community – LULAC Cincinnati

CCGH and LOEF Renew Partnership to Support Educational Programs

LULAC Cincinnati Event January 1, 2025January 1, 2025community, Health

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

LULAC Cincinnati Event December 14, 2024January 1, 2025community, culture

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

LULAC Cincinnati Event December 14, 2024January 1, 2025community, culture, Ohio

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

LULAC Cincinnati Event December 14, 2024January 1, 2025community, Education, Northern Kentucky

Laura Moese, President of LOEF, Daniel & Maider McGee, Diane McGill, NKU Provost.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Latino Health Collaborative Annual Retreat

LULAC Cincinnati Event November 15, 2024November 15, 2024community, Health

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

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 Participates at the 3rd Hispanic Heritage Festival at Princeton High School

LULAC Cincinnati Event September 29, 2024September 29, 2024community, culture, Education

Laura Moese, LOEF President and Ana Martinez, PCSD Family Coordinator

Elgin Card, PCSD Superintendent with Laura Moese, LOEF President

Evendale, OH – September 28, 2024 – The Latino community came together in vibrant celebration at the 3rd Hispanic Heritage Festival, hosted by the Princeton City School District (PCSD). The event, directed by the dedicated Ana Martinez, PCSD Family Coordinator, was a resounding success, drawing attendees from all its neighboring community.

The festival was a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the Latino community, featuring an array of Latin food trucks, music, and dances from countries such as Mexico, Ecuador, and Panama. The atmosphere was electric, with the community enthusiastically participating in a Zumba class that proved especially popular among teenagers and women.

Children enjoyed craft tables and various activities, ensuring fun for the entire family. Local organizations, including health providers, realtors, and universities, were on hand to share valuable information about their services. Companies offered food samples and snacks, while the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF) provided crucial scholarship information.

LOEF extends heartfelt congratulations to Ana Martinez and the PCSD for orchestrating such a remarkable event. The festival not only celebrated Hispanic heritage but also fostered a sense of unity and support within the community.

There truly was something for everyone at this year’s Hispanic Heritage Festival, making it a memorable day for all who attended.

LOEF and CCGH create Health Literacy Partnership

LULAC Cincinnati Event August 30, 2024August 30, 2024community, Health

August 28, 2024 – Laura Moese, president of the LULAC Ohio Educational Foundation (LOEF), had a productive working lunch with Renee Mahaffey Harris, CEO of the Center for Closing the Health Gap (CCGH) had created what they called Health Literacy Partnership. The meeting underscored the ongoing collaboration between LOEF and CCGH, aimed at enhancing health literacy within our community.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to providing essential health education and resources, ensuring that community members have the knowledge and tools needed to lead healthier lives. This partnership continues to make a significant impact, fostering a more informed and health-conscious community.