Behold 1500 Latinos! A Special Article

A Special Article on Behold 1500 Latinos!
written by Courtney Groszhans for Ben Ruiz


A fact that connects all Americans: at some point their families were foreigners and encountered xenophobia from fellow Americans. Ask yourself, what hardships did my ancestors face when they first settled here? The new wave of immigrants are predominately from Latin countries, according to the US Census over half of foreign-born immigrants in the United States are Latino, thus the need for a community wide effort to ensure the need for a more educated tomorrow, enter BeHold 1500 Latinos!

Behold 1500 Latinos! is a city wide initiative to help a minimum of 1500 Latinos obtain college degrees by the year 2020 in Louisville. This is a part of the 55,000 Degrees Initiative in Jefferson County. Behold 1500 Latinos is seeking funds to guarantee the success of Latinos in Jefferson County. This grass roots effort is compiled of hardworking individuals, all of the leaders are successful Latinos professionals, helping Latino students find their own path to college. Behold would support and introduce new programs into the Louisville community promising the success of Latino students and promoting the importance of obtaining a college degree.

One of the goals of Behold 1500 Latinos! is to create a college-going atmosphere within the Latino community. As you know, children of immigrants in the United States face challenges their American born counterparts do not. Initiatives such as Behold are progressive as they are addressing a recurring problem in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), “Hispanic students lag [behind white students] by the same amount today as they did in 1990, which means that the achievement gap between Hispanic and white students has been largely unchanged for the past two decades,” (Time, 2011). These disparities have been explained as a ‘language barrier’ as 4 million Latino-Americans first language is not English. However, the difference is Latinos may no longer be a minority here in the United States, as they have the fastest growing population. States such as Arizona have taken an alternate approach in their dealings with Latino immigrants, but Louisville has been recognized as a city of compassion and has chosen to embrace diversity. Contributing to this idea, we have innovative ideas and compassionate people willing to help a community of immigrants achieve their own American dream of going to college and becoming a magnate in their community.

Funding could contribute to already existing programs that successfully impact Latino students in Jefferson County. Two such programs are La Camara@Wesley House and Adelante Hispanic Achievers, Inc. Adelante serves 80 Latino students, helping them socially, personally, and educationally. In Adelante’s eighth year of programming, the average GPA of their Latino students who have been in the program over three years is a 3.4 (a B+ average). By supporting an already existing program, this would expand the outreach of Adelante to greatly impact more Latino students.

Embracing the Latino community here in Louisville would not only cement the idea that Louisville is a city of compassion, but Louisville would be a prime example of how we as Americans should be embracing diversity in our community. By supporting Latino students, we are investing in our own future. By 2020, Latinos are estimated to represent over half of the American population. What better way to ensure success than invest in Latino students and ensure their likelihood of obtaining a degree and contributing back to society?

By 2020 Louisville could see 1500 Latinos with a college degree and be compassionate members of society. They would in turn be role models to the younger generation of Latinos that yes it is possible to be successful in America. By 2025, 1500 will easily turn into 3,000 Latinos with a college degree and so on. The hardest part is starting this process and showing people that it is possible and it will happen. The leaders of this initiative will not stop until these goals are met and will not stop working when they are. Funding is an investment in someone’s future and in Louisville’s future as well.

The organizers of Behold 1500! Latinos are accepting volunteers who would like to discuss this initiative and the future possibilities of collaboration. Please contact Ben Ruiz at 589-3224 or ben@adhawks.com

We Latinos are very lucky!

We are very lucky to be standing here united.

In the state that is called a commonwealth with its own state motto of “United we stand, divided we fall.”

It’s our motto as Hispanics and Latinos. After all, in Spanish, one of our most popular chants is: “Unidos—no podemos ser vencidos.” (United—we can not be conquered).

We are very lucky to have politicians like Steven Riggs, Reginald Meeks, Gerald Neal, Crit Luallen, Steve Beshear and John Yarmuth who, all along with others, helped us repeal the bill that mirrored Arizona’s SB 1070—which is now, unfortunately, gaining popularity with similar legislation in other states like Alabama and Georgia.

