Sunday, November 27, 2022 | Special Advertising Section 1 R 12 Building a vibrant community of empowered individuals Centro Cultural Mexicano is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Latinos and led by Latinos. Only 3% of nonprofits nationwide are led by Latinos, and the founders, Angie Hinojos, Executive Director, and Carlos Jimenez, Director of Engagement, are passionate advocates for ensuring that the communities they serve have a voice in decisionmaking and policy creation. Centro Cultural Mexicano is focused on community empowerment and realizes this goal through providing innovative programs and services. They have distributed more than $23 million in rent assistance throughout the pandemic, have facilitated tens of thousands of COVID-19 vaccinations in BIPOC communities, and offer other supports from their newly expanded offices in downtown Redmond. “The way we have always approached our work is ‘community first’. We work toward community empowerment through building financial security and creating opportunities for leadership and education in our communities,”Hinojos says. Centro Cultural Mexicano also supports Latino enrollments in college and trade schools through institutional partnerships, paid student internships and their own “Ya es Tiempo” Scholarships for firstgeneration Latino students. This year, they opened a new maker space for youth to gain access to tools that combine technology and the arts (like laser cutters, 3D printers, and a variety of robotics and electronics components) to open doors to technology pathways for youth. Centro Cultural Mexicano builds financial security in communities that have been traditionally farthest from opportunity by providing small business assistance and supports. They are part of the Washington State Department of Commerce Small Business Resiliency Network. This groundbreaking program, likely the first of its kind in the nation, allows for trusted organizations, like Centro Cultural Mexicano, to develop programs to support small businesses and provide access to resources in a way that makes sense for those they serve. All of the services are Centro Cultural Mexicano strives to inspire inclusive participation by the community in all aspects of education, culture and society by providing opportunities to create a positive future and to build a vibrant community of empowered individuals through art and culture. Learn more at www. centroculturalmexicano. org free of charge. Centro Cultural Mexicano works to help small businesses access opportunities like funding, technical assistance, and professional development, so that businesses can grow and thrive. “Small businesses are economic engines in our communities; they grow 30% faster when they have access to the kinds of supports that Centro Cultural Mexicano provides,” says Hinojos. “We provide the first step for businesses to find success by creating workshops with topics ranging from accounting practices, to hiring, to tax assistance, and compliance with state agencies. This is critical information for small business owners to be able to move forward confidently in their business. We offer these workshops in Spanish and English, with many Latino business owners able to access this information for the first time,” Jimenez says. Centro Cultural Mexicano spends time with small business owners to develop long-term plans and provide the right resources for each stage of growth; builds trust by providing services in a way that is culturally and linguistically relevant; and provides access to technology such as hardware and software to help small businesses create sustainability. The trust and relationships that they have established allow them to create an impact in traditionally overlooked communities. “In building trust, oneon-one communication is essential, centering people first, and then being accountable to them,”Hinojos says. “Our community knows they can count on us time and time again. We often see that when someone is well-served, they share that positive PROVIDED BY CENTRO CULTURAL MEXICANO Radio Ya es Tiempo is hosted by Centro Cultural Mexicano from 9-10 a.m. every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday on 1540 AM KXPA. experience throughout the community, which allows for others to find us and also share in those resources. When we build financial security in our communities, we build long-term stability. Empowerment means that we can determine what is best for us, that we provide the solutions for the challenges that face us. Our programs support self-determination. When we increase our voice, we will increase Latino representation at all levels, public and private. Latinos are great contributors to the state and to the economy; Latinos are brilliant and work with excellence. We have a lot to offer.” “Centro Cultural Mexicano will continue to utilize art and culture as a meaningful path to engagement with youth, families, and small businesses.” says Jimenez. Hinojos adds, “By providing access to opportunities, we are increasing equitable outcomes for the positive future that all communities deserve.”
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