LULAC Cincinnati – LULAC Cincinnati

LOEF and LULAC @ Carthage Elementary School Open House

LULAC Cincinnati Event August 29, 2025August 29, 2025Cincinnati, community, Education

Cincinnati, OH — August 28, 2025
Carthage Elementary School (CES) opened its doors to families and community members for a welcoming Open House celebration, highlighting its commitment to inclusivity and family engagement—especially among its growing Latino population.

Among the key contributors were Laura Moese, President of the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF); Victoria Garland, LOEF Board Member; and Lourdes Ribera, Vice President of LULAC Cincinnati. These dedicated leaders regularly collaborate with CES to provide Spanish-language translation services, ensuring that families with limited English proficiency can fully participate in their children’s education. Laura Moese also contributes as CES board member.

Working alongside Saida Canel, Latin Family Coordinator for Cincinnati Public Schools, the team was joined this time by Rosalba Arreaga, whose presence further strengthened the translation efforts. Their work allowed Spanish-speaking parents to engage meaningfully with teachers, understand academic expectations, and access school resources.

The Open House also underscored the growing partnership between CES and LULAC / LOEF—a collaboration that continues to uplift the local Latino community. Through consistent engagement, translation services, and cultural outreach, LOEF and LULAC help CES create a more inclusive environment where families feel supported and empowered. This alliance not only strengthens communication between parents and educators but also fosters trust, belonging, and educational success for Latino students across the district.

Florence Y’Alls Celebrate Latin Heritage Night with LULAC and LOEF

LULAC Cincinnati Event August 29, 2025August 29, 2025Baseball, community, Young Latino Profesionals

Florence, KY — August 22, 2025 The Florence Y’Alls Baseball Club brought vibrant energy and cultural pride to the ballpark during their annual Latin Heritage Night, hosting the Gateway Grizzlies in a spirited matchup that blended sports, community, and celebration.

In a show of support for Latino empowerment and education, the Y’Alls donated 200 tickets to Laura Moese, President of the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF), inviting members of LULAC and LOEF to join the festivities. The gesture underscored the team’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.

Before the first pitch, players of Latin heritage took to the field wrapped in flags representing their countries of origin, creating a powerful visual tribute to their roots. The pre-game ceremony featured a stirring rendition of the National Anthem by Karen Becerra, known as “La Dama del Pueblo,” whose voice set a proud and emotional tone for the evening.

The game itself was a rollercoaster of excitement. The Grizzlies came out swinging, scoring three runs in the first inning. But the Y’Alls rallied, turning the tide by the sixth inning to lead 7–5—a score that held through the final out. Meanwhile, LOEF members, in particular the Young Latino Professional Network made the most of the lively crowd, selling Split the Pot tickets to raise funds for educational scholarships. The initiative added a meaningful layer to the night, blending entertainment with purpose.

The night closed with fireworks. From the flags on the field to the cheers in the stands, Latin Heritage Night was more than just a game—it was a celebration of identity, unity, and baseball!

🎉 Viva Cinci Lights Up the Night for LOEF

LULAC Cincinnati Event August 18, 2025August 18, 2025Art, community, Happy Hour, Young Latino Profesionals

Ricardo Ugas LOEF-YLP President, Salsamberas dancing group ( Marjorie, Marisol and Alba), Tony Arreaga Viva Cinci owner and Laura Moese LOEF President

Karen Becerra, La Dama del Pueblo singer from Maxico

Wilmer, singer from Puerto Rico and DJ Tonny Mixx,

Friends of LOEF

Rhinegeist Team

WEST CHESTER, OH — August 16, 2025 — In a lively fusion of music, dance, and community spirit, Viva Cinci and Rhinegeist Brewery joined forces to support the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF) scholarship program. The fundraising event, held at Viva Cinci’s vibrant Mexican restaurant, turned an ordinary Saturday night into a celebration of culture and purpose.

For every purchase of a Cincy Light Lime pint paired with a tequila shot, LOEF’s scholarship fund received a $1, helping to empower Latino students across Ohio through educational opportunities. 🎶 The evening was curated by Tony Arriaga, owner of Viva Cinci and a proud member of LOEF’s Young Latino Professionals, Laura Moese, President of LOEF and Ricardo Ugas president of LOEF-YLP. As a former LOEF scholarship recipient himself, Arriaga brought personal passion and flair to the event, transforming the restaurant into a hub of entertainment and generosity.

💃 Guests were treated to a dynamic lineup of performers, beginning with the high-energy moves of the Salsamberas dancing group. The stage then lit up with the powerful vocals of Karen “La Dama del Pueblo,” a beloved singer from Mexico, followed by Wilmer, a soulful artist from Puerto Rico. DJ Tonny Mixx kept the rhythm flowing throughout the night, blending Latin beats with crowd favorites to keep the dance floor alive.

The fundraiser not only showcased the richness of Latino culture but also highlighted the power of community collaboration. With every toast and dance step, attendees contributed to a cause that uplifts future generations.

