‘Colorful Conversations – Beyond the Demographics: Hispanic Contributions Driving Our Economy Then, Now, and Ahead’ will take place on Thursday, Sept. 18.

Submitted

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Minority Business Network of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce will host the next installment of its Colorful Conversations series on Thursday, Sept. 18 from noon to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom and Facebook Live.

This webinar will explore the economic, cultural, and workforce impact of the region’s growing Hispanic population. Our panelists will share data, insights, and strategies to strengthen connections, support Hispanic-owned businesses, and embrace this community’s role.

The panel discussion will be moderated by Briceyda Landaverde, reporter and news anchor for NBC Connecticut.  She states that “as a proud child of immigrants, I am looking forward to engaging in a conversation about building stronger connections, uplifting Hispanic-owned businesses and celebrating our culture.”

Featured panelists include:

• Matthew Banever, Founder and Designer, Bards Clothing
• Carlos Brea, Manager of Market Partnership and Integrated Media, NBC/Telemundo
• Marjorie Brown, Founder and Talent Acquisitions, CTB Staffing
• Luis Pérez, President & CEO, Mental Health CT

In addition to sitting on the panel, Carlos Brea spearheaded the event as a member of the West Hartford Chamber Board of Directors, and the Minority Business Network. “The Hispanic community in Connecticut has been and will continue to fuel the economy and culture across the region,” says Brea. “If you own a business or are a business leader, you will need to future proof your business by actively engaging with this cohort. Whether it’s marketing to or hiring a workforce, Hispanics will be the solution to any market volatility. Very happy to see how the West Hartford Chamber and the Minority Business Network within is bringing this much needed information to the community as Hispanics make up the largest group of America’s first multicultural majority generation.”

“The contributions of the Hispanic community have long been a driving force in shaping our region’s economy, enriching our culture, and strengthening our workforce,” says fellow panelist Luis Pérez. “As a Hispanic leader, I am honored to join this panel to celebrate those contributions and discuss how we can build on them for the future. In a time of shifting policies and priorities, conversations like this are essential to ensuring that Hispanic voices, businesses, and leaders are not only recognized, but actively supported and empowered.”

The Minority Business Network is a Chamber committee launched in early 2020 to increase visibility, provide networking opportunities, and offer resources to Chamber members from underrepresented racial, ethnic, and religious populations. Its mission is to increase visibility of minority-owned businesses, provide a discussion forum for the unique challenges faced by minority professionals, and increase diversity of Chamber membership.

Colorful Conversations is a quarterly panel discussion series that takes a deep dive into issues disproportionately affecting minority communities. Experts from across the country share insights and propose actionable solutions. Past topics have included healthcare, education, access to technology, and employment. Forums are streamed live via Zoom, Facebook, and West Hartford Interactive Television, with recordings available on the Chamber’s YouTube channel.

To attend the live Zoom webinar, please register here.

You can learn more about the Minority Business Network here.

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