are not totally blind
• 1989 Established the Leslie & Robert Drews Low Vision Clinic
• 2011 Society celebrated 100 years of service and developed new logo and tagline
• 2019 Laura Park-Leach was hired as the 11th President and CEO
• 2020 The Assistive Technology Center opened
• 2021 Opened the Sight Solutions Shop, for in-person and online shopping
No appointment is needed to come to the Sight Solutions Shop which has many inexpensive aids that can make life easier for people living with vision loss. They are open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30 pm. and offer Open Houses on occasion if someone needs to come at night or on the weekend.
You’ll find them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Follow them! 314.968.9000 8770 Brentwood Blvd., Brentwood, MO 63144 slsbvi.org
Isn’t it a great feeling to have an idea of a service or product and then materialize it? Don’t let financing your business project become a major barrier. In this article I would like to share with you some alternatives of financing for you to consider and to mention some HCC members who can assist you. Some alternatives may be more suitable to start your business and others more appropriate when you are in the growing phase.
These are installment loans of $50,000 or less. They typically come with very lowinterest rates and are more affordable than other startup loans. Some HCC members who offer this type of loans: International Institute, Justine Petersen and STL partnership (SBA intermediary lender). They may also provide additional resources for small businesses owners, including training, workshops, and mentorships.
It gives you the opportunity to request the amount of capital you need based on your needs and that you must return with interest monthly. There are personal loans in which the borrower’s eligibility is based on their personal profile, and business loans where the business profile is considered. HCC has several banks members who offer special loans for entrepreneurs. BMO Harris Bank, Commerce Bank, and Midwest BankCentre just to name a few.
Business grants can be found by checking the online offerings of every level of government (federal, state, local) and by seeking out directories of private grants and foundations. You should find a program that fits with your mission and your business. There are some local organizations that not only can award you a grant but also provide additional resources such as training and mentorship opportunities. You should also check programs sponsored by credit cards providers, big logistic companies, and national organizations for entrepreneurs. An HCC member who offers a grant is Arch Grants.
Crowdfunding is the process of raising money from many people to fund a project, a company, a cause. It could be used to fund a specific need in your company. It is usually done using an online platform. In some cases, the funders do so as an altruistic donation, while in other cases, they may get equity in the company who raised the money. For example, Kiva is a great Crowdfunding program, and it is managed by an HCC member, WePower.
It refers to individuals who have sufficient capital and who invest it in new companies, specifically in the early stages, in exchange for a shareholding. To find an angel investor usually it is by networking but there have been attempts to form networks of investors through hubs like AngelList and ACE-Net.
A venture capital fund frequently disburses its funding over the course of several “rounds,” the first of which is called the seed round which is meant to get your business off the ground. Successive rounds, called series, may become available as your business grows. Different venture capital firms tend to specialize in specific phases. InvestMidwest is a venture capital forum to check out.
None of these different types of financing is perfect. They all have pros and cons; you should do some research and choose the one that meets your business needs. As always, you can contact me, and I am happy to assist you in your search efforts.
ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, AT THE “FOUR SEASONS” HOTEL IN DOWNTOWN ST. LOUIS, THE “2022 ADELANTE AWARDS” EVENT WAS HELD.
This award ceremony was sponsored by several companies including Enterprise Holdings and the St. Louis Children’s Hospital to name a few. The entertainment included the participation of the master of ceremonies Carol Daniel from KMOX, and the guest of honor Domenika Lynch, who spoke about the importance of defining your power and knowing the resources available for the Latino/Hispanic community.
Domenika is the Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Latinos and Society Program (AILAS), with the mission of empowering Latino communities and promoting longterm economic growth and resiliency. Over the course of two decades in leadership roles, Domenika has overseen strategic planning, policy advocacy, and public affairs campaigns for nonprofits and corporations, increasing donor and stakeholder support and raising millions of dollars for organizational endowments.
As part of the program of the event, this year Facundo Oyenard was recognized for his 6 years of dedicated service, visionary guidance, exceptional leadership, and unconditional commitment serving as Chairman of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
The event ended up with words from Eduardo Platon, HCCSTL President & CEO, and gave way to the music of DJ Fonzo. Thank you to the Planning Committee for their hard work on this event: Ainette Martínez, Facundo Oyenard, Paola Read and Fernanda Estrada-Ridaura.