LOEF expressed deep gratitude to Viva Cinci, Rhinegeist, and all who participated, reaffirming its mission to support Latino youth through education, mentorship, and cultural celebration.

🎭 Theater Workshop Celebrates Diversity and Creativity in Cincinnati

LULAC Cincinnati Event August 15, 2025August 17, 2025Art, Cincinnati, community

Laura Moese, President of LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation, Gabriel Martinez and Karen Becerra

CINCINNATI, August 16, 2025 — In a vibrant celebration of art, emotion, and unity, Gabriel Martinez, from Dos Corazones Productions and a member of the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation Young Latino Professionals (LOEF-YLP), led a dynamic theater workshop at the Community Happens Here Center. Designed for participants of all ages, the event blended movement, storytelling, and visual arts to explore themes of diversity, empathy, and connection.

The workshop opened with a dance session, inviting attendees to explore how body language can express a wide range of emotions. This physical introduction set the tone for a day of creative exploration and meaningful dialogue.

📚 Participants then gathered to read Gato y Pez (Cat and Fish), a whimsical yet profound story that highlights how differences can enrich relationships rather than divide them. The narrative sparked conversations about unity and the power of diversity to foster collaboration and understanding. Inspired by the book, attendees created drawings of their favorite scenes and characters, bringing their interpretations to life through color and imagination. The artistic journey continued with a captivating shadow projection performance, adding a theatrical dimension to the workshop’s message.

📝 The event concluded with a reading of a poem by Federico García Lorca, emphasizing the importance of friendship and echoing the themes found in Gato y Pescado. The poem served as a poetic bridge between literature and lived experience, leaving participants with a sense of connection and inspiration. The workshop was met with enthusiasm and joy, as families and individuals engaged in multiple art forms and thoughtful discussions. With support from ArtsWave, this initiative will soon expand to primary schools in Hartwell and Carthage, bringing its message of unity and creativity to younger audiences.

This community-centered initiative was made possible through the leadership of Laura Moese, President of the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF), who facilitated the partnership between Dos Corazones Productions and Community Happens Here (CHH). Her efforts were instrumental in bringing the workshop to life and ensuring its accessibility to families across Cincinnati. With support from ArtsWave, the program will soon expand to primary schools in Hartwell and Carthage. Laura Moese and LOEF are actively championing this rollout, reinforcing their commitment to empowering Latino youth and fostering inclusive community engagement through the arts.

Latin Heritage Night with the Y’All at Thomas More Stadium

LULAC Cincinnati Event August 15, 2025August 15, 2025Baseball, community, Northern Kentucky, Y'All

🌸 Summer Eve Event Blends Flowers, Wine, and Community Spirit to Support LOEF Scholarships

LULAC Cincinnati Event August 6, 2025August 16, 2025

Door prize winner

Betsy giving instructions

Fir Wine we can say Cheers!! Floral Rose and friends... Perfect evening

Lynn Love (Right) owner of Market Wines and her assistant Maryann

Arrangements for sale! all proceeds collected for LOEF scholarship fund.

CINCINNATI — August 14, 2025 — A cheerful blend of creativity and community came together Thursday evening at Market Wines in Walnut Hills, where the “Summer Eve, Flowers and Wine!” event welcomed guests for a night of floral design, conversation, and fundraising.

Organized by the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF), the event was open to the public and aimed to raise scholarship funds for Latino students across Ohio. The evening kicked off with door prizes for the first guest to arrive, setting a warm and welcoming tone. Each attendee received a hand made paper tropical bird ornament that might served as charming decorations for the floral arrangements—later revealed to be their entry into a surprise wine raffle.

The atmosphere was lively and relaxed, with participants enjoying wine, cheese, and friendly camaraderie. Floral designer Betsy Bowers, who generously donated her time and talent, guided attendees through the creation of unique floral arrangements. Lynn Love owner of Market Wines donated the venue and together with her assistant Maryann were very welcoming, adding to the collaborative spirit of the evening.

By the end of the night, the event was a fantastic success for LOEF scholarships, fulfilling its mission to inspire creativity while supporting educational opportunities.

Viva Cinci Launch Party

LULAC Cincinnati Event July 18, 2025August 17, 2025community, Happy Hour

AfriFest 2025

LULAC Cincinnati Event July 18, 2025Cincinnati, community, culture

LOEF Young Latino Professionals Celebrates Latino Excellence in the Arts at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

LULAC Cincinnati Event July 15, 2025July 18, 2025

Violinist Dylan Firlie

Traditional Mexican singer Ana Carmen Becerra

LOEF Young Latino Professional Network and featured guest Dylan Firlie and Ana Carmen Becerra

Panel (lef-right) Victor Velez, Gabriel Martinez, Mary Leonard, Mauricio Espinosa and Jasmin Luna Villa

Apnet Team inviting to AfriFest on July 19th

Winners of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Tickets and Raquel Sotelo Art piece.

