The importance of Latinos to Connecticut is clear. Over 540,000 Latinos reside in the state. That's fifteen percent of the state’s population. What's more, one out of every five children in Connecticut’s public schools is Latino, which means that the Latino percentage of the state will continue to grow over the coming years and decades. In many ways, the future success of Connecticut is contingent on the future success of its Latino communities.
Two weeks ago, Hispanic Federation co-hosted a meet and greet between Latino nonprofit leaders in Connecticut and local elected officials to discuss issues such as education, economic development and immigration. Mayors Toni Harp of New Haven and Luke Bronin of Hartford, who govern over the first two sanctuary cities in the state and have significant Latino populations in their constituencies, were on hand to speak with Latino nonprofit leaders.
“While we’re in a unique political climate nationally, it’s more important than ever to engage our local leaders on the issues affecting our communities,” said Ingrid Alvarez, Connecticut State Director. “I credit many of our local elected officials for engaging, always, with Latino leaders and creating opportunity for an exchange of ideas and open dialogue that will be crucial for improving the lives of all of us living in Connecticut.”
There is a lot of important work that needs to be done in Connecticut and the Hispanic Federation is grateful that there are so many amazing leaders in the state that are on the front lines of uplifting our diverse communities – and actively partnering with us to leverage and maximize our impact. Among those leaders in attendance for our meet and greet were:
Honorable Chris Soto, Connecticut state Representative, New London
Honorable Thomas J. Clarke, III, President, Court of Common Council, City of Hartford
Honorable Eloisa Melendez, City Councilwoman, Common Council, City of Norwalk
Honorable Darryl Brackeen, Board of Alders, City of New Haven
Joseph Rodriguez, Deputy State Director, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal
Yanil Teron, Center for Latino Progress, Hartford
John Torres, Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders
Lucas Codognolla, Connecticut Students for a Dream, Statewide
David Greco, ARTE, Inc., New Haven
Monica Vargas, Spanish Community Center of Wallingford
Sandra Treviño, Junta for Progressive Action, New Haven