We hope to see you next year to continue celebrating the achievements of the Hispanic and Latino community!
Thank you, Facundo! 2017-2022
This was not a plastic, marble, or wood plaque. It is a work of art intricately drawn with colorful threads like the St. Louis Latino community, who came from many countries and became one.
The award showcases the Huichol people from northern Jalisco, part of Nayarit, Zacatecas and Durango who remain true to their culture to this day. From this Latina Veteran who loves and supports all cultures and their people, to the HCC, muchas gracias! Friends next year when you see the ads go out for this event, get your ticket right then and there. You don’t want to miss it!
Esmeralda Aharon, M.A., Program Director, Staff & Community Engagement.
17
A client once confided, “Being at the International Language Center is like being at the international terminal at the airport”! At any given time, one might hear 8-10 different languages spoken throughout their offices.
The International Language Center (ILC) was founded in 1983, by entrepreneur Bernardo Brunetti, at 23 years old. Brunetti was raised in Italy by his polyglot parents. As a young boy he traveled extensively, visiting more than 20 countries by his 18th birthday — exposing him to a plethora of languages and diverse cultures. When his family translocated from Milan to St. Louis in 1979, it was no surprise that Brunetti immediately put his bilingual talents to work providing high-level interpreting, translation, and language instruction to companies and executives in the Midwest. Forecasting the demands of the market, Brunetti established ILC, headquartered in St. Louis with a satellite office in Madrid, and now celebrating its 40th anniversary.
ILC is proud to be St. Louis’ oldest and largest full-service Language Service Provider. Their multilingual staff and 350+ professional linguists provide expert Translation, Interpreting, Private and Small Group Language Instruction, Accent Reduction, and Cultural Training IN ALL LANGUAGES, including American Sign Language.
At the helm of the organization is Dede Brunetti, directing frontline sales and negotiating contracts with government entities, major corporations, medical/healthcare facilities, schools, and nonprofit organizations, worldwide. As Vice President, Dede continually probes language service industry trends and maintains strong and genuine relationships with clients and linguists.
“ILC has been a corporate member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for more than 15 years, and we are elated to have formed a strategic partnership with Edùardo and his team to create an inclusive bilingual environment at the HCC, co-promoting Hispanic business competitiveness in our community,” said Dede enthusiastically.
Contact ILC today to explore language opportunities and insights to grow your business and expand your clientele. Dede guarantees, “My staff and I will provide you with linguistic excellence and exceptional customer service!” 800.445.4440 ilcworldwide.com 1416 S. Big Bend Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63117
ST. CECILIA SCHOOL & ACADEMY IS AN URBAN CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LOCATED IN SOUTH ST. LOUIS WHICH SERVES A PREDOMINANTLY HISPANIC STUDENT POPULATION.
Founded in 1906, it has been an anchor in the community for over 100 years. St. Cecilia’s mission is to partner with families to provide students an excellent education where they can develop spiritually, intellectually, and socially.
St. Cecilia School and Academy attracts families from throughout south St. Louis City and County who desire a quality education for their children. St. Cecilia’s 179 kindergarten through 8th grade students come from predominantly under resourced communities.
At St. Cecilia their vision is to teach and guide their students so they can reach their full potential. They believe that education is the single greatest predictor of a child’s success and pathway out of poverty. Given the limited financial resources of their students’ families, they must seek philanthropic support to provide the resources and implement programs which are tailored to the student’s specific needs.
£ 100% of the students at St. Cecilia receive a need-based scholarship.
£ St. Cecilia is now a 1:1 Technology School. They obtained the funding to provide all students an iPad or Chromebook as well as install ViewSonic Boards in all learning spaces.
£ St. Cecilia is committed to continual professional development for their faculty This enables teachers to provide their students a path to proficiency and growth in reading, writing and math.
On June 29, 2022, The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and St. Cecilia School & Academy signed a Memorandum of Understanding to help make a long-term impact in the Hispanic community, enhancing economic opportunities for families and providing children access to quality education.