We are lucky to be living in Louisville with Mayor Greg Fischer who promised us Hispanic and Latinos that there would be no racial profiling within the city—a city that now has an immigrant population of more than 50% and represents over 80 countries.

And now, we are very lucky to be part of the 55,000 Degrees initiative because higher education is the most common denominator for people of all colors: brown, black, red, yellow and white!

Today, we Hispanic Latinos stand united in Jefferson County and surrounding areas including southern Indiana to support our own part of the the 55,000 Degrees initiative we have named “Behold 1500 Latinos!”

Through the Mayor’s Office for Globalization and one of its first International Councils, named “The Magnificent 7” we have called upon all of our local networks of Hispanic Latino organizations and other organizations that support us to help us organize a voluntary collaboration in order for “Behold 1500 Latinos!” will begin to assist Kentucky Hispanic Latinos in overcoming the barriers that hinder postsecondary participation and success and set Kentucky on track for college attainment and completion. The aim is to help 1,500 Latinos in Jefferson County attain college degrees or credentials by 2020 as part of Jefferson County’s 55,000 Degrees Initiative.

In our meeting on May 9, 2012 at the UFCW 227 Union Hall Headquarters, we are presenting this agenda for “Behold 1500 Latinos!”:

1. Dr. Antonio Perez will explain the “Behold 1500 Latinos!” plan and how the personal counseling will work eventually through a system of volunteers at various community centers.
   
2. Volunteers will be recruited for future tutoring, mentoring, counseling and training.
   
3. FIVE main collaborative groups will be identified in their respective category:

1). Community Centers (like Wesley House, Churches, etc.) where training classes can be held.

2). Collaborating organizations (such as the Greater Louisville’s 55,000 Degrees Educational Commitment, the Kentucky Latino Educational Alliance, La Camara, Hispanic Latino Coalition, the Hispanic Latino Business Council, etc.) who will use their web sites as portals for the information and ongoing communication about “Behold 1500 Latinos!” progress.

3). Social services organizations (groups such as Adelante Hispanic Achievers, Catholic Health Charities, etc.) who will provide direct services to youth and their families.

4). Educational Institutions (groups such as U of L and the Latin American & Latino Studies Club, JCTCS, Bellarmine University, etc.) that will also have resources for ongoing information/training/counseling.

5). Philanthropic organizations/corporations (organizations with foundations, etc.) that will invite grant proposals by Behold 1500 Latinos.

Our main objective is to create a real collaboration between all these five groups and to recruit a “Behold 1500 Latinos!” representative at each of the groups that can keep the lines of communication open as one or another group makes significant progress. Once the first funding is obtained for communication materials and training programs (these will start in the fall and will take place at centers designated by Adelante Hispanic Achievers, La Camara @ Wesley House) then all collaborating organizations can take an active role in the “Behold 1500 Latinos!” initiative through:

1. Grassroots outreach efforts for families and Hispanic Latino youth;

2. Student support through Hispanic Latino outreach coordinators;

3. Financial aid application support and financial literacy training;

4. Career counseling and employment support;

5. Peer mentoring;

6. Two-year to four-year transfer and articulation support; and

7. "Latino Student Success" training for mentors and facilitators.

”BEHOLD 1500 LATINOS!”

Announcing:
”BEHOLD 1500 LATINOS!” INITIATIVE
FOR COLLEGE COMPLETION: 2020

Behold1500 Latinos! is the newest initiative started by Adelante Hispanic Achievers,La Camara @ Wesley House Community Services, the Metro Louisville Office forGlobalization’s Magnificent7 Hispanic Latino International Council, theUniversity of Louisville’s Latin American Latino Studies and JeffersonCommunity & Technical College’s International Department. It is a grassroots effort aimed directly at Hispanic Latino student success in JeffersonCounty and part of the 55,000 Degrees initiative!

