DIRECTORIO 2020
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Members and Community, I realize this has not been the year we had planned or anticipated, but COVID-19 has left us with many lessons and opportunities. As the largest Hispanic business organization in the State of Louisiana, we feel the important responsibility to serve, educate, connect and advocate as we build a more equitable community with access to resources and opportunities needed to thrive and create wealth. Our strategic plan moving forward will show an even stronger focus in areas that will contribute to the goal of bridging gaps that prevent sustainable growth for the Hispanic business community. Our commitment is firm and our determination strong to eliminate barriers that hinder economic development. We will continue to encourage a diverse business and workforce environment through programming and stewardship of community issues. We are proud of our response to these unprecedented times and the leadership role our organization has played to keep the community informed and prepared to access resources and opportunities amidst this pandemic. We shifted to virtual formats and continued with our planned programming, added new and timely initiatives to advocate for the special needs of the Hispanic community, continued to engage our hard to count community to participate in the 2020 Census and supported the work of State and local authorities with regards to COVID19 guidelines, mandates and through the creation of an Ad-Hoc Translation committee that was key to bringing important information to the community in Spanish. The future may seem uncertain, but one thing we are certain of is that there is much work to be done. The disproportionate economic and health impact to the Hispanic community will be felt for a long time, and the work of HCCL will be critical to move the needle in areas like digital and financial literacy, healthcare education, workforce training, business development and technical assistance. We look forward to establishing important collaborations and partnerships that will also help us move our mission and reach our vision. I am grateful to our Board of Directors for their leadership and support of our organization; to our donors and members for their continued partnership and generosity which is needed more than ever as we rise up to meet the challenge of bolstering our Hispanic business community in the State of Louisiana. I am honored to serve my community, and am convinced the resilience and determination which is characteristic of the Hispanic community will shine through again. In closing, I would like to thank all healthcare, first responders, essential workers, teachers, and many more unsung heroes in the frontlines that have made a difference. We will get through this together, JUNTOS SOMOS MAS! Respectfully,
Mayra E. Pineda HCCL President/CEO
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