LULAC and LOEF@ Esperanza Latino Gala Fiesta 2024

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Laura Moese, President of LOEF, Daniel & Maider McGee, Diane McGill, NKU Provost.

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Lourdes Rivera, President of LULAC Cincinnati, Laura Moese, President of LOEF, Irene Encarnación, ELC founder, Maider McGee, LULAC/LOEF Comms, Monica Perdomo, Board member HCCUSA

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Laura Moese, President of LOEF, Lourdes Rivera, President of LULAC Cincinnati, Irene Encarnación, ELC founder, Sister. Paula Gohs, ELC board Member. Leo Calderon ELC founder, Maider McGee, LULAC/LOEF Comms.

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Alfonso Cornejo, HCCUSA President, Francisco Okhuysen, HCCUSA Tresurer, Laura Moese, President of LOEF, Monica Perdomo, HCCUSA board member, Kristin Okhuysen, LOEF sponsor, Cindy Tsai - HCCUSA Foundation, Maider McGee, LULAC/LOEF Comms.

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Highland Heights, KY, Dec 7, 2024 – The Esperanza Latino Center (ELC) marked its 6th annual fundraising gala with a vibrant celebration at the NKU Ballroom. This event underscored the crucial role of networking and nurturing partnerships with other Latino institutions. The evening commenced with an enchanting performance by a Latin group playing instrumental music from the 60s and 70s, setting a festive and nostalgic tone. Followed by a delicious buffet dinner. After which The MC gave us a summary of ELC major impacts and its pillars on the community. Scholarship were announced and then the floor was open for dancing.

Notable attendees included Dr. Diane McGill, Northern Kentucky University (NKU) Provost, Lourdes Rivera, President of LULAC Cincinnati; Laura Moese, President of the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF); Alfonso Cornejo from Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA (HCCUSA) and Maider Marin McGee, LULAC/LOEF Communications. The event also saw the presence of many other leaders from the Latin community, all uniting to support the ELC and its mission. Their collective participation exemplified the power of community solidarity and the impact of strong partnerships in driving progress and empowerment within the Latino community.

Events like the ELC’s fundraising gala are vital in building networks, sharing resources, and fostering a sense of community that transcends individual organizations. By working together, Latino institutions can achieve greater successes and create lasting positive change.

LULAC and LOEF Support Latino Business at Launch of Elevati

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Cincinnati, Dec 5, 2024 – In a testament to the power of community and collaboration, Lourdes Rivera, Director of LULAC Cincinnati, and Laura Moese, Director of the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF), proudly supported LOEF friend and sponsor Felisa Insignares at the launch of her new clothing line, Elevati. This exclusive collection is now available at her boutique, Designers Items & More.

The event garnered significant attention, being featured in the Indian Hills City Lifestyle magazine p 20-23, where Laura Moese herself modeled clothes from the Elevati line. This launch event not only showcased the exquisite fashion line but also highlighted the strong backing from LULAC and LOEF for Latino businesses.

Both organizations have long been committed to promoting and empowering Latino entrepreneurs, and their support for Felisa Insignares’ new venture is a shining example of this dedication. Their involvement underscores the importance of community support in fostering economic growth and cultural pride within the Latino community.

In Loving Memory of Sebastian Schemmel: Gone Too Soon

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Cincinnati – Dec 6, 2024. It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Sebastian Schemmel, a bright and promising young individual who was only 22 years old. Sebastian was not just a recipient of the LOEF scholarship but also represented LULAC Ohio in LULAC Washington Youth Leadership Seminar, where his passion for learning and leadership shone brightly.

Sebastian was known for his unwavering commitment to his community and his inspiring determination to make a difference. His presence was a source of light and hope to many, and his untimely departure leaves a void that is deeply felt by all who knew him. In memory of Sebastian, the family kindly welcomes donations in any amount to The Sebastian Schemmel Legacy Fund: Championing Men’s Mental Health. To leave a message to the Schemmel family and know more about Sebastian click here.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Schemmel family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. His legacy of kindness, dedication, and leadership will forever remain in our hearts.

In honor of Sebastian’s memory, LOEF will continue to support and nurture young leaders, aspiring to reflect the same spirit and drive that Sebastian embodied. We will miss him dearly and will always remember the impact he made.

English as a Second Language Partnership meeting

Cincinnati, Nov 8, 2024 – In a dedicated effort to support the growing Latino community, Laura Moese, Director of the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF), and Raquel Sotelo, LOEF Community Liaison, have identified a crucial need for English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in the Carthage and Hartwell areas. Their initiative has led to the formation of a vital partnership to offer these essential educational resources.

The initiative received enthusiastic support from Robin Bonaventura, Director of the Hartwell Community Recreation Center. Key partners in this collaborative effort include Geoffrey Wolff and Daniel Zimmer from Cincinnati State, Leyla Peña and Adam Cooper from Cincinnati Public Schools.

This committed group recently convened to discuss the specifics of the ESL program designed for Latino families at Carthage and Hartwell Elementary Schools. The program, set to launch in January 2025, aims to provide valuable language skills that will empower parents and enhance their children’s educational experience.

Latino Health Collaborative Annual Retreat

Cincinnati, Nov 8, 2024 – The Latino Health Collaborative recently held its annual retreat at the Hartwell Recreation Center. The primary objective of this meeting was to evaluate the accomplishments of the current year and to plan for the upcoming year’s events.

LOEF President Laura Moese participated in the retreat. Her involvement underscores LOEF’s commitment to enhancing partnerships and understanding of the needs of the Latino community.

Following the productive meeting, attendees celebrated Dr. Christine O’Dea’s birthday, adding a personal and festive touch to the day’s events.

