Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by Uplifting Latinos to Reach Prosperity

Los Angeles County is home to nearly 5 million people of Hispanic heritage, comprising almost half of the county’s population. According to the latest U.S. Census data, Latinos are the largest ethnic group in L.A. and across California.

Given the significant Latino representation in our region, we believe that ensuring a better future for Los Angeles means creating opportunities for prosperity within the Latino community.

During Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) and throughout the year, we celebrate the increasing number of Latinos holding leadership positions in government, arts & culture, education, and the business sector in Los Angeles. At United Way, we’re proud to recognize Martha Santana-Chin, recently appointed as the first Latina to chair our Board of Directors.

“United Way has a long legacy of driving meaningful change and improving lives in our community, and I am deeply honored to serve as the Chair of the Board of Directors,” said Santana-Chin. “I take on this role at a pivotal time for United Way as we look to build new models of economic opportunity that uplift our neighborhoods and families.”

Over the years, United Way of Greater Los Angeles has supported Latinos in crisis by ensuring access to essential resources such as housing and education. Through initiatives like the Community College Success and the Women Investment Network (WIN-LA), we’re also working to close the racial wealth gap. We’re creating opportunities for prosperity in predominantly Latino neighborhoods such as Pico-Union and North Long Beach, providing the resources and tools needed to build generational wealth.

We don’t do this work alone. We’re proud to partner with community organizations, advocates, and corporate partners who support initiatives that uplift Latinos and help every Angeleno reach their full potential.

We collaborate with numerous community organizations that equip Latinos with the tools they need to succeed in their education, careers, businesses, and overall well-being.

In the coming year, we’re expanding initiatives to help more Latinos in community colleges achieve graduation and career goals. We’re also supporting them in leveraging their entrepreneurial skills to formalize their businesses through our community ownership initiatives.

We celebrate Latinos’ great contributions to Los Angeles by working to ensure their share of prosperity in our region—during Hispanic Heritage Month and every day!

“We celebrate our culture by investing in our youth, our community, bringing resources, and protecting their rights. We encourage our youth to pursue their dreams for a better future.”

Rocio Veliz

Youth Organizer, CARECEN

“We encourage people in our community to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by taking care of themselves, eating well, getting the help that they need- whether seeking mental health care or any kind of healthcare services is important”

Bianca Juarez Escamilla

Outreach Coordinator, Pico Union Project

“Latinos, we are very entrepreneurial so we encourage our people to use that spirit to contribute to the economy and thrive with our small businesses.”

Marco Ortega

Senior Coordinator, Entrepreneurship, LIFT Los Angeles

Your contributions to helping us advance racial equity in Los Angeles are invaluable. Learn how you can support our efforts to close the racial wealth gap here, and learn more about our community prosperity work.

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