Q&A with Latin American Association CEO

BROOKHAVEN

In conversation with Santiago Marquez of the Latin American Association

BY SAMMIE PURCELL

Over the years, the Brookhavenbased Latin American Association has become a staple in the metro Atlanta community, offering a multitude of services to the area’s growing population – and growing it is.

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the Hispanic and Latino population in Georgia is about 10.5%, or 1,123,457 people. That number represents Santiago Marquez, CEO of the Brookhaven-based Latin American Association. (Joann Vitelli) a 31.6% increase, or an increase of about 269,768 people, since 2010. In DeKalb County, where the LAA is based, the population grew by 20.1% – or 13,647 people – since 2010.

When the LAA began in 1972, the state’s Latino population wasn’t nearly this size, said CEO Santiago Marquez.

“There really weren’t that many Latinos in Georgia in 1972,” Marquez said “So, the idea that this organization was created with a vision of what was coming, to me, is incredible. It says a lot about the founders.”

While on the road in Dalton – where the LAA has another center – Marquez spoke with Reporter Newspapers. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Why do you think the LAA is the premier Hispanic organization in the state?

SM: The main building on Buford Highway kind of serves as the community center for the community. This year alone, we’ve had Gov. [Brian] Kemp twice. Sen. [Jon] Ossoff, Sen. [Raphael] Warnock, Secretary [Janet] Yellen, all have come to our building to meet with Latino leaders. So it’s really seen as a community hub. Then, I think of the services that we provide, from social services, to economic empowerment for women. There are youth services, immigration services – really critical services to stabilize the Latino family and the community and integrate them. I just think the LAA is kind of one of those standards. A pillar almost.

Can you elaborate on the challenges the Latin American community faces, and how those were compacted by the pandemic?

SM: So, let me talk about the community that we serve. Because I want to differentiate. I don’t want to just generalize the Latinx or the Latino community. Specifically the community the LAA serves tends to be single mom, two kids – average client, that’s who it is. Obviously they need help, that’s why they’re coming to us. So already, again, we’re dealing with a vulnerable population looking for help. By that I mean, it could be anything from needing help to pay rent, needing help with groceries, needing help with facilities, needing help with food stamps, SNAP benefits, Medicare, WIC. They might be a victim of domestic violence. They might be a victim of violence, period. Immigration status. They may be undocumented. They may have mixed status. So all of that comes into play. [Also a] lack of knowing the language and culture.

Over the course of the pandemic, are there things you’ve had to change?

SM: One hundred percent. We’ve learned how to do a lot of case management virtually … Two is we’re learning what works well on a virtual platform and what doesn’t. Not everything works. So we’re looking at a hybrid model – some in-person, some virtual. What’s come out of all of this is how do we serve the community more efficiently, making sure that we’re not losing that connection – that human connection.

Looking forward, what are some of your goals for the LAA over the next few years?

SM: We’re looking forward to growing. The LAA – even though I consider it the premier organization in Georgia for Latinos – I want to grow our reach and deepen our impact. I think that we have an opportunity to grow up here in Dalton, where we are in this northwest Georgia territory. We have a real opportunity to grow our footprint in the metro area. This is a great time for us.

Luncheon planned for councilmember

The Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon Nov. 11 to honor Joe Gebbia, the District 4 councilmember. Gebbia announced earlier this year he would not run for reelection.

The event will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton at 4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Road. It will commemorate Gebbia’s years of dedication and support to the chamber, said President and CEO Alan Goodman. “We encourage all who appreciate [his] contribution since the very beginning of Brookhaven to join us in wishing Joe and his family the very best,” Goodman said. Tickets are available at Brookhavencommerce.org.

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