It’s impressive when you rattle off the numbers connected to Hispanic business owners, especially Latinas, on the national scale.
Latinas, who start businesses more than 5x faster than any other group, produced $1.3 billion in GDP in the U.S. in 2021 – a higher number than all but three individual states.
And it’s impressive when you rattle off the numbers connected to the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in New Jersey.
CEO Carlos Medina described how the SHCCNJ has more than 7,000 members – and represents more than 120,000 Hispanic-owned businesses that produce a GDP in the state of approximately $100 billion.
The essence of the Hispanic Chamber, however, is about familia – taking care of each other, one person at a time.
That spirit was on display at the recent SHCCNJ Gala, held last week at the Castle in Pompton Plains.
Chairman Luis de la Hoz told the overflow crowd that the Chamber has made a conscious effort to help small business – those with fewer than 10 employees. It’s the best way, he said, to help Hispanics pull themselves into the middle class and beyond.
That sense of togetherness – that sense of familia – was on display when Vanessa Coppes, CEO of Bella Media, was given the Latina Trailblazer of the Year award.
Coppes was recognized for her creativity and dedication to amplifying diverse voices in channels of media.
“Telling our stories and showcasing Latino talent is more important than ever,” she said. “Empowerment comes from sharing our journeys and lifting each other up.”
Succes comes from more than just the storytelling her company does – it can be measured in how it does it.
Coppes told the crowd she is intentional with her hiring.
“I consciously hire Latino talent to do a lot of the work that is required for what we do, anywhere from makeup artists to stylists, photographers,” she said. “They are part of our team, and it’s really important because, as the saying goes, you can’t be what you can’t see.”
Coppes said she joined the Hispanic Chamber because that shared commitment.
“The values of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce resonate with me deeply, because we are stronger together than we are apart,” she said. “We need to look for each other as Latinos and as a community to help and support each other.
“This has not just been a journey of finding family through the chamber, but also like-minded individuals who are genuinely here to help and support each other. It’s so incredibly rewarding when you can also do business in that way, because you’re keeping it in the family, you’re keeping it in the community, and it’s so much more powerful.”
Coppes was one of four honorees: The others:
- Business of the Year: Alvin Romero, CEO of Excel Facility Services Group, was honored for his leadership and job creation across 22 states. “It’s all about creating opportunities. Our business thrives because of our commitment to our employees and the communities we serve.”
- President of the Year: Marilyn and Alexander Duran of Duran Entities were celebrated for their innovation and commitment to community development.”People may forget what you say or do, but they will never forget how you make them feel. Our mission is to create spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued.”
- Icon of the Year: Luis A. Miranda Jr. was honored for his decades of service and impact on Hispanic communities. “True empowerment comes from working together to unlock power, wealth, and opportunity for all of us.”
Medina said familia is about community, collaboration and mutual support.
“This event represents the resilience and innovation of our community,” he said. “The energy in the room reflects the strength of our Latino businesses and the unwavering support of our partners. We are proud to continue fostering growth and creating opportunities.”
