Event – LULAC Cincinnati

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 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.

LOEF Hosts Vibrant Día de los Muertos Celebration in Walnut Hills

LULAC Cincinnati Event November 7, 2025November 8, 2025community, culture

Ana Karen & Victoria Garland LOEF Board member

Don Sherman LOEF Board Member and Jay Garland

Cincinnati, OH — October 31–November 1, 2025
The LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF) brought the spirit of Día de los Muertos to life in Walnut Hills with a two-day celebration filled with art, music, food, and cultural exchange. Spearheaded by Victoria Garland, LOEF board member, the event was made possible through generous support from local businesses and community members.

The festivities began on October 31 at The Fix on Woodburn Avenue, where the venue’s owner contributed space and resources to showcase Latino art. Guests enjoyed themed drinks and live music at Tequila Modern Mexican, which also hosted face painting with Dia de los muertos theme.

On November 1, ETC Produce, owned by Toncia Chaves, transformed into a vibrant hub of celebration. The outdoor plaza was adorned with traditional Mexican decorations, including a communal Día de los Muertos altar and a craft station for children. Chaves welcomed guests with complimentary tamales and nachos, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.

Throughout both days, local artist Ana Karen, known as La Dama del Pueblo, delighted attendees with authentic Mexican music, adding to the joyful ambiance. LOEF also organized a cookbook raffle to raise funds and share the culinary traditions tied to the holiday. The winner expressed excitement over the prize.

The event successfully fulfilled its mission of fostering cultural exchange and community connection through art, food, music, and tradition — a testament to the power of education and celebration in bringing people together.

Day of The Dead … Night for the Living!

LULAC Cincinnati Event October 22, 2025October 23, 2025Art, community, culture

LOEF Leaders Spotlight Scholarship Opportunities on Popular Latino Podcast

LULAC Cincinnati Event October 17, 2025October 17, 2025Cincinnati, community, Education, Young Latino Profesionals

Cincinnati, OH – October 10, 2025 — Laura Moese, President of the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF), and Ricardo Ugas, President of the LOEF Young Latino Professional Network (YLPN), joined host Mishell Vasquez on the podcast De Madres y Mujeres y un poco más for a special live broadcast on Radio Cincinnati’s Facebook channel.

The podcast focused on LOEF’s mission to empower Latino students and professionals through education and leadership development. Moese highlighted the foundation’s scholarship program, encouraging students and families to prepare for the upcoming application cycle, which opens in the first quarter of 2025. While Ugas talked about opportunities as Young professionals.

Radio Cincinnati, a widely followed platform among Cincinnati’s Latino community, provided an ideal venue to reach local families and young professionals. The podcast, known for its vibrant discussions on culture, family, and community empowerment, offered a welcoming space for LOEF to share its message.

LOEF expresses heartfelt gratitude to Mishell Vasquez for the invitation and to Álvaro Ismael of Radio Cincinnati for facilitating the live stream. “We’re thankful for the chance to connect with listeners and spread the word about our programs,” said Moese. For those who missed the live episode, the reel is available for replay Here .

Stay tuned to LOEF’s official channels for updates on scholarship deadlines, eligibility, and upcoming events.

LOEF Marks 20 Years of Empowering Latino Students at NKU Gala

LULAC Cincinnati Event September 21, 2025September 23, 2025Cincinnati, community, Education, Northern Kentucky, Young Latino Profesionals

Juan Pablo Lopez - UC student. Giving the Pledge of Allegiance

Laura Moese- LOEF President

Recognizing LULAC Cincinnati founders Michael Beck , Lourdes Ribera, Gina Pinto

Leo Calderon awarded RMM Lifetime Award with María Molina, Laura Moese- LOEF President and Lourdes Ribera - LULAC Cincinnati vice-president

Leo Calderon receiving Irene Encarnacion RMM Lifetime Award

Jonaiker Villalobos receiving the LOEF Community leader award from Laura Moese- LOEF President and Ricardo Ugas - LOEF Young Latino Professionals president

Jonaiker Villalobos recipient of LOEF Community leader award celebrates with The Y'Alls team & David Brown ( sponsors), Ricardo Ugas LOEF YLP president and Laura Moese- LOEF President

Karen, La Dama del Pueblo

Alicia Pagan & Ray Two Crows Wallen singing “Sol Que Tu Eres”.

