Cincinnati – LULAC Cincinnati

🎭 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.

AfriFest 2025

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

LULAC and LOEF @the ELL foundation Annual Recognition Breakfast

LULAC Cincinnati Event March 7, 2025March 8, 2025Cincinnati, community, Education, Northern Kentucky

George and Rosa Moreno, LOEF Director of Higher Education and ELL Board member, Samuel D. Rowe Jr, Professor Emeritus Cincinnati State, Laura Moese, LOEF President

NKU, ELL and CPS partners

Laura Moese, LOEF President , Maggie Pérez - President of LULAC NKU council, Lourdes Rivera LULAC president and Melissa Perez LULAC NKU xouncil member

Laura Moese, LOEF President, Mayra Jackson, Executive Director of the IRL center, Alfonso Cornejo director HCCUSA, Marie Kobayasi and Lourdes Ribera, LULAC President

Lourdes Ribera, LULAC President, Maider Marin McGee, LOEF board member, Laura Moese, LOEF President

ELL recognize students excellence

Leo Calderon, Esperanza Center President, Laura Moese, LOEF President with Laura Espinoza (Dayer HS), ELL Scholarship recipient and her mom Gladys

Laura Moese, LOEF President, Sandra Bazzani NKU Latino Student Initiatives and Mayra Jackson, Executive Director of the IRL center

Highland Heights, Feb 27, 2025 – The English Language Learning (ELL) Foundation held its Annual Recognition Breakfast at Northern Kentucky University’s (NKU) Student Union, under the inspiring motto “Leaping Forward: Global Voices, Local Impact.” This event is a heartfelt celebration of the exceptional accomplishments of bright English language (EL) students, caring educators, and community organizations that have made significant contributions.

Every year, the ELL Foundation invites a diverse group of donors, students, educators, and community friends to join in honoring the successes and resilience of EL students overcoming adversities. This year was no exception, as the community gathered to celebrate and recognize those who have made impactful strides.

During the Recognition Breakfast, the Foundation awarded honors to the Students of the Year, Educator of the Year, Community Ally of the Year, and the prestigious Make a Difference Award. These accolades are a testament to the dedication and hard work of those involved in promoting and supporting English language learning.

The event also serves as the main fundraising effort for the ELL Foundation Scholarship program, which provides opportunities for English language learners to pursue higher education at accredited area colleges and universities. This year’s breakfast was pivotal in raising the necessary funds to continue this crucial support.

Lourdes Ribera, President of LULAC Cincinnati; Laura Moese, President of the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation; and Maider Marin McGee, LULAC and LOEF board member were in attendance to Support Rosa Moreno, LOEF Director of Higher Education with ELL. Their presence underscored the partnership between the ELL Foundation and these prominent organizations, as they came together to celebrate the accomplishments of LOEF and LULAC council members who were recognized during the event.

LULAC and LOEF congratulate to all the honored students and Professional in this Event.

The Annual Recognition Breakfast remains a cherished tradition, embodying the spirit of unity and progress, and highlighting the powerful impact of community support on the lives of English language learners.

LOEF@ Rising Start School 3Bs celebration

LULAC Cincinnati Event February 16, 2025February 16, 2025Cincinnati, Education

Laura Moese, LOEF president and Dr. Jackson School Principal

Cincinnati, January 17, 2025 – Dr. Jackson, principal of Rising Stars School, invited Laura Moese, President of the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF), to the 3Bs award ceremony. The event honored pre-K, kindergarten, and first-grade students with the Be Kind awards, recognizing their efforts to embody kindness in their daily interactions.

Rising Stars School, which serves a significant number of Latino students, has long been a pillar of inclusivity and support for the community. The presence of Laura Moese highlighted the ongoing partnership between the school and LOEF, reinforcing their shared commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for all students. The 3Bs award ceremony was a joyous occasion, filled with pride and inspiration.

Rising Stars School is one of the schools where Laura Moese and Victoria Garland, LOEF Board member, volunteer as translators, ensuring that parents could fully participate in the school conferences. Their dedication to bridging communication gaps underscores LOEF’s mission to empower and support the Latino community through education and engagement.

Cincinnati’s Latino Leaders Unite to Propose Partnership with City Hall

LULAC Cincinnati Event February 16, 2025February 16, 2025Cincinnati, community

Cincinnati, February 4, 2025 – In a united front to uplift the Latino community, Laura Moese, President of the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation and Alfonso Cornejo, President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce USA presented a transformative proposal to the Cincinnati City Hall. The proposal aims to forge a partnership that will bolster support for the Latino community in the region.

The event saw a large turnout of Latino professionals who showed their support for the initiative. The atmosphere was electric with hope and unity as the proposal had a good reception.

Highlighting the urgency of the initiative Mayra Jackson, Executive Director of the Immigrant and Refugee Law Center, delivered a compelling presentation on immigration, showcasing the significant progress made so far and underscoring the dire need for continued support to navigate the evolving challenges. Her informative section resonated with the audience, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity in these changing times.

English as a Second Language Partnership meeting

LULAC Cincinnati Event November 15, 2024November 15, 2024Cincinnati, community, Education, ESL

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.

LOEF@BLINK- Newport KY

LULAC Cincinnati Event October 19, 2024October 19, 2024Cincinnati, community, culture, Young Latino Profesionals

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

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

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

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

LULAC Cincinnati Event October 18, 2024October 19, 2024Cincinnati, community, Education

Laura Moese with Cristóbal Pineda, LOEF past scholarship recipient

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

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

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.

LOEF President Visits UC Digital Futures

LULAC Cincinnati Event September 27, 2024Cincinnati, Digital Futures, Education

On September 17, 2020, Laura Moese, President of the LULAC Ohio Education Foundation (LOEF), visited University of Cincinnati Digital Futures. Dr. Alejandro Lozano Robledo, Director of Future Mobility, provided her with a tour of his laboratory space. Professor Lozano, who was the keynote speaker at the upcoming LOEF 19th Scholarship Celebration, showcased the groundbreaking global and local projects his team is leading.

Moese was thoroughly impressed by the innovative work being conducted under Professor Lozano’s capable direction. She highlighted the significance of such remarkable advancements happening in the city, led by a distinguished Latino director. This visit underscored the incredible potential and impact of the projects at UC Digital Futures, reinforcing the importance of supporting and celebrating educational and technological achievements within the community.