Cincinnati, July 9, 2025 — The LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF) and its Young Latino Professionals (YLP) initiative hosted a dazzling evening of cultural celebration and community impact titled “Latino Industry Leader Night – Celebrating Latino Excellence in the Arts” at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. The event brought together vibrant voices from across the arts to showcase the depth and creativity of the Latino community.

🎭 A Night of Inspiration and Creativity

The event featured an accomplished panel of five Latino artists whose work spans genres and generations:

Mauricio Espinosa, an internationally recognized poet, translator, and educator at the University of Cincinnati, shared insights on literary expression and language.
Mary Leonard, filmmaker, writer, and UC film professor, reflected on storytelling through visual media and community engagement.
Jasmine Luna Villa, Mt. St. Joseph alumna specializing in photography and ceramics, offered a lens into visual art and identity.
Gabriel Martinez, contemporary dancer and choreographer, captivated the audience with his perspective on movement and cultural expression.
Victor Velez, percussionist, poet, author, radio host, and playwright, delivered powerful reflections on rhythm, voice, and performance.

🎶 Special Musical Performances

The evening was elevated by live performances from special guests:

Violinist Dylan Firlie, Principal Second Violinist in the Butler Philharmonic Orchestra and member of the Mason Symphony and Ohio Valley Symphony, charmed the crowd with a riveting short concert.
Beloved traditional Mexican singer Ana Carmen Becerra, “La Dama del Pueblo,” enchanted listeners with soulful renditions celebrating heritage and heart.

🎉 Celebration of Local talent

The event also celebrated Camilo Idrobo, official photographer of LOEF_YLP, for his success at the Mirada Corta Film festival at Ciudad de Mexico where his short film “Cruza el Valle” [Cross the Valley] was elected semi-finalist.

🎉 Community Support and Partnership Announcements

Thanks to generous support from sponsors including Patricia Ryan, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Kyrie Owen of Rhinegeist, Alejandra Flores of Unataza Coffee, Henry Rivas of Cincinnatismo, Karla Boldery of La Mega, Raquel Sotelo of Artesana, and Ana Carmen Becerra, the event radiated with collaboration and pride.

LOEF-YLP announced a new partnership with Rhinegeist Brewery and Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Rhinegeist will sponsor LOEF-YLP events for the remainder of 2025 and gifted 40 complimentary play tickets, 10 of which were raffled at the event. Moreover, the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company will host exclusive pre-opening screenings of its new productions for LOEF-YLP members.

🌍 Building Bridges Beyond the Stage

Among the enthusiastic attendees was the team from Apnet, extending an invitation to AfriFest Cincy: Taste of Africa, held July 19—signaling even broader intercultural exchange and unity.

The evening was a powerful reminder that Latino voices in the arts are not only thriving but leading. LOEF continues to foster these voices through meaningful connection, celebration, and opportunities for growth.

Latino Student Leaders were Honored At NKU Alegría

LULAC Cincinnati Event May 16, 2025May 16, 2025community, Education, Northern Kentucky

Honored Students

Left to Right: Laura Moese, President of the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF) with LULAC NKU Student Council members and Lourdes Ribera, President of LULAC Cincinnati

Left to Right: Laura Moese, President of the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF), Maggie Perez, President of the LULAC NKU Student Council, and her sister, Melissa Perez with Lourdes Ribera, President of LULAC Cincinnati

Left to Right: Lourdes Ribera, President of LULAC Cincinnati with Tiburcio Lince and Laura Moese, President of the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF)

Brendon Thompson, NKU’s Vice President of Student Affairs, and Nicole Froning, Manager of NKU Student Affairs Enrollment

Highland Heights, Ky. – April 26, 2025 – Northern Kentucky University (NKU) hosted NKU Alegría, a vibrant celebration honoring Latino students who have made a significant impact during the 2024-2025 academic year. The event recognized outstanding achievements, leadership, and dedication to fostering a supportive community for fellow students.

Maggie Perez, President of the LULAC NKU Student Council, and her sister, Melissa Perez, extended the invitation to Lourdes Ribera, President of LULAC Cincinnati, and Laura Moese, President of the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF). Family members and fellow council members joined the festivities as the Office of Latino Student Initiatives (LSI) celebrated student excellence.

During the ceremony, Maggie Perez was honored with the LSI Senior Award, recognizing her academic achievements and leadership. Melissa Perez received the LAMP Mentor of the Year Award for her commitment to guiding and uplifting her peers. Additionally, Dayna Bernardo was presented with a Service Award, while Katherine Jantes earned the Impact Award for her contributions to student success.

Adding to the significance of the evening, LSI invited former director Tiburcio Lince to present awards to graduating seniors, acknowledging their dedication and perseverance.
The event allowed networking where Laura Moese had the opportunity to present LOEF’s mission and its ongoing efforts to support Latino students to Brendon Thompson, NKU’s Vice President of Student Affairs, and Nicole Froning, Manager of NKU Student Affairs Enrollment.

The event was a resounding success, bringing together students, mentors, and advocates to celebrate the passion and commitment of Latino student leaders. Through recognition, encouragement, and shared achievements, NKU Alegría highlighted the powerful impact of community and educational empowerment.

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