To learn more about this partnership or how you can get involved please contact the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce or email STC Friends@archstl.org
WHEN 10-YEAR-OLD MARIA* IMMIGRATED TO THE ST. LOUIS AREA FROM MEXICO WITH HER FAMILY, SHE HAD TROUBLE EXPRESSING HERSELF. LIMITED IN ENGLISH, SHE STRUGGLED TO MAKE FRIENDS AND FIND A SENSE OF BELONGING.
Maria was connected to a United Way safety net partner whose focus is to help immigrant and refugee families acclimate to their new lives. With their support, Maria began engaging in activities and building friendships. She quickly gained confidence in speaking English and now thrives in school.
The ability to help someone like Maria is the fuel that drives United Way’s Multicultural Leadership Society (MCLS). Formed in 2009, MCLS brings together a diverse group of leaders with a common desire to give back to the St. Louis Region by creating a place where all can thrive. With over 700 members, the Society represents a myriad of cultures and ethnicities and is the strongest multicultural philanthropic group in the entire region.
Annually, United Way helps 1 in 3 people in our region; and in 2021, approximately 22,710 people who identified as Hispanic or Lantinx received assistance. Since its inception, the Society has raised over $23 million and invested in the community to impact areas focused on: basic needs; early childhood and youth success; health and wellbeing; jobs and financial mobility; and community stability and crisis response. United Way supports a network of more than 160 nonprofit agencies to provide a safety net for the region. Sixty-eight of these partner agencies serve a multicultural population.
Greater St. Louis
These programs help feed children and families with a warm meal, provide a safe place to call home, a chance to grow and opportunities for a brighter future.
In addition to helping those who need it most, the Society provides a platform for diverse professionals to network and have access to other key leaders in the community. Members have the unique opportunity to learn about community issues that concern them the most and work together to find creative solutions. Member events hosted throughout the year offer opportunities to gain new business and career connections with like-minded individuals who embrace diversity. Because of this rich diversity, members inevitably learn new cultural traditions from each other.
The Multicultural Leadership Society is one of five United Way Leadership Giving affinity groups where members give $1,000 or more to help those who need it most. Members can choose to join one or more groups and connect through professional development events, exclusive networking and volunteer engagements, and other unique opportunities. United Way also brings together the next generation of local leaders and philanthropists who are 35-years-old and younger through the United Young Leaders group.
United Way of Greater St. Louis celebrates a centennial milestone this year — recognizing 100 years of making an impact in our community. “Our mission is to help people live their best possible lives and we strive every day to accomplish it,” says Michelle D. Tucker, President and CEO. To get involved or learn more about our Leadership Giving societies, visit our website, www.helpingpeople.org.
On August 6, the United Nations Association of Saint Louis’ SDG Changemakers united with the High School Hispanic Leadership Institute Class VI on a joint effort to ideate around the creation of an Afghan Community Center — an initiative from the International Institute of St. Louis through its Afghan Community Support Program. The purpose of this effort was to see how young people throughout the region and from diverse backgrounds could work together for a common purpose.
“We really wanted to take the opportunity to bring young people together while being part of creating something very meaningful for our community,” SDG Changemakers Program Director, Rene lannotti said, about how this concept of working together came to fruition.
About 20 high school-aged youth came together at the St. Louis Zoo, where the idea of the Afghan Community Center was presented by Moji Sidiqi, Afghan Community Support Program Manager
at the International Institute of St. Louis. Along with Armina Petrescu-Tudor, Manager of Strategic Initiatives at the International Institute of St. Louis, the pair presented the framework of how individuals end up in St. Louis through the refugee resettlement process.
“We shared with attendees how changes within the global landscape, such as effects of climate change, may affect individuals’ need to flee their home countries. As a direct effect of this movement, we expect to welcome even more individuals.” Petrescu-Tudor highlighted.
Carlos Suarez, Command Center Coordinator at the International Institute, also serves as President of the United Nations Association of Saint Louis. “This work really achieves our common purpose of creating an inclusive society, and by working towards peace, so that we as individuals can reach our greatest potential,” expressed Suarez.
I really enjoyed the program. It was good to hear from the leaders at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and International Institute to become more aware of these organizations and work they do for the St. Louis area.
I also liked how the program facilitated and heavily encouraged collaboration between the attendees. Coming from the Illinois side of the river, it was fun to meet other students and brainstorm ideas on what we could develop to help the refugees assimilate into St. Louis.
