LULAC Cincinnati – LULAC Cincinnati

LULAC Cincinnati Stands With Immigrant Communities at “Protest ICE” Event

LULAC Cincinnati Event June 3, 2026June 3, 2026Baseball, community, Immigration

Cincinnati, May 31, 2026 — LULAC Cincinnati joined community members outside Great American Ball Park for the “Protest ICE” demonstration, an event organized to show solidarity with Major League Baseball players and immigrant families expressing growing fear over stepped‑up immigration enforcement at sports venues.

Participants gathered to raise awareness about reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents appearing at professional baseball stadiums, a trend that has caused concern among athletes, fans, and advocacy groups. Last year, ICE agents were seen twice at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, prompting widespread unease within the baseball community.

LULAC Cincinnati’s presence underscored its ongoing commitment to defending immigrant rights and ensuring that public spaces — including sports arenas — remain welcoming and safe for all. The organization emphasized that increased enforcement at ballparks risks creating a climate of fear for immigrant players, their families, and fans who simply want to enjoy America’s pastime.

LULAC Cincinnati and Community Partners Host Successful Passport Community Access Day

LULAC Cincinnati Event May 10, 2026May 10, 2026Cincinnati, passports, vote

Cincinnati, April 25, 2026 — LULAC Cincinnati, in partnership with the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library and the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts, hosted a highly successful Passport Community Access Day designed to help families obtain passports for travel and to prepare for the possibility that passports may be required for future voting identification.

The event, held at the Downtown Main Library, brought together a coalition of community partners who provided free, multilingual, and family‑friendly support. More than 70 individuals sought assistance throughout the day, and the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts successfully processed 66 passport applications on site.

Community Partners and Their Contributions

Hamilton County Clerk of Courts
Provided five staff members who processed passport applications throughout the event.
Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library
Hosted the event by providing the venue and one staff member dedicated to document copying and logistics.
Congressman Greg Landsman’s Office
Supplied snacks and refreshments and sent two staff members to assist families experiencing passport‑related issues.
Immigration and Refugee Law Center
Offered phone translation services for non‑Spanish languages and staffed a Know Your Rights information table.
Printologia
Delivered free document translation (Spanish to English), passport photos, and notarization services, removing financial barriers for families.
LULAC Cincinnati
Welcomed attendees at an information table, introduced community members to LULAC’s mission, and connected with prospective new members.

The event demonstrated the power of collaboration among civic, legal, and community organizations working together to expand access to essential documentation. For many families, the day provided not only practical support but also reassurance and empowerment in navigating government processes.

With strong turnout and overwhelmingly positive feedback, Passport Community Access Day highlighted the ongoing commitment of LULAC Cincinnati and its partners to ensuring equitable access to resources for immigrant, refugee, and Latino communities across Hamilton County.

Protect Your right to Vote

LULAC Cincinnati Event April 10, 2026April 21, 2026community, passports, vote

Register for free by clicking this link

LULAC Cincinnati Hosts Fireside Chat with Judge Marilyn Zayas for Women’s History Month

LULAC Cincinnati Event April 10, 2026April 10, 2026Cincinnati, civic, community

Cincinnati, March 28 — Community members gathered at Fueled Collective for a Women’s History Month fireside chat hosted by LULAC Cincinnati, where Judge Marilyn Zayas spoke to an energized, multigenerational audience about civic engagement, leadership, and the power of participation. The event drew attendees eager to hear her reflections and to take part in a conversation centered on empowerment and community involvement.

Throughout the evening, Judge Zayas emphasized the importance of individual voices in shaping the future, underscoring themes of belonging, representation, and civic responsibility. Attendees shared a meal, exchanged stories, and engaged in dialogue that highlighted resilience and collective purpose. The message resonated strongly: participation matters, and every vote carries weight in determining the direction of local and statewide communities.

Judge Zayas was raised in East Harlem, New York, as the daughter of Puerto Rican parents, she earned a degree in computer science before beginning her career at Procter & Gamble and moving to Cincinnati. She later pursued a law degree and spent two decades practicing law. In 2016, she was elected to the Ohio First District Court of Appeals, becoming the first Latina to serve on that bench. She was re‑elected in 2018 and 2024. Judge Zayas is currently campaigning for a seat on the Ohio Supreme Court.

The fireside chat concluded with a call to continued engagement, particularly among women in the community. Organizers noted that events like this are central to LULAC Cincinnati’s mission to inform, uplift, and mobilize local residents. Attendees expressed appreciation for the opportunity to connect, learn, and reflect together, reinforcing a shared commitment to moving forward collectively.