Key note Speaker: Dr. Adriana Altuve – P&G Vice President, R&D Oral Care

Sponsors presenting the scholarships

Scholarship Recipients

Scholarship recipients + Sponsors and Boards

Left-right: Alicia Pagan - LULAC Ohio President, Laura Moese- LOEF President, Lourdes Ribera - LULAC Cincinnati vice-president. Victoria Garland - Director New Fundraising LOEF & Penny Young - LOEF Secretary

Left-right: Alexandra Soto - LOEF YLP board, Aileen Cobbs - LULAC Cincinnati vice-president, Lourdes Ribera - LULAC Cincinnati vice-president, Laura Moese- LOEF President, Alicia Pagan - LULAC Ohio President, Alba Alzamar - LOEF YLP board

LOEF Young Latino Professionals board, LOEF and LULAC leaders

Students+ Community Leaders connect

Sponsors + YLP members

Sponsors: Dr. Adriana Altuve – P&G Vice President, Hispanic Pioneer Alliance members, Kristin Okhuysen - Amplifies Accelerate LLC, Saúl and Jessica Meza

Laura Moese- LOEF President, Obett and Fernanda Osorio. Our sponsors. AJ Print LLC

Ricardo Ugas LOEF YLP president & Marian Fuentes - Ohio representative on the LULAC Washington Youth Leadership semminar in Oct 2025

Young Latino Professionals + Sponsors

Highland Heights, KY – September 18, 2025 — The LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF) commemorated two decades of educational impact during its 20th Annual Scholarship Celebration Gala, held at the Northern Kentucky University (NKU) Student Center. The evening brought together community leaders, educators, students, and supporters to honor the legacy and future of Latino empowerment through education.

LOEF President Laura Moese led the evening’s program, expressing heartfelt gratitude to NKU for hosting the gala for more than half of its twenty-year history. In her remarks, Moese traced LOEF’s roots from the founding of the national LULAC organization in 1923, to the establishment of LULAC Cincinnati in 2007, and finally to LOEF’s creation in 2022—formed to better serve the educational mission of the Cincinnati council.

The gala honored the foundational members of LULAC Cincinnati and recognized the sponsors whose unwavering support has fueled LOEF’s mission. Moese thanked longtime partners such as Procter & Gamble, the Center for Closing the Health Gap, Mr. & Mrs John Pepper and numerous private businesses and families who have contributed to the success of Latino students across the region.

While dinner was being served, guests were moved by heartfelt testimonials from scholarship recipients, sharing how LOEF’s support helped them overcome barriers and pursue their academic dreams. The evening was further enriched by a musical performance from Karen, “La Dama del Pueblo,” who captivated the audience with traditional Mexican ballads. Alicia Pagan and her husband Ray also took the stage to present a new initiative: a proposed Day of Volunteerism in honor of civil rights icons Dolores Huerta and César Chávez. They performed a song once sung by Huerta and Chávez during their advocacy for farmworkers’ rights—a poetic tribute to equality, with lyrics reminding us that “the sun gives its warmth to all equally.”

Keynote speaker Dr. Adriana Altuve, Vice President at Procter & Gamble, delivered a powerful and deeply personal address. She shared her journey of escaping political hardship in Cuba, pursuing her education in Mexico, and ultimately rising to executive leadership at P&G. Her story of resilience, determination, and purpose resonated with the audience, offering valuable lessons on perseverance, identity, and the importance of mentorship in overcoming adversity.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Rosa Maria Moreno (RMM) Lifetime Achievement Award, bestowed upon Moreno for her 40-year dedication to education and her pivotal role in selecting LOEF scholarship recipients over the past two decades. Her leadership helped LOEF become the top-performing LULAC council nationwide in scholarship grants over the last four years. The RMM award was also presented to Leo Calderon and Irene Encarnacion, honoring their four decades of service as educators and their impactful work with the Esperanza Latino Center.

Jonaiker Villalobos, pitcher for the Florence Y’Alls, received the Community Leader Award for his efforts in launching and sustaining the Latin Heritage Night, now a celebrated tradition for the past three years.

In a powerful conclusion to the evening, LOEF awarded 42 scholarships to students from Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, reinforcing its commitment to helping Latino youth achieve their college dreams and build brighter futures.

The gala served not only as a celebration of past achievements but as a reaffirmation of LOEF’s enduring mission: to uplift the next generation of Latino leaders through education, opportunity, and community support.

Cindependent Present Camilo Idobro’s Cruza El Valle

LULAC Cincinnati Event September 14, 2025September 14, 2025Art, Cincinnati, culture, Film

Cincinnati Compass Recognize LULAC and LOEF Leaders

LULAC Cincinnati Event September 14, 2025September 14, 2025Cincinnati, community, culture, Leadership

September 12, 2025 – Cincinnati, OH — The city came alive with vibrant sounds and cultural pride as Cincinnati Compass hosted the fifth edition of Cincinnati Rhythm, a dynamic celebration of immigrant artistry and community leadership. Held in the heart of the city, the event showcased the rich diversity that defines Cincinnati’s cultural landscape.

