What a year it has been. As I reflect on the year behind us, I can’t help but feel incredibly proud of everything we have accomplished together. This year, we continued to do what we do best: bringing people together. We gathered at symposiums, conferences, roundtables, and celebrations that sparked important conversations about leadership, workforce development, healthcare, technology, and the future of our state. We also expanded our global reach through trade missions to Spain, Honduras, and Mexico, creating relationships that benefit businesses both abroad and at home.
As proud as I am of these accomplishments, this year also reminded us that the true strength of our community isn’t measured during easy times, it’s revealed during moments of uncertainty. This year brought challenges that many in our community felt deeply. Families experienced fear and uncertainty surrounding increased immigration enforcement activity. While those moments were difficult, they also reminded us of something important: who we are.
The Hispanic community has always been resilient. Whether our families arrived generations ago or more recently, we share a story of courage, perseverance, and hope. Many left behind everything they knew in pursuit of opportunity and a better future. Resilience isn’t new to us; it’s part of our story. During these challenging moments, we saw something beautiful happen. People showed up for one another. Businesses, volunteers, community organizations, and leaders came together to provide resources. Together, we reminded one another that no one should have to navigate difficult times alone.
The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana did the same. We organized legal clinics, connected families to resources, supported small businesses, strengthened partnerships, and created spaces where people could find information, support, and hope. Our mission has never been just about business, it’s about people. In many ways, our greatest accomplishment this year wasn’t an event we hosted. It was how we showed up when our community needed us most.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that when our community thrives, Louisiana thrives. For generations, the American Dream has been built on hard work, determination, and opportunity. I see that dream every day: in the entrepreneur opening a first business, the student becoming the first in their family to earn a degree, the worker creating a better future for their children, and the business owner creating jobs for others.
Hispanic entrepreneurs continue to be one of the fastest-growing forces in American business. Hispanic women are among the fastest-growing groups of entrepreneurs, and Latino purchasing power now exceeds $4 trillion. Those statistics represent dreams realized, businesses built, jobs created, and communities strengthened. Let’s keep building!
Before I close, I want to thank the people who make the Chamber so special.
To our President and CEO, Mayra Pineda, thank you for your vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our mission. To our Board of Directors, thank you for your time, your ideas, your passion, and your willingness to serve. It has been an honor to serve alongside each of you. To our incredible staff, thank you. While many only see the finished event or program, I have the privilege of seeing the hard work that makes it all possible.
To our sponsors and partners, thank you for believing in our mission and investing in our community. Your support makes it possible for us to create programs, advocate for businesses, develop leaders, and expand opportunities throughout Louisiana. We simply could not do this work without you.
Finally, to our members, thank you for trusting us, supporting us, and believing in what the Chamber represents. You are the reason we exist. Every business you build, every job you create, every opportunity you provide, and every dream you pursue strengthens not only the Hispanic community but also the future of Louisiana.
As I prepare to pass the baton, I find myself reflecting on my time with immense gratitude. Serving as Chairwoman has been one of the greatest honors of my professional and personal life. As we look ahead, my hope is that we continue doing what we do best: showing up for one another, opening doors, and creating opportunities for those who will come after us. Our best days are still to come!
Raiza Pitre
HCCL Chair
Cox Business
