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.