🎶 The evening featured electrifying performances from a global lineup of artists, including Ijo Ugo, an African performance art company known for its powerful storytelling through movement; the Cultural Centre of India dance studio, which brought classical and contemporary Indian dance to the stage; and Son del Caribe, a beloved 11-piece salsa band that had the crowd dancing with their classic Latin rhythms. DJ Shemizo Ndetoh kept the energy flowing with an eclectic mix that bridged continents and generations.

🌟 In addition to the performances, Cincinnati Rhythm honored two outstanding leaders whose work has uplifted the Latino community. Lourdes Ribera, longtime president and now vice president of LULAC Cincinnati, received the Legacy Award for her decades of advocacy and service. Laura Castillo, a rising leader in public administration and active member of LOEF Young Latino Professionals (YLP), was presented with the Rising Star Award in recognition of her impactful leadership and dedication to public service.

The Latino community showed up in full force to support and celebrate their honorees, filling the venue with warmth, pride, and unity. The evening served as a reminder that Cincinnati’s rhythm is shaped by the many cultures that call it home—and that the beat only grows stronger when we celebrate together.

LOEF host Evening of Song for a Cause at Market Wines

LULAC Cincinnati Event September 14, 2025September 14, 2025Cincinnati, community, Dama del Pueblo

September 11, 2025 – Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, OH — On a picturesque evening filled with music, warmth, and generosity, the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF) hosted An Evening of Song for a Cause at Market Wines in Walnut Hills. The event brought together community members, supporters, and music lovers to celebrate Latino culture and raise funds for youth initiatives.

The venue, graciously donated by Lynn Love, owner of Market Wines, provided the perfect backdrop for the evening. Market Wines, a woman-owned minority business, is known not only for its curated wine selections but also for its commitment to uplifting local communities.

🎶 The highlight of the night was a stunning performance by Ana Karen, affectionately known as La Dama del Pueblo. Her emotive voice carried through the air as she delivered a heartfelt repertoire of traditional and contemporary songs, captivating the audience and honoring the spirit of cultural pride and youth empowerment. Gracias por el apoyo a la juventud, Ana Karen!!

Guests mingled under the pleasant skies, reconnecting with old friends and forming new bonds. A wine raffle added a festive touch to the evening, that was possible by an enthusiastic group of local scientist. Thank you for your support!! The lucky winner took home a bottle of Cocodrillo (Cocodrile), a rich Argentinian blend with a name as bold as its flavor.

“Events like this remind us why we do what we do,” said LOEF board member, Victoria Garland. “It’s about coming together, sharing joy, and giving back to the community that inspires us.” The warm reception from attendees reaffirmed LOEF’s mission to foster connection and support through creative, inclusive gatherings. With fall on the horizon, LOEF promises more events that continue to celebrate culture, community, and cause.

🌟 Stay tuned for what’s next—hasta luego, amigos!

LOEF Explores New Volunteer Partnership to Empower Local Youth

LULAC Cincinnati Event September 14, 2025September 14, 2025community, Education, Volunteering

Left to Right: Alejandro Robledo, Director of Future Mobility Design, LOEF President Laura Moese, Erin Mullen, Director of Adopt A Class and LOEF-YLP President Ricardo Ugas

September 12, 2025 – Cincinnati, OH — In a meeting focused on community impact and youth mentorship, leaders from the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF) and its Young Latino Professionals (YLP) division took steps toward a promising new partnership aimed at serving K–8 students in the region.
LOEF President Laura Moese and YLP President Ricardo Ugas met with Alejandro Robledo, Director of Future Mobility Design (FMD) at the University of Cincinnati, to discuss volunteer opportunities that would connect LOEF’s young professionals with meaningful service initiatives. The meeting also included Erin Mullen, Director of Adopt A Class, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring students from kindergarten through eighth grade by pairing them with local professionals and role models.
The conversation centered on how LOEF’s passionate and skilled young professionals could contribute to Adopt A Class’s mission, offering mentorship, career exposure, and cultural enrichment to students across Greater Cincinnati.
The partnership would not only expand LOEF’s community outreach but also provide its members with hands-on opportunities to inspire and guide students during their formative years. With shared goals and a strong foundation of mutual respect, both organizations expressed enthusiasm about building a long-term relationship. As LOEF YLP continues to grow its network of allies and initiatives, this new connection with Adopt A Class and FMD signals a powerful step forward in fostering inclusive, community-driven change

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