55,000Degrees, a partnership formed to support the Greater Louisville EducationalCommitment, was formed in 2010 with leaders in education, business, governmentand civic life who are committed to increase the percentage of our workforcewith college diplomas to 50 percent over a 10-year period. 55,000 Degrees isgrateful for support from both individuals and foundations, including the JamesGraham Brown Foundation, the C.E&S. Foundation, The Community Foundation ofLouisville, the Humana Foundation, the JPMorgan Chase Foundation andBrown-Forman.

Theprojected outcomes for Behold 1500 Latinos! are to assist Kentucky HispanicLatinos in overcoming the barriers that hinder postsecondary participation andsuccess and set Kentucky on track for college attainment and completion. Theaim is to help 1,500 Latinos in Jefferson County attain college degrees orcredentials by 2020 as part of Jefferson County’s 55,000 Degrees Initiative.

Strategies of the Behold 1500 Latinos! initiative include:

1.Grassroots outreach efforts for families and Hispanic Latino youth;
2.Student support through Hispanic Latino outreach coordinators;
3.Financial aid application support and financial literacy training;
4.Career counseling and employment support;
5.Peer mentoring;
6.Two-year to four-year transfer and articulation support; and

7. "Latino Student Success" training for mentors and facilitators.

Atmore than 50 million, Hispanic Latinos represent the largest and fastest-growingpopulation group in the United States. Fifty-six percent of Kentucky’s Latinopopulation is represented in the two largest cities in the state, along withtheir surrounding counties. Currently, only 19 percent of those individuals inKentucky have an associate’s degree or higher.

Representatives from the following 53 organizations (listed below) in and around Jefferson County will be invited to a collaboration meeting of Jefferson County’s “Behold 1500 Latinos” in May, 2012 (meeting time, date and place TBD):

Adelante Hispanic Achievers

Adhawks

ACLU

Americana Community Center

AlDia en America Spanish Language Newspaper

Big Brothers Big Sisters Hispanic Leadership Council

Brown-Forman’s COPA Latino Group

Boy Scouts of Kentuckiana Hispanic Council

Catholic Health Charities

Center for Health Equity

Center for Women and Families

Churchill Downs Backside Learning Center

El Kentubano

Exatec

Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana Hispanic Program

GLI’s Hispanic Latino Business Council

Greater Louisville’s International Professionals

Hispanic Connection of Southern Indiana

Hispanic Latino Coalition of Louisville

Jefferson Community & Technical College’s International Dept.

Jefferson County Public Schools

Jewish Family Community Services Center

Kentucky Commission on Human Rights

Kentucky Interfaith Task Force on Latin America & the Caribbean

Kentucky Mexican American Relations Institute

Kentucky Refugee Ministries

La Camara @ Wesley House Community Services Center

La Casita Center

La Poderosa Spanish Radio Station

Leadership Louisville

League of United Latin American Citizens

Latin American Club of Louisville

Los Aztecas

Los Monitos

Louisville Free Public Library

Louisville Metro Public Health & Wellness

Louisville Urban League

Magnificent7 - Metro Louisville’s Hispanic Latino International Council

Metro Louisville’s Human Relations Commission

Metro Louisville’s Office for Globalization

National Center for Family Literacy

National Society Hispanic MBA’s

Passport Health Care’s Cultural & Linguistic Services

Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.

Salsa Rythyms

Seven Counties

Sisters of Loretto

Sysco

St. Rita’s Catholic Church

Tri-State Minority Supplier Development Council

University of Louisville’s Cultural Center

University of Louisville’s Latin American Latino Studies

United Food & Commercial Workers- UFCW, Local 227

United States Post Office

For more details and updated information, contact: Ben Ruiz at 502-589-3224 or ben@adhawks.com.

The Magnificent7

MAGNIFICENT7 - A FEW FOR THE MANY

When a few individuals come together with the common goal to be more concerned about the many who, for whatever reason, are not in a position to take up for themselves—that is the vision of the Magnificent7.

