Carolina Ortiz spoke next. She is the Associate Executive Director of COPAL – Communidades Organizando el Poder y la Acción, with the goal of uniting Latinx in Minnesota. She provided us with a summary of her immigrant background and her search for opportunity and education here. Carolina was successful in creating her own future and enabling others to find theirs. She developed the first Citizenship class that was delivered in Spanish and was proud that 2/3 of the original class is still involved with immigrant issues, civic engagement in pursuit of better health and justice. COPAL continues her work by changing lives together, as a team.
Hector Martinez then opened with a recommendation to try a papusa (the national dish of El Salvador and commemorated on Nov. 6. Locally available at Pupuseria El Rincon Salvadoreno, in Minneapolis.) We could hear the nostalgia in his voice as he described his immigration story that started in California, but happily moved to Minnesota. Hector
extolled the virtues of entrepreneurism and his education at Winona State and employment at Medtronic, Excel Energy and US Bank. He shared his belief that “diversity” means everybody, and it is essential for business success.
The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is an important resource for immigrant business owners, and Hector is also working hard to support “those without a
voice” here in Minnesota.
Erika Kennedy, a Chaska Rotarian and the event organizer was the closing speaker.
She expressed her enjoyment working for Carver County and appreciation for our
generous and welcoming residents. She specially noted and thanked individuals
and groups for their continual efforts to support Hispanic health, education and
welfare.
In the group photo, from left to right:
Pat Stieg
Mary Bello
Bianca Fernandez
Erika Kennedy
Mary Fuentes
Melani Coleman
Evelyn Hasan
Doug Kennedy
It appeared that all those who attended were glad for their experience. The
energy and sense of community were palpable, and smiles were everywhere, all of
the time. THANK YOU to Erika and all those who set up the tables and decorations
and coordinated the many people and preparations needed for this great event.
More photos:
Music was provided by “Ramon”.
Mike Fahey made sure the breakfast table was set.
Jodi Hesse, Gary Cooper and Matt Podhradsky were here early to
ensure everything was set to go!
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