The LHC is very grateful to Robin Bonaventura director of the Hartwell Community Recreation Center for offering their meeting space for this retreat.

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Cincinnati, Nov 2, 2024 – On a beautiful and sunny day, members of LULAC Cincinnati, LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF), Immigrant and Refugee Law Center and Esperanza Latino Center, along with many friends and family, gathered to rally support for the Latino vote. The event emphasized the importance of civic duty and the power of community engagement in shaping the future.

The walk took place around the Hamilton County Election Board, where participants could be heard chanting, “If We Vote, We Win” and “Latino sal a votar.” These powerful messages resonated throughout the area, encouraging the Latino community to exercise their right to vote.

The rally concluded in the parking lot. There, they distributed information and engaged in lively discussions with volunteers, further emphasizing the significance of voting and community involvement.

This event not only highlighted the importance of voting but also showcased the unity and determination of the Latino community in Cincinnati. By coming together, they demonstrated that every vote counts and that collective action can lead to meaningful change.

LOEF@ Parents night at Hartwell Elementary School

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CPS parents, Leyla Peña, CPS coordinator , Victor Casals, CPS family coordinator, Francis Guzmán CPS teacher, Laura Moese, LOEF president and Saida Casals, CPS family coordinator at Risings Stars school in Carthage.

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Victor Casals with CPS parent and student

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Laura Moese, LOEF President, Mr. Lewis, Hartwell director and a High school volunteer.

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Cincinnati, Oct 30, 2024 – Hartwell Elementary School celebrated a successful Parents Meeting, an informative session designed to provide parents with the tools they need to help their children succeed academically. This initiative, aimed at fostering educational support within the community, saw enthusiastic participation and engagement.

The initial involvment of LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF) in these meetings was to give information about our services. These days, it is supporting the establishment of English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at Hartwell and Carthage schools. This collaborative effort involved Leyla Peña, Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) coordinator, and Geoffrey Woolf, Dean of Humanities and Science at Cincinnati State, showcasing a strong partnership dedicated to enhancing educational resources for Latino families.

Also present at the meeting were Victor Casals, CPS family coordinator at Hartwell; Francis Guzman, CPS teacher; and Saida Casals, CPS family coordinator at Rising Stars School in Carthage. Their contributions highlighted the commitment to improving educational outcomes through community involvement.

The meetings, beyond being instructive, served as a platform for building community bonds. Parents shared food, and the school provided beverages and Halloween candy, adding a festive touch to the gathering. Children enjoyed games and were entertained by Mr. Lewis, Hartwell School Director, Laura Moese, LOEF President, and several high school volunteers. The active involvement of parents in supporting extra-curricular activities at the schools was evident.

LOEF’s support of these meetings is crucial in understanding the community’s needs and enhancing the CPS district’s efforts to serve the growing Latino population effectively.

LOEF@BLINK- Newport KY

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Alba Alzamar and Gabriel Martínez dancing the traditional Barba from the state of Veracruz, Mexico

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Alexandria Otto, LOEF YLPN member, Laura Moese, LOEF President, Raquel Sotelo LOEF Board Member, Alba Alzamar, LOEF YLPN Member and her daughter.

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Laura Moese, LOEF President, Alba Alzamar and Gabriel Martinez, LOEF YLPN members, and his husband Joey

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Newport, Oct 19, 2024 – Roebling Books & Coffee hosted an engaging event featuring a Summermusik performance and vibrant Mexican Folklore dances as part of their Blink celebration. The performances were graced by Alba Alzamar and Gabriel Martinez, both esteemed members of the LOEF Young Latino Professional Network (YLPN).

In a show of support for Latino cultural activities, LOEF President Laura Moese, along with board member Raquel Sotelo and YLPN member Alexandria Otto, attended the event. Their presence underscored LOEF’s commitment to promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Latinx community.

The event showcased the diversity of the Greater Cincinnati area and the community’s eagerness to celebrate and highlight it. Events like these are a testament to LOEF’s mission to support and uplift Latino cultural activities, bringing together people from all walks of life to appreciate the beauty of cultural expression.

LOEF@Somos Cincinnati at University of Cincinnati

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Laura Moese with Cristóbal Pineda, LOEF past scholarship recipient

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Victoria Garland, LOEF New Fundraising Coordinator, Michael Odio, UC Profesor. From HCC, Francisco Okhuysen and Maribel Cortes, Laura Moese, LOEF President

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Laura Moese, LOEF President, Michael Odio, UC Profesor, Maurice Stewart, UC Professor, Alexandra Shugart, Event coordinator, Victoria Garland, LOEF New Fundraising Coordinator, and Priscilla Ayala, from UC admission Office

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Cincinnati, Oct 15, 2024 – The Admissions Office of the University of Cincinnati recently hosted Somos Cincinnati, an event specifically tailored to high school students with a special focus on Latinx students and their families. More than 200 high school students from the Greater Cincinnati area attended the event, participating in sessions on navigating college admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and essay writing. Many of these sessions were translated into Spanish to better accommodate parents and families.

The event exemplifies UC’s commitment to attracting more Latinx students and ensuring that higher education is accessible to all. Priscila Ayala from UC’s admissions office played a pivotal role in inviting the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF) to participate.

Answering this call, LOEF President Laura Moese and Fundraising Coordinator Victoria Garland attended the event, offering valuable scholarship”and other services information to prospective students and their families. This partnership highlights LOEF’s mission to reach as many members of the Latinx community as possible, ensuring they have the resources and support to pursue higher education.

LOEF is very grateful to Priscila Ayala and Alexandra Shugart, event coordinator, for the invitation and support during the event. An event such as Somos Cincinnati underscores the importance of community collaboration in making educational opportunities more accessible and inclusive for the Latinx community.