And the mission? The mission of Magnificent7 members is to address the needs of our Latino community by having a presence at community meetings, programs and events where advocacy for Latinos is important and especially where they are under-served, misunderstood and/or unjustified.

The Magnificent7 is part of a new 2012 strategic initiative of the Louisville Metro Government’s Office for Globalization to engage the international population by forming International Councils which represent distinct ethnic communities. The purpose of creating International Councils will be to create a climate for growth by promoting economic, educational and community initiatives with a global focus. They will provide a platform that fosters civic engagement, business connections, and professional growth in the Louisville area. These programs and events are open to all.

Magnificent7 is a Mexican-American network of community leaders which will be present at community meetings, programs and events where advocacy for Hispanics and Latinos is important, and, as one of the first international councils for the Office for Globalization, will focus on creating a climate for growth by promoting economic, educational and community initiatives with a global focus.

Magnificent7's community initiatives are: 1) Civic Involvement, 2) Advocacy, 3) Public Relations, 4) Events/Meetings, 5) Cultural Awareness, 6) Economic Development and 7) Education.

Like the Magnificent7 in past movies, each individual member of the Magnificent7 has a distinct expertise that, with the collaboration from inside the group networked together with support from outside resources, results in advocacy—a unified, never-before-heard voice for Hispanics and Latinos in Louisville, Kentucky.
Magnificent7 founding members:

Gina Buendia

Gina Buendia is editing her BIO information which will appear in next month’s blog.

Saul Garcia

Juan Garcia, President, Garcias Inc., Louisville, Kentucky, known as “Saul,” has resided in Louisville since 1992, but in order to understand Mr. Garcia you must first understand his life before Louisville. Saul was 9 years old when he was diagnosed with leukemia. Saul went through chemotherapy and treatments until he was 11, and won his first of lives battles. That victory was bitter sweet because the leukemia had left him with scars on his face that would never go away. Those scars would help to send him on his journey to the United States. The other people in the town were Saul lived were very cruel and constantly bullied him about his scares. This helped Saul to make a very big decision, at the age of 12 he left home and moved to Mexico City on his own.

Saul lived in Mexico City were he worked and put himself through high school and then college. Saul graduated college with a law degree, but before he could begin practicing he was told by a friend about the endless possibilities in the United States. Saul made the decision to make the trip. In order to reach the United States he had to push himself harder and further than ever before, he was lost in the dessert for 6 days with no food or water and once again by himself.

Saul arrived In the United States in 1987 he worked various jobs picking fruits and vegetables in Fresno, California. He worked on these farms for about 2 ½ years, and thanks to an amnesty for migrant workers was offered United States citizenship. Juan then moved to Atlanta, Georgia where after working in a factory hanging chickens he began his adventure in the restaurant business. Saul started at the bottom as a dishwasher then began to work his way up the ladder.

Saul Moved to Louisville in 1992 were he worked as the manager for another well known chain of Mexican restaurants. In 1997 he opened his first restaurant on Herr lane, and has only grown from there. Presently there are 3 Los Aztecas, and 4 Sol Azteca restaurants.

Saul is also very active in the community. He is currently volunteering for the Mexican consulate. Treasurer of the Mexican American sports Assoc. (MASA), President of the citizens police academy, Leadership Louisville participant, President of the Louisville Amatuer Soccer Assoc., He created an insurance program for immigrants called “El Regreso” that allows them to be sent back home in the case they pass away in the U.S., and he received the Unity award 2011, from Louisville Convention and visitors bureau during the Rose Award ceremony 2011. Saul is also the appointed Mexican Advisor (consejero) by Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior ( The institute of the Mexican Abroad) work together with the Mexican Embassy will be serving during 2012-2014.

Tiffany B. Gonzales

Tiffany B. Gonzales is a Community Health Specialist for the Center for Health Equity. She began working at the Center in December 2010, where her primary role is to serve as the leader for Louisville's Racial Healing Initiative. Tiffany is a social justice activist focused on immigrant rights and racial justice. She moved to Louisville in 2006.

