2 minute read
Vanessa Almonte: Bridge between Cultures
A Journey of Discovery and Connection with the Hispanic Community
Vanessa Almonte, a woman with a camera and a heart full of passion for her community, is a key member of the Hispanos Emprendedores team. Her journey has led her to integrate into the Clarksville, Tennessee, community to spread the word about the project to other Hispanics needing guidance.
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A Destined Encounter
Originally from Brownsville, Texas, Vanessa, 33, is the daughter of Mexicans and is proud of her roots. Her connection to the magazine came through her friendship with founder, Maria Jimenez. Vanessa began as the cover photographer for Hispanos Emprendedores, but her role quickly expanded. Now, she is in charge of connecting with the community, allowing her to learn even more about the resources Hispanics can access. As Vanessa told us with a smile, “I didn’t know anything about the business, but I love learning.”
Vanessa confesses that it was difficult initially, but her love for photography and her desire to learn led her to immerse herself in the world of Hispanos Emprendedores. Her advice to entrepreneurs is always to try to learn. She stresses the importance of having a business plan and suggests that if they are going to invest in growing the company, they should invest in education. “You always have to be learning. You always have to be growing,” Vanessa tells us.
A Bridge between Cultures
Vanessa has become a bridge between cultures and Hispanic entrepreneurs in Clarksville. Her work with the people in the city has led to leadership training. Vanessa has seen significant growth in Clarksville’s entrepreneurial community. For her, it has been necessary because before joining the team, she was disconnected from the community, “Now, I’m completely connected,” Vanessa shares.
In parallel with her work at Hispanos Emprendedores, Vanessa has her photography studio, The Rouge Caravane, a successful business. The photographer believes that Hispanos Emprendedores will grow more because entrepreneurs need much guidance. She believes that people who have started their business and are struggling to reach their goals, that’s when they come to them.
In the multicultural tapestry of the United States, the Hispanic community stands out for its entrepreneurial spirit and growing influence. According to the United State Census, Hispanics already exceed 19.1%, which would be approximately 63,667,033 people in 2022. In addition, the Los Angeles Times reports that nearly five million
Academia Hispanos Emprendedores: The Seed of Entrepreneurship on American Soil
Hispanic-owned businesses contribute more than $800 billion annually to the nation’s economy.
Against this dynamic backdrop, one star emerges with a special glow: the Academia de Hispanos Emprendedores. With its roots planted in the fertile soil of entrepreneurship and education, this non-profit organization is becoming a beacon of hope and opportunity for many.
David Bracamonte and Maria Jimenez, the visionaries behind this project, have created a space where Hispanic entrepreneurs can grow and flourish. “We believe in the power of education and knowledge,” says Bracamonte, a marketing and digital technology enthusiast. “We want to give our
Hispanic brothers and sisters the tools they need to achieve their business dreams.”
With free courses in business modeling, digital marketing, accounting, and finance, the Academy provides quality and affordable education. Not only that, they also offer mentoring to ensure that every seed of knowledge planted can germinate and bear fruit in the real world of business.
Corporate and government support
But how is it possible to offer all these resources for free? “We are supported by donations and fundraising,” explains Maria Jimenez, the operational and administrative force behind the Academy. “We are a small team with a big heart and an even bigger vision.” www.academiahispanosemprendedores.org
In addition to its website, the Academy has launched a mobile app on Google Play under its exact name, further facilitating access to its valuable educational offerings. “We want to be where our students are,” says Bracamonte. “Whether at home, in a café, or the palm of their hand.”
The future is bright. According to a survey by The San Diego Union-Tribune, 81% of Hispanic business owners are confident that their business will grow in 2023. The Academia de Hispanos Emprendedores is ready to support them every step of the way.