The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana (HCCL) has created and is spearheading a coalition of leaders from an array of New Orleans area civic, economic, and cultural organizations that are in the process of formulating and securing funding for a new ‘Community Assessment Survey’ of the state’s growing Hispanic population. HCCL will ultimately be the guardians of the report generated from these efforts.
Once completed, the survey data will provide critical insight for public and private entities on ways they can better serve Louisiana’s Hispanic residents in arenas such as health care, education, employment/workforce concerns, etc.
“Assessing the Hispanic population gives us important insights into our unique needs and experiences,” says HCCL board chair Raiza Pitre. “With this understanding, we can create targeted programs that foster inclusivity, boost community engagement and ensure equal opportunities for everyone. This helps build stronger, more connected communities where we can all thrive.”
“When you look at it from a population perspective, over the last 20 years (the Hispanic) population has grown tremendously here, but many institutions across the region don’t have a comprehensive assessment of the community’s needs,” said Al Galindo of Roux Deaux LLC. “Yes, the census data provides quantitative information, but it doesn’t provide qualitative information to shape policy and foster continued growth.”
Galindo, who also serves as an HCCL board member, is part of the coalition heading this effort. The original group includes leadership from GNO, Inc. and Telemundo.
This expansive endeavor will be the first of its kind in more than two decades. In 1997, the Survey Research Center at the University of New Orleans published its Hispanic Social Needs Survey – a thorough examination of a group that at the time represented just 2.4 percent of the state’s population. Since then, the number of Louisiana’s total Hispanic residents has tripled, from 107,738 in 2000, to 322,549 in 2020, according to the U.S. Census.
“Not only is that survey the most recent data set, it’s the only data set. So, a project like this is long overdue,” Galindo said. “The influx of workers that came after (Hurricane) Katrina and stayed through the rebuild changed the population of this aera. But until you have firm data on things like home ownership, educational advancement, workforce development, voter participation, and the like, it’s hard to know where to concentrate full-fledged efforts.
“This assessment will provide the information needed to fulfill both short-term and long-term initiatives.”
Spes Unica Award
In April, The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana’s (HCCL) President & CEO, Mayra Pineda, received the Spes Unica Award from the University of Holy Cross. It is the university’s most prestigious award.
“This special recognition captures Mayra’s unwavering leadership, selfless service, and countless contributions to our community,” says University of Holy Cross President Stanton McNeely. “(Her) dedication to community service and leadership exemplifies the values we hold dear.”
“I am overwhelmed and deeply humbled to accept this award, which holds great honor and prestige, embodying values that guide my life, such as service, community, and philanthropy.,” Pineda says. “This honor validates the dedication and passion that have fueled my efforts for years, and reinforces my commitment to striving for excellence in my work in support of my dear Hispanic community. I pledge to continue serving and working to inspire others, opening doors of opportunity.”
In Pineda’s acceptance speech at the April 10th event at the Higgins Hotel, she thanked her family, the HCCL team and its board of directors, and community members for their support.
She issued a message of hope to all who are fighting for their dreams.
“Do not stop. Never give up,” she said. “Let us continue to aim high and work together to lift our communities.”