Isabel Rehg — participant
This year the HCCSTL Foundation decided to open its Golf Clinic “Gals on Green” just for women, with the aim of ensure that Latinas and Hispanic entrepreneurs are having access to the same business circles as their non-Latino/Hispanic peers. And to benefit from the lessons that golf teaches, a sport often restricted due to high cost and lack of language inclusion.
This was a two-month program, starting from June to August, in total the program had 6 classes that were held at the WGlen Echo Country Club. This year we had 14 amazing participants, and we will try to open two groups next year.
Stay tuned for more information and to register on time, spaces sold out very fast this year.
If you have any questions, or would like to learn more about this program, contact Paola Read, Program Coordinator, at pread@hccstl.com
I am very new to the game of golf and this clinic gave me the opportunity to learn the basics from golf professionals. Getting 1:1 coaching gave me the tools I needed to improve, and we were able to share that improvement as a group as the weeks went by. My favorite part was playing a round by the end of the clinic and being able to see how much everyone had improved. I gained knowledge on etiquette and terminology that I wouldn’t have received if it wasn’t for this clinic.
With golf being more popular with men, I was a lot more comfortable learning alongside women at my same skill level also working to improve their golf game. Another great result from this clinic was the networking and friendships that I was able to make meeting a variety of new people. We shared a fun experience together and I would definitely recommend it to other women considering the clinic in the future.
Cynthia Menke, Project Manager II, Payment Integrity, Centene Corporation
MY GRANDMOTHER FLED SANTIAGO, CHILE IN THE 1970S UNDER THE REIGN OF AUGUSTO PINOCHET.
She later went back to get her children, but my mother and her sister were over 18 years and were not allowed to travel with my grandmother to the United States. They worked for 3 years to get their Visas to come to this country.
My mother had intentions of only staying a short time to say goodbye to her family before returning to Chile to be married. She met my father in a small town east of St. Louis shortly before going back to Chile. She fell in love and decided to leave her life behind and begin a new life in this country. I was born a couple of years later in Alton, IL.
My first paying job was at 12-years-old, delivering newspapers. I worked several jobs as a teenager, but it was the local newspaper that gave me my first career opportunity. I began my career as a secretary in the advertising department at the Telegraph in Alton, IL over twenty years ago.
After learning about marketing and advertising, I moved to the automotive sales division at the St. Louis PostDispatch. A few years later, I was managing that 22-million-dollar division through the biggest shift in the newspaper industry as automotive dealers around the country were filing bankruptcy. With a passion to really understand how to grow companies, I launched my first marketing agency.
Today, I own multiple companies that include a full-service digital agency and media corporation. I am the owner and publisher of the Collinsville Daily News.
The Collinsville Daily News is designed to be the heartbeat of the community. We are dedicated to telling the truth in the local news. We want to share the news with you in a context that helps our readers make sense of an increasingly chaotic world.
The mission of Collinsville Daily News is to provide a platform that highlights local news. Our vision is to build a source of local news content for 10 cities across the St. Louis Metro statistical area on both sides of the river.
We developed a strong partnership with the HCCSTL to be the “Hub” of Hispanic news across the St. Louis MSA. With rich content from AP News and a content share agreement, we have access to news from around the country with 100 other media publications and companies. Latinidad is our Spanish portal that brings news locally and from around the world in Spanish.
In our first year of business, we have reached over 145,000 readers across more than 137 countries.
We want to share YOUR story. Please send us information that allows us to share your story to the world.
You can contact me at jackie@collinsvilledailynews.com
Duty, Owner and publisher at Collinsville Daily News
OUR PURPOSE IS TO HELP OUR REGIONAL COMMUNITIES THRIVE.
We are a values-based bank that believes that everyone must have access to capital to build a fulfilling, selfdetermined life. Our ultimate mission is to improve the economic vitality of the region so we can all DREAM BIG and RISE TOGETHER.
The Hispanic community has and continues to play a vital role in enriching the region.
While the overall population in the St. Louis region has barely budged in the past 10 years, there has been robust growth in minority communities, particularly Latinos whose population grew nearly 50% in the past decade across the 14-county St. Louis region.
The Hispanic community added about 35,000 people to eclipse a total of 100,000 people. In addition, half are home owners and almost 95% of all Hispanic eligible workers are employed.