Alex Hernandez

As the Multicultural Specialist for United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 227, Alex Hernandez is responsible for maintaining Local 227’s commitment to being a true reflection of the many diverse communities it represents. By identifying and developing leaders from a variety of different cultures within the workplace, Hernandez ensures that the various needs of America’s newest workers are addressed. Local 227’s Multicultural Leadership program seeks to create a sense of solidarity and pride among immigrant workers, their American-born co-workers and their union for their contributions to their communities.

Hernandez moved to Louisville in 1995 to assist in the representation of a growing Latino population in the meatpacking and food processing industries in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. As a defender of workers rights’ Alex continues to coordinate with community allies and elected officials to ensure Latino workers have good wages, benefits and safe working conditions. He has also worked extensively with immigrant groups outside UFCW Local 227’s membership to successfully give Latinos and other workers a voice at their workplace.

Increasingly, UFCW Local 227 is experiencing new immigrant growth among its membership from all across the globe, most notably Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East and East Asia. By using the skills and experience gained through working with the Latino community, Hernandez is working to make the transition into the American workplace a little easier for new immigrants from a variety of cultures.

Prior to coming to Louisville, KY, Alex served Latino workers on staff at the UFCW International Union (1993-1995) and UFCW Local 135 in Southern California (1987-1993).

Yolanda M. Moore

Yolanda has served in the capacity of Bilingual Community Outreach Coordinator at Saint Rita Catholic Church’s Spanish Ministry since April 2003.

This position was created to assist the underserved and rapidly growing Hispanic/Latino community and to provide a welcoming safe environment, as well as a faith base for religious sacraments.

The Outreach Ministry provides assistance to the real needs of the people - orientation for newcomers, housing, schools, employment, medical/legal needs, and adult education.

Yolanda works closely with the St. Vincent de Paul Society dispensing provisions to families and financial assistance to eligible applicants.

Interpretation and translation services are also provided to bridge communication barriers between service providers and parishioners.

As Outreach Coordinator, Yolanda is actively engaged with community leaders to address issues concerning equality and social justice. She also serves as a contact person for partnering with schools, universities, hospitals, and city/state/government agencies to bring programs and information to the Hispanic/Latino community.

In addition, Yolanda is a volunteer on the Spanish Hotline for Opportunities for Life, a pastoral ministry of the laity, offering life affirming hope and help to those experiencing untimely pregnancies.

She is also a facilitator with the Spanish Ministry of St. Edward Church in Jeffersontown, where she resides.

Juan Peña

Juan Peña, human rights field supervisor for the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights (KCHR). He joined KCHR in June 2002. He is responsible for education and outreach services for the immigrant population across Kentucky; coordinates and conducts civil rights workshops, symposiums and trainings and conducts Hispanic cultural trainings for the general public; responsible for intakes from Spanish speaking complainants; handles non-inquiries important to immigrants; promotes and assists with the establishment of city human rights commissions; and currently assigned to serve as a liaison for 29 counties in Eastern Kentucky. In 1998 he received his bachelor’s degree in economics at Berea College and a master’s degree in community economic development at Southern New Hampshire University in 2002.

Iliana Rico

I have accomplished over 10 years of expertise in dealing with different areas within the Supply Chain such as Procurement, International Logistics and Customer Service.

I started my career path with a degree in Public Accounting followed by a Master’s in International Business from the University of Guadalajara. I also studied abroad for a year in Ontario, Canada earning a postgraduate diploma in International Trade, thus my expertise is in international business, logistics, trade, purchasing, and customer service. I started working at Casa Herradura in 2001 as a Purchasing and Senior Buyer. My next move via promotion was to Import/Export Associate Manager in logistics.  I was fortunate enough to visit Louisville shortly after B-F purchased Herradura, In 2010. I accepted the opportunity to come to work to Brown-Forman Corporation as a Customer Service Specialist, and since my arrival it has been a wonderful experience.  In my current role I execute the order entry management for international spirits and wine orders for B-F subsidiaries, distributors in Asia and three customers in Europe.   Assure the product requested by the customer arrives on time, complete, with the correct documentation, at the right place in compliance with regulatory guidelines in the final destination.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