LULAC Cincinnati Hosts Mission Night to Inspire New Members and Community Advocacy

LULAC Cincinnati Event February 13, 2026February 18, 2026Cincinnati, civil rights, community, LULAC

CINCINNATI, OH – LULAC Cincinnati recently welcomed community members to a Mission Night held at Parisian on Vine Apartments, inviting residents and neighbors to learn more about the organization’s work and explore opportunities to get involved.

The event focused on LULAC’s mission of advancing civil rights and strengthening communities through advocacy in housing, health, education, and leadership development. Attendees heard how local action connects to national impact, and how everyday voices can help shape policies and programs that affect Latino families and underserved communities across the region.

Organizers emphasized that Mission Night was not only about sharing information, but also about building relationships and empowering new advocates. Guests were encouraged to bring friends, ask questions, and discover ways to contribute, whether through volunteering, community outreach, or policy advocacy.

“National impact. Local action,” was a central theme of the evening, underscoring LULAC’s belief that meaningful change begins at the community level.

LULAC Cincinnati continues to invite residents to join the movement, bring their voices, and help create stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods throughout Greater Cincinnati.

LOEF Supports OLA Immigration Welcome Center Thanksgiving Dinner with Volunteers

LULAC Cincinnati Event November 28, 2025November 28, 2025Cincinnati, community, Young Latino Profesionals

Raíz a Rentas Executive Director giving instructions to volunteers

Víctor Martínez Crossroads church pastor giving the invocation

Laura Moese, LOEF President and Ricardo Ugas, LOEF-YLP president with the OLA team

LOEF and YLP members with AJ Printing (LOEF Sponsors) and Mishell Vasquez from podcast De Madres y Mujeres

Jonaiker Villalobos, Florence Y'All pitcher, LOEF-YLP members and LOEF scholarship recipients

Rosie Nimenez ( P&G) and husband, FLORENCE Yall’s baseball players

Laura Castillo, LOEF-YLP and Interim Chief Procurement Officer at City of Cincinnati with Ryan James Cincinnati Council member.

AJ Printing with David Brown and LOEF-YLP members

LOEF members with Su Casa volunteers

Karen La dama del Pueblo with her husband, LOEF members and Mishell Vasquez from podcast De Madres y Mujeres

Cincinnati, OH, November 23, 2025 — The OLA Immigration Welcome Center brought together more than 180 guests for a Thanksgiving dinner at McPherson Church, an event made possible through the support of over 100 volunteers and numerous community organizations.

The LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF) and its Young Latino Professionals joined with families, scholarship recipients, sponsors, and friends to serve meals, organize volunteers, usher families into the church, and assist with cleanup before and after the celebration. Their efforts reflected LOEF’s ongoing commitment to community service and empowerment.

Other organizations also stepped forward, including P&G, Su Casa, Crossroads Church, AJ Printing, Florence Y’All, Raiz a Rentas, David Brown and Cincinnati City Council member Ryan James, all contributing to an atmosphere of unity and gratitude. Together, they ensured that families could enjoy a warm meal, fellowship, and holiday cheer.

The evening was highlighted by a musical performance from Karen, La Dama del Pueblo, whose voice delighted attendees and added a festive spirit to the gathering. This Thanksgiving celebration showcased the strength of collaboration across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, bringing diverse groups together to uplift immigrant families and share in the joy of the holiday season.

LOEF Launches “Lunch & Learn” Series with Rhinegeist

LULAC Cincinnati Event November 28, 2025November 28, 2025

Cincinnati, OH, November 21, 2025 — The LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF) has introduced Lunch & Learn with its Sponsors, a new initiative to strengthen partnerships between corporate sponsors and the Latino community. The first session was held in collaboration with Rhinegeist Brewery, marking the start of a series that highlights Latino contributions to the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region.

The program brought together Rhinegeist community event coordinator Kyrie Owen and her team with LOEF President Laura Moese and members of the LOEF Young Latino Professionals: Ricardo Ugas (YLP president), Camilo Idrobo, and Maricela Lopez. The group discussed the economic and cultural impact of Latinos as consumers and emphasized the importance of investing in education and professional development.

The conversation highlighted LOEF’s scholarship programs, mentorship opportunities, and initiatives such as the Young Readers program and the Washington Leadership Seminar, which empower Latino students and foster community leadership. “Our goal is to bring visibility to LOEF’s programs and demonstrate the value of collaboration with sponsors,” Moese said. “By working together, we can ensure that Latino voices and contributions are recognized and supported.”

