SACRAMENTO, Calif — The Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce had it's annual State of Hispanics program at Cosumnes River College on Friday, highlighting Hispanic Serving Institutions like American River College.
Many city and educational leaders shared insights into the inequities affecting Hispanics in the annual forum.
"HSI, Hispanic serving institution, is a designation that is given to us by the federal government. So once our student body population hits 25% Hispanic students, we are able we become an HSI designation," said Dr. Lisa Cardoza, the president of American River College.
Cardoza said it's different to be designated than to actually be a Hispanic Serving Institution. They recently hired a director with help from a federal grant.
Cardoza said they'll be working together to ensure they implement support networks and mentoring to all their students.
"We are always trying to find ways to do better. We're trying to find ways to better serve our students. We're trying to find ways like I said, to break down barriers. We're trying to find ways to ensure that our students have the resources, the support and the networks that they need in order to be successful," Cardoza said.
Sacramento State University is part of those same conversations too.
"At Sacramento State, we're intentional to infusing information, curriculum, pedagogy theories, practical knowledge in the curriculum to ensure that students are... workforce ready," said Dr. Carlos Nevarez, Sacramento State Interim Provost.
At the forum, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce also reviews data from a report launched in 2021 and 2023.
"When the first report was put together, there was an agenda that was also attached with it. Stakeholders said, if we make movement in these pillars in education and home ownership, financial literacy, civic engagement, as well as other parts, there's gonna be a better path for prosperity for all," said Cathy Rodriguez Aguirre, the president & CEO of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
That includes the Latino community.
Rodriguez Aguirre said if one community is lifted, then it lifts all other communities.
Since Hispanics are contributing to the economy, the workforce and the growing demographic, the chamber is making a call to action for this year's upcoming election.
"We go to quinceañera. We're at concerts. We're doing the whole thing. Well, let's make voting that same thing. You don't have to vote the same. You don't. You don't have to agree on the same things, but if we are not casting our vote, we are never ever going to get the full influence of power that our community has," Rodriguez Aguirre said.
Friday's event marks the official kickoff of Hispanic Heritage Month.
It starts on Saturday and goes through Oct. 15.
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