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LULAC Cincinnati Hosts Fireside Chat with Judge Marilyn Zayas for Women’s History Month
Cincinnati, March 28 — Community members gathered at Fueled Collective for a Women’s History Month fireside chat hosted by LULAC Cincinnati, where Judge Marilyn Zayas spoke to an energized, multigenerational audience about civic engagement, leadership, and the power of participation. The event drew attendees eager to hear her reflections and to take part in a conversation centered on empowerment and community involvement.
Throughout the evening, Judge Zayas emphasized the importance of individual voices in shaping the future, underscoring themes of belonging, representation, and civic responsibility. Attendees shared a meal, exchanged stories, and engaged in dialogue that highlighted resilience and collective purpose. The message resonated strongly: participation matters, and every vote carries weight in determining the direction of local and statewide communities.
Judge Zayas was raised in East Harlem, New York, as the daughter of Puerto Rican parents, she earned a degree in computer science before beginning her career at Procter & Gamble and moving to Cincinnati. She later pursued a law degree and spent two decades practicing law. In 2016, she was elected to the Ohio First District Court of Appeals, becoming the first Latina to serve on that bench. She was re‑elected in 2018 and 2024. Judge Zayas is currently campaigning for a seat on the Ohio Supreme Court.
The fireside chat concluded with a call to continued engagement, particularly among women in the community. Organizers noted that events like this are central to LULAC Cincinnati’s mission to inform, uplift, and mobilize local residents. Attendees expressed appreciation for the opportunity to connect, learn, and reflect together, reinforcing a shared commitment to moving forward collectively.
LULAC Cincinnati Hosts Mission Night to Inspire New Members and Community Advocacy
CINCINNATI, OH – LULAC Cincinnati recently welcomed community members to a Mission Night held at Parisian on Vine Apartments, inviting residents and neighbors to learn more about the organization’s work and explore opportunities to get involved.
The event focused on LULAC’s mission of advancing civil rights and strengthening communities through advocacy in housing, health, education, and leadership development. Attendees heard how local action connects to national impact, and how everyday voices can help shape policies and programs that affect Latino families and underserved communities across the region.
Organizers emphasized that Mission Night was not only about sharing information, but also about building relationships and empowering new advocates. Guests were encouraged to bring friends, ask questions, and discover ways to contribute, whether through volunteering, community outreach, or policy advocacy.
“National impact. Local action,” was a central theme of the evening, underscoring LULAC’s belief that meaningful change begins at the community level.
LULAC Cincinnati continues to invite residents to join the movement, bring their voices, and help create stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods throughout Greater Cincinnati.
LOEF Supports OLA Immigration Welcome Center Thanksgiving Dinner with Volunteers
Cincinnati, OH, November 23, 2025 — The OLA Immigration Welcome Center brought together more than 180 guests for a Thanksgiving dinner at McPherson Church, an event made possible through the support of over 100 volunteers and numerous community organizations.
The LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF) and its Young Latino Professionals joined with families, scholarship recipients, sponsors, and friends to serve meals, organize volunteers, usher families into the church, and assist with cleanup before and after the celebration. Their efforts reflected LOEF’s ongoing commitment to community service and empowerment.
Other organizations also stepped forward, including P&G, Su Casa, Crossroads Church, AJ Printing, Florence Y’All, Raiz a Rentas, David Brown and Cincinnati City Council member Ryan James, all contributing to an atmosphere of unity and gratitude. Together, they ensured that families could enjoy a warm meal, fellowship, and holiday cheer.
The evening was highlighted by a musical performance from Karen, La Dama del Pueblo, whose voice delighted attendees and added a festive spirit to the gathering. This Thanksgiving celebration showcased the strength of collaboration across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, bringing diverse groups together to uplift immigrant families and share in the joy of the holiday season.
Latinos Emprendedores – YLP Industry Leaders Night
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
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
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!
LOEF Leaders Spotlight Scholarship Opportunities on Popular Latino Podcast
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
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.