A new Hartford professional organization seeks to raise the profile of the Latino business community in Connecticut.
Latinos United for Professional Advancement, or LUPA, kicked off its inaugural event in July, linking members to promote their development and increase the business community’s awareness of their skills.
“Anytime a group of like-minded folk can get together in a networking sense, positive stuff begins to unfold,” said Luis Cotto, Hartford City Council minority leader. “I anticipate this group to be a successful and powerful one.”
Latinos represented 94 percent of Connecticut’s population growth over the past decade, according to a 2010 report from the U.S. Census Bureau.
“We have hit upon something that has been needed in the market for quite some time,” said Wilson Camelo, chief marketing officer of Bauza & Associates, which started LUPA. “We are excited about providing a larger network for all Latino professionals to join, provide development and support to one another, and socialize in a professional environment.”
LUPA will offer online and offline ways for Latino professionals to interact, as a way to foster their advancement and development. Members range from firefighters to insurance industry representatives to small business owners.
“LUPA will showcase to businesses the powerful Latino community that exists right in Hartford,” said Camelo. “Organizations are continuously looking for diverse, talented professionals to join their teams, and many qualified Latino professionals will become visible through this endeavor.”
The organization already caught the eye of Illinois insurer State Farm, which is sponsoring the organization.
“Connecticut has many organizations at the local level, but elevating LUPA to the state level is a critical advancement,” said Linda Ward, manager of multicultural business development at State Farm. “Our commitment is to bridging gaps in the community, and working with LUPA will certainly match up with this goal.”
“State Farm shares the same passions and commitments as LUPA does for educational and professional advancement, as well as community progression,” adds Rose Fonseca, multicultural market specialist at State Farm. “This partnership is committed to the community.”
Gabriel Botero, veterans outreach aid for U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), recognizes the importance of Latino organizations, and the benefits they bring the community. Botero is a member of Lambda Theta Phi Fraternity, the first recognized Latin fraternity in the country.
“Lambda Theta Phi was created to raise awareness and create an environment for Latinos,” said Botero, who links the brotherhood he shares with fellow Lambda Theta Phi members to the unified group members of LUPA. “LUPA will present a great opportunity for young professionals to come together and expand their shared cultural and social aspects while growing the Latino youth.”
LUPA has created a Facebook page, a Twitter account, and a LinkedIn account for their followers to join, stay connected to fellow group members, and remain aware of LUPA happenings.
“We are excited and ready to use the power of social media platforms to share information and network with multiple people at one time,” said Camelo.
While technology will be a large driving force for the organization, LUPA is organizing events for Latino professionals and supporters to meet face-to-face. The first event was July 19 at the Russian Lady on Ann Uccello Street in Hartford. This event was part of LUPA’s Up Close and Professional series of free networking events throughout the year.