·       BROWN FORMAN CORPORATION, Feb 2010 - present

Customer Service Specialist                                                                           

·       BROWN FORMAN TEQUILA MEXICO, May 2006 – Feb 2010                                       

International Logistics Associate Manager.                                                        

·       TEQUILA HERRADURA SA DE CV,  May 2001 – Aug 2005                                                                                                

Senior Buyer

EDUCATION & TRAINING

APICS, Certified Supply Chain Professional,  Sep – Dec 2011                           

      Louisville Ky,USA                      

Diploma in Tequila and International Business, 2007 - 2008                   

      Tequila Council & UNIVA, Mexico

Post Graduate Diploma in International Business, 2005 - 2006                         

       Niagara College, Ontario Canada

Diploma in International Logistics ,              2004                                                

       ETTA, Traffic and Customs School, Guadalajara

Master in International Trade ,                         2001-2003                                             

      University of Guadalajara, Mexico

Bachelor in Accounting      ,                       1993 - 1998                                             

        University of Guadalajara

Diversity Engagement within Brown Forman

COPA  -  Creating our Path – Latino Employee Resource Group at Brown Forman, 2011                 

Marketing and Communications Co – Chair

·      Participate in  events to enhance the Latino culture in the company

·      Contribute with ideas to promote diversity in the work place

·      Help to increase the engagement of the membership

·      Communicate the programs and events

·      Position and promote COPA with external organizations

GROW  - Chapter Mexico – Growing Remarkable and Outstanding Women,2009                                

Co- Leader

·      Initiate and founding the first ERG in Mexico

·      Organize seminars and courses to develop  women in BFTM

Encourage participation and commitment among the membership.

Adolfo (Ben) Ruiz

Ben Ruiz resides in Louisville, KY, with his wife Sonia who both work together as partners in an advertising business named Adhawks Advertising & Public Relations, Inc. with offices at 201 E. Main St. in Louisville, KY. Their three children: Monica, Ben and Marcella have all married and live nearby in the same area of Kentucky.

During the past twenty-seven years, Sonia and Ben have spent many hours working as volunteers for community organizations that support health care, the Hispanic/Latino population, storytelling and urban youth programs. Both Sonia and Ben serve on the boards of numerous community organizations.

Ben has received a Clio for creative work he did for the General Electric Company as well as numerous other local, regional and national awards for creative advertising work he has done for clients which have included: the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s Special Needs Adoption Program, the Corn Island Storytelling Festival, Lakeview Rehabilitation Hospital, the Lincoln Foundation, Louisville Urban League, the Presbyterian Theological Seminary, the Lupus Foundation, the Arthritis Foundation, the American Diabetes Association, Junior Achievement and the American Jr. Red Cross.

In 1994, both Sonia and Ben were each appointed Kentucky Colonels by then governor of Kentucky, Brereton Jones, in recognition for their commitment to community work.

Born in Mexico City, Ben is an advertising professional who has taken various art, English and marketing courses at the Art Institute of Chicago, New York University, Art Center College of Los Angeles, Jefferson Community College and Texas Academy of Art in Houston, Texas.

Ben's current affiliations include: Chair of the Wesley House Hispanic Latino Leadership Council, La Camara, Board Member of Adelante Hispanic Achievers, Community Leadership Council with Americana Community Center, Board Member of The Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky, Board Member for Jewish Hospital St. Mary Elizabeth Hospital Foundation, Board Member for Custom Quality Services, Advisory Board Member for The Stewards Staff, Community Board Member for the University of Louisville Latin American Latino Studies. Community Board Member for both Jefferson Community & Technical College System and the Hite Art Institute at the University of Louisville.

Ben’s other community awards include: Leadership Louisville Community 2010 Connector, JFCS MOSAIC 2010 Award Recipient, Junior Achievement Bronze Leadership Award, Agave’s Ferda Porter Community Leader Award, Volunteer of the Year Award and Lifetime Service Award for the Corn Island Storytelling Festival.