With Rhinegeist as the first partner, LOEF plans to expand the Lunch & Learn series to additional sponsors, building momentum for greater collaboration and impact across the region.

Latinos Emprendedores – YLP Industry Leaders Night

LULAC Cincinnati Event November 16, 2025November 16, 2025Cincinnati, community, Entrepreneurship, Young Latino Profesionals

Cincinnati, November 13, 2025 — The LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF), in collaboration with its Young Latino Professional (YLP) network, hosted a dynamic evening of inspiration and connection at the University of Cincinnati. The event, titled Latino Emprendedores: Industry Leaders Night, brought together aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals to spotlight resources and strategies for Latino-owned businesses.

🎤 A Powerhouse Panel of Industry Experts
The evening featured a panel moderated by Ricardo Ugas, president of LOEF-YLP of distinguished leaders who shared insights from their journeys and offered practical advice for navigating entrepreneurship:

Becky Astaiza, Business Network International (BNI), recounted her experience translating for her parents and eventually managing a BNI chapter with 21 companies, that trade $70K in business . She emphasized the power of referrals and collaborative growth.
Luis Salazar, known as the “Finance Guru,” broke down the financial realities of launching a business while employed full-time. He advised attendees to understand their break-even point and wait until their side hustle consistently supports them before leaving their job.
Laura Castillo, representing the City of Cincinnati, highlighted the Urban League’s Women of Color Access to Capital Bootcamp and the city’s efforts to diversify its vendor pool.
Danielle Prost, of Prost Mortgage Group, addressed the barriers minorities face in homeownership due to lack of information and shared resources to overcome these challenges.
Chani Morris, CEO of Chanitax, discussed her certifications in real estate, accounting, and insurance, which enable her to offer essential services in Spanish to meet community needs.

💬 Empowering Conversations and Practical Guidance
Panelists tackled key topics such as transitioning from employment to entrepreneurship, accessing capital, and building professional networks. The advice was grounded in real-world experience and tailored to the unique challenges faced by Latino professionals. The panel was closed by Laura Moese, president of LOEF thanking the panelist and praising this event for its insights.

🤝 Networking with Purpose
Following the panel, attendees engaged in structured networking with a goal: make at least two new connections and practice their business elevator pitch. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as ideas were exchanged and partnerships began to form.
This event marked a significant step in fostering Latino entrepreneurship in Cincinnati, equipping attendees with tools, connections, and confidence to pursue their business dreams.

LOEF Supports Financial Education for Latino Families at BNI Event

LULAC Cincinnati Uncategorized November 7, 2025November 7, 2025

October 26, 2025 – Westchester, OH -The LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF) joined efforts to promote financial literacy in the Latino community by supporting the Spanish-language talk Empoderar tu Futuro Financiero (“Empower Your Financial Future”), hosted by Business Network International (BNI). The event aimed to provide Latino families and entrepreneurs with practical financial guidance to strengthen their path to success.

Held at Viva Cinci, a restaurant owned by LOEF Young Latino Professional member Tony Arreaga, the gathering brought together community leaders and business owners in a welcoming, culturally relevant setting. LOEF President Laura Moese attended to show support for BNI’s initiative and to strengthen ties with LOEF newest sponsor

The event reflected LOEF’s ongoing commitment to empowering Latino communities through education, mentorship, and professional development.

LOEF Highlights Education and Networking at Mercadito Latino

LULAC Cincinnati Event November 7, 2025November 7, 2025Art, community, Entrepreneurship, Shop

Westchester, OH — October 11, 2025. LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF) joined a vibrant celebration of Latinx entrepreneurship at the Mercadito Latino, hosted at Viva Cinci restaurant in Westchester. The event, organized by Mishell Vázquez—host of De Madres y Mujeres y un poco más!—was dedicated to showcasing the talent and resilience of Latina business owners across Ohio.

Laura Moese, president of LOEF, participated in the event to share the foundation’s mission of empowering Latino students through education and scholarships. She also highlighted the growing impact of LOEF’s Young Latino Professionals (YLP) network, which fosters mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement among emerging Latino leaders.

Viva Cinci, owned by Tony Arreaga—a member of LOEF’s YLP—served as the perfect venue for the Mercadito, blending culinary excellence with cultural pride. The event featured local vendors, music, and storytelling, creating a dynamic space for connection and celebration.
Moese’s presence underscored LOEF’s commitment to supporting Latino advancement not only through education, but also through collaboration with entrepreneurs and professionals who are shaping the future of their communities.

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Author: LULAC Cincinnati

Community Partners and Their Contributions