LULAC and LOEF @the ELL foundation Annual Recognition Breakfast

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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

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NKU, ELL and CPS partners

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

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

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

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ELL recognize students excellence

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

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

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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.

St Valentine @ Rising Star Schools

St Valentine @ Rising Star Schools

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Cincinnati, February 13, 2024 – The spirit of love and community was in full bloom at Rising Star School as they hosted a St. Valentine’s Day celebration, with food and gifts generously sponsored by Laura Moese, President of the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF). The vibrant event brought joy to 30 pre-K, kindergarten, and first-grade students, as Moese participated by reading stories and coloring with the young attendees.

Following the festivities, LOEF Board member Victoria Garland and Moese continued their tradition of serving as translators during the parent-teacher meetings, a valuable service they provide every quarter to ensure clear communication and support for the families. The St. Valentine’s event at Rising Star School highlighted the strong bond between the school and LOEF, as well as their commitment to creating a nurturing and inclusive space for all students and their families.

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

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.

CCGH and LOEF Renew Partnership to Support Educational Programs

Cincinnati, Dec 20, 2024 – In a significant move to support educational initiatives, Renee Mahaffey Harris, CEO of the Center for Closing the Health Gap (CCGH), met with Laura Moese, President of the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF). The meeting marked the renewal of their impactful partnership, with CCGH continuing its contributions to LOEF’s educational programs.

This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of both organizations to improving educational opportunities and health outcomes within the community. By joining forces, CCGH and LOEF aim to address critical needs and empower individuals through education and support.

Las Posadas a Christmas Celebration

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Cincinnati, OH, Dec 14, 2024 – The Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati Foundation celebrated its 17th Annual Las Posadas, a vibrant and joyous Christmas celebration that was free of cost and open to the whole family. The event was filled with Latin touches, including piñatas, carols, traditional Latino cuisine, and the beloved “Rosca de Reyes.” Additionally, a large exhibition of nativity sets from various countries was on display, adding a unique cultural element to the festivities.

This year’s celebration also served a noble cause by raising funds for economically disadvantaged children. The community’s generosity and support were evident throughout the event.

Laura Moese, president of the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF), attended the celebration with her family, showing her support for this important cultural event. Her presence underscored LOEF’s commitment to preserving Latino traditions for the next generation. Las Posadas continues to be a cherished tradition, bringing together families and friends to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Latino community in Cincinnati.

OCHLA Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Award Ceremony

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Columbus, OH, Dec 9, 2024 – The Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs (OCHLA) held its prestigious Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Award Ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse. This ceremony celebrated individuals who have worked steadfastly to enhance their communities for both Hispanics and the general public. The event also honored Military Service of Distinction awardees, recognizing Latinos in uniform who have served our country honorably and continue to contribute to their community, state, and country in exemplary ways. Additionally, the Nuestra Familia (Our Family) awards were presented to non-Hispanic individuals or organizations that encourage the inclusion of Latinos in Ohio and are committed to making Ohio a welcoming place for all.

Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Awardees:

  • Esteban Callejas (Henry County)
  • Marie ‘Tonya’ Duran (Toledo)
  • Lilleana Cavanaugh (Columbus)
  • Karla Knox (Springfield)
  • Francisco Okhuysen (Cincinnati)

Military Service of Distinction Awardees:

  • George Plasencio (Toledo)
  • Emily Almazan-Lacy (Cincinnati)

Nuestra Familia (Our Family) Awardees:

  • Vanessa de Corte (Defiance County)
  • Kevin Milliken (Toledo)
  • Eric H. Kearney (Cincinnati)

This special event, by invitation only, saw the participation of prominent community leaders including Lourdes Rivera, President of LULAC Cincinnati, and Laura Moese, President of the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF). Their presence highlighted the unwavering support and celebration of their colleagues’ recognitions, showcasing the strength and unity within the Latino community.

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.

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.

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.