Kansas City, August 9, 2025
Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio (CLUES)
Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio (CLUES) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Latino communities through support for small businesses, community engagement, and advocacy. Founded with the goal of fostering resilience and economic growth among Latinos, CLUES has developed initiatives such as formalizing informal small businesses, providing resources to childcare providers, and opening community hubs to facilitate business expansion. Over the years, CLUES has played a vital role in promoting entrepreneurial growth and sustainability within Latino populations, addressing systemic barriers, and encouraging civic participation. Its efforts are focused on creating a pathway to prosperity and community resilience through education, advocacy, and tangible resource support.
News Summary
The UnidosUS Annual Conference brought together over 1,500 Latino advocates and entrepreneurs in Kansas City to address economic challenges and opportunities. Speakers highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit of the community and the importance of resilience, education, and civic engagement. Key discussions included initiatives to formalize small businesses, support worker rights, and enhance community empowerment.
Kansas City Hosts UnidosUS Annual Conference, Highlighting Economic Challenges for Latino Entrepreneurs
Over 1,500 Latino advocates, entrepreneurs, and change-makers gathered in Kansas City for the UnidosUS Annual Conference, focusing on the economic challenges and opportunities for Latino entrepreneurs. As leaders in the Latino community addressed attendees, they emphasized the need for resilience, education, and community engagement to overcome systemic hurdles and build prosperous businesses.
Key Points from the Conference
During the closing plenary, Ruby Azurdia-Lee, president and CEO of Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio (CLUES), highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit of Latino entrepreneurs, referring to it as their “superpower.” She discussed CLUES’ initiative to formalize small businesses, aiding informal childcare providers in obtaining necessary licenses and opening new childcare hubs, allowing them to expand operational capacities significantly. This approach aims to foster entrepreneurial growth and sustainability in the Latino community.
Janet Murguía, president and CEO of UnidosUS, marked her 20th year leading the organization and emphasized an urgent call to action to address economic challenges while reiterating the community’s resilience. Marisa Calderón, president and CEO of Prosperity Now, encouraged Latino entrepreneurs to see their businesses as valuable assets that can be leveraged for wealth-building. She also stressed the importance of educating entrepreneurs on organizing their businesses for future marketability.
Advocacy for Workers’ Rights
Rocío Sáenz, international secretary-treasurer of SEIU, shed light on Latino workers who remain trapped in low-wage jobs, urging for organized efforts to strengthen worker rights. Sáenz shared success stories, like California fast food workers achieving a $20 hourly wage, to demonstrate the effectiveness of collective action. Paul Granillo, president and CEO of the Inland Empire Economic Partnership, echoed this sentiment, advocating for increased investments in training Latinos for high-paying careers in technology and advanced manufacturing.
Political Engagement and Community Empowerment
Speakers at the conference consistently linked economic gains with civic engagement, urging Latino communities to leverage their economic power to influence local governance and policies. Sáenz noted that issues like affordable healthcare and job quality are critical motivators for political participation. This solidarity and community engagement foster economic stability, encouraging members to participate actively in local governance and advocacy for better conditions.
Janis Bowdler, senior fellow at Equis Institute, concluded the conference by urging attendees to harness their economic power for a more equitable and inclusive society. The discussions culminated in the development of UnidosUS’ “Economic Agenda for Prosperity,” aimed at creating a roadmap for economic opportunity specifically tailored for Latino communities.
Local Struggles and Resilience
In a related discussion, local leaders from the Central Avenue Betterment Association reported a significant reduction in sales—ranging from 35% to 60%—in the Latino community on Central Avenue, largely due to fears of ICE raids. This environment of fear has curbed patronage, but the Association is working to educate the community on rights and provide necessary support. Their La Placita community market emphasizes promoting local vendors and budding entrepreneurs without the pressures typical of traditional business avenues.
Despite ongoing challenges, the potential for growth remains evident. For example, Latino entrepreneurs now make up 14.5% of all American business owners, a significant increase from previous years. Entrepreneurs like Veronica Chavez, whose family business Palomino’s Salsas and Tamales has significantly expanded, showcase the potential for nationwide recognition in the food industry. Additionally, resources like the Ennovation Center provide affordable access to kitchen facilities and business support, vital for nurturing startup success.
Community leaders are steadfast in combating fear and fostering economic empowerment among Latino populations by emphasizing the importance of resilience and education in adapting to current challenges.
FAQ
What is the UnidosUS Annual Conference?
The UnidosUS Annual Conference is an annual event that gathers Latino advocates, entrepreneurs, and change-makers to discuss challenges and opportunities within the community.
Who spoke at the conference?
Key speakers included Ruby Azurdia-Lee, Janet Murguía, Marisa Calderón, Rocío Sáenz, and Paul Granillo, each focusing on different aspects of economic empowerment and community resilience.
What are the main issues faced by Latino entrepreneurs?
Latino entrepreneurs face various challenges, including economic instability, fear of deportation, and difficulties in accessing formal business resources and training.
What initiatives are being undertaken to support Latino businesses?
Initiatives include formalizing small businesses, opening childcare hubs, enhancing access to business support, and fostering civic engagement to drive policy changes.
How has the community been affected by ICE raids?
The fear of ICE raids has led to significant drops in sales for local Latino businesses, with some reporting declines between 35% and 60%.
What percentage of American business owners are Latino?
Latino entrepreneurs constitute approximately 14.5% of all American business owners, showcasing a growth trend in recent years.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Startland News: UnidosUS Annual Conference in Kansas City
- KSHB: Latino Businesses in Kansas City See Decline Amid Growing ICE Concerns
- The Pitch: CABAs’ Unwavering Support for KCK’s Latino Community
- Kansas City Star: Economic Challenges for Latino Entrepreneurs
- Wikipedia: Hispanic and Latino Americans
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