We celebrate the vibrancy of the Hispanic community which is adding to the economy, paying taxes and making neighborhoods stronger. At the same time, we recognize the diverse needs within the Hispanic community. While some are here on work visas holding professional positions at our leading businesses and organizations, others have fled their home countries with the hope they can begin a new life and future for their families. We have built a team that understands where people are and helps them get to where they want to go.
Midwest BankCentre employs eight Spanish-speaking colleagues. Four of them work face-to-face with customers to ease any communication barriers.
The bank offers the most robust line of ITIN products that enables customers to gain a foothold on their financial futures. As a financial partner we can support short term needs as well as long-term dreams. 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 your credit score in case it is low or if you don’t have a financial history
£ Auto refinancing options with lower interest rates
£ Pay Day Alternative loans to access short-term emergency cash at a lowinterest 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, your children’s college education, or to consolidate highinterest debts
£ Youth savings accounts with no monthly service charge or minimum balance to prepare your kids for a lifetime of savings
Midwest BankCentre’s commitment to its mission extends to the entire region and is backed by bold actions. In 2021 Midwest BankCentre announced a commitment to lend $200 million over a five-year period to people, non-profits, faith-based institutions, community development projects and small businesses in underinvested communities. These community and development efforts allow the Bank to be an important player in scalable community high impact developments.
Its commitment to the Hispanic community also includes support to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, serving as title sponsor for the HCC Foundation Golf Tournament since 2017, title sponsor of the Hispanic Working Women event yearly since 2016, and providing financial education to the community in various occasions, most recently, with the Small Business Academy.
The Bank is proud to be recognized by its peers, customers and employees as a leading community bank. For two consecutive years, Midwest BankCentre was named Best Places to Work. It was voted 2022 Best Small Bank by Small Business Monthly.
It won the Focus St. Louis’ prestigious What’s Right with the Region Award —Enhancing Regional Prosperity and recently won Champion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award from the St. Louis Business Journal.
The viability of our region matters. The wealth and well-being or our Hispanic community matters. And where you bank matters.
Midwest BankCentre, Karlos Ramirez, VP Community Engagement and Business Development
Karlos Ramirez is Vice President of the Community Engagement and Business Development team having previously served for five years as President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (HCC), and five years as Executive Director. Karlos understands the concerns faced by business owners and entrepreneurs who are unfamiliar and somewhat wary of the U.S banking systems.
The Bank helps Hispanic business owners learn more about how to work with a banking partner, how to manage cash flow and how to secure lines of credit to pursue bigger contracts.
Karlos also leverages the vast trust he has established in the community to connect people with each other for mutual benefit.
Midwest BankCentre, Karlos Ramirez, VP Community Engagement and Business Development
314.633.6076 kramirez@midwestbankcentre.com midwestbankcentre.com
THE HISPANIC CHAMBER OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE TO GROW, CONNECT AND DEVELOP THEIR ORGANIZATION. BEING PART OF OUR CHAMBER FAMILY GIVES YOU MANY RESOURCES & TOOLS, WHETHER YOU ARE A SMALL BUSINESS, NONPROFIT, BIG CORPORATION, OR AN INDIVIDUAL.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS WE OFFER:
workforce Job Fair
If your company is looking to hire, our Job Fair is a great place to search for talent. Each year, this Job Fair has been able to attract numerous qualified professionals.
Amplifying Job Openings: We have a designated section on our website for job openings. We also feature them in our e-newsletter and social media platforms.
networking Business After Hours Networking is at the core of what we do. Therefore, we have our Business After Hour events every 3rd Thursday of every month. These events are meant to reunite all our members to connect and get to know each other. Make friends and create partnerships!
Promoting your events, services, products, or accomplishments, is a great way to connect with the community. We help in promoting all of those, using all our platforms. That is our website, e-newsletter, social media pages and your own member-only system called ChamberMaster.
And more!
there is so much more that we do!
We have a Business Counselor that can help you navigate the business world. Educational events throughout the year for everyone, a great golf tournament and our incredible annual gala!
Please reach out to us if you have any questions or would like to learn more. Join our HCC family today!
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis Thompson Coburn LLP University of Missouri - St. Louis University of Missouri System