Ben’s past board affiliations include: Community Foundation of Louisville, Louisville Science Center, Co-Founder of GLI’s Hispanic Latino Business Council, American Diabetes Association Board Member, Lupus Foundation Board Member, Instructor at Kentucky and Indiana colleges, Urban League Award, Diversity Chair of Ad Fed of Louisville (Creator, Diversity & Donuts), Advisory Board member for Project One.

“Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.”

– César Chavez

Adolfo (Ben) Ruiz

Founder

Magnificent7

502-589-3224

e-mail: ben@adhawks.com

February, 2012

Si se puede!

Looking back…

Now that we’re in the much anticipated election year of 2012, we Latinos living in and around Louisville, Kentucky can look back at what has happened to us in our recent past that has affected our community, so that we might be better prepared to face our present and what’s more—our future.

What’s happened to our leaders?

Leadership in our community and those that have championed our cause who have stood up for justice, diversity and compassion for Latinos and people of color in general have systematically disappeared. And, by and large, they have not been replaced.

Here are some examples of what I am talking about:

Joe Reagan.

As CEO of the Greater Louisville Inc. Metro Chamber of Commerce, Joe made it possible for Latino businesses to become a strong affiliate of the chamber when we helped form the Hispanic Latino Business Council in 2006. Now he’s in St. Louis where there are many more Latinos he can help, but who will replace him here? And, will they be as inclusive as Joe?

Marilyn Cordova and Francisco Abril.

Still pictured on www.greaterlouisville.com/hlbc (the Hispanic Latino Business Council’s web site) as our young Latino leaders who helped both myself and Adam Ruiz (the HLBC co-founders) organize the HLBC executive committee—yet now have gone on to other cities—where are the young Latino leaders who will replace Marilyn and Francisco?

Adam Ruiz.

Adam started out at the Centro Latino in Shelbyville, Kentucky and then went on to become the Chief of Staff at Citizens Union Bank. He is not only one of the co-founders of the HLBC but he also created “Nuestro Banco” (our area’s first and only bank dedicated exclusively to the Latino population right her on Preston Highway). Now Nuestro Banco is closed and Adam is no longer with Citizens Union Bank. After setting milestone after milestone in our Latino community, we don’t know what happened and where Adam is today.

Margarita Green and Xiomara Bussio.

Our most recent hosts of the popular “Yo Soy Louisville” Spanish TV Program on CW TV. Margarita left town and the show is running its re-runs while Xiomara has started her own Bistro Cafe: ZiaLaLa in Middletown, Kentucky. Margarita had been with the longstanding Spanish publication, Hoy En Las Americas in Shelbyville, Kentucky.

The Spanish Media.

Spanish media that has ceased to exist include: Hoy En Las Americas, Amigos in Louisville TV Program, LaBuena Radio, La Preferida Radio and La Caliente Radio as well as Latinos Monthly Magazine.

Notable champions of diversity that have been “let go” recently are:

Debbie Mettling, Director of Diversity (DiverseWorks) at MSD.

Ron Green, Director of Diversity at the Louisville Water Company.

Deborah Smith, Diversity Director at Jewish Hospital.

Nichelle Anthony, Director of Diversity for the Kentucky Lottery.

Antia Fields, Diversity Director for Horseshoe Casino.

On a broader scale, we lost some heavyweight champions for diversity since 2001:

Reverend Vernon Robertson.

Father Tom Smith.

Reverend Louis Coleman.

Lenny Lyles.

These were leaders who championed our cause for many years and established programs that helped us minorities. They are all gone and have not been replaced.

As I recall spending time with great champions like Coleman and Lyles I remember trying to teach both of them the little Spanish saying that more than ever has a lot of meaning today—

Si se puede!

Ben Ruiz

Board Member, Adelante Hispanic Achievers

Co-Founder of GLI’s Hispanic Latino Business Council

Co-Founder of La Camara at Wesley House Community Services