2022 Impact Report

Dear Friends,

2022 was a significant year for the Latino Economic Development Center as we battled through the lingering effects of a global pandemic while managing the incredible internal and external growth of our organization. As we emerge from the pandemic with renewed strength and unwavering commitment, we are delighted to showcase the continued expansion of our organization. In the past fiscal year alone, we welcomed over 30 new team members who have bolstered our capabilities to go above and beyond for our community.

Aurora Market: Taking the "Mom and Pop" Shop to the Next Level

Aurora Market, a beloved "modern mom-and-pop shop" founded by Active-Duty Army Retiree Pablo Ortiz and Rahel Kassa, has quickly become a cherished establishment in our community since its opening in January 2022. With a recent expansion to a second location, Aurora Market continues to grow as a pillar of support, nourishment, and connection, embodying the power of community-driven entrepreneurship.

Homeowners and entrepreneurs: Meet two POWERful Baltimore women

Meet Kahlilah and Chamara, two women with inspiring stories featured in last month’s POWER newsletter. POWER: Prioritizing Our Women’s Economic Rise is a three-year project supported by JPMorgan Chase that brings together community-based organizations, government agencies, and institutions to accelerate the wealth creation among Black and Latina women in West Baltimore.

Sign up for the POWER newsletter to receive monthly updates about upcoming events, available resources, partner news, and inspiring stories in West Baltimore.

“Pure Human Value!”: Alvaro De La Rocha’s Path to Financial Stability Goes Through LEDC

Alvaro De La Rocha turns to the Latino Economic Development Center for assistance with HOA fees after being turned away by several other organizations. Frustrated by the lack of understanding, Alvaro finds hope in LEDC's willingness to listen and help him get set on the road to recovery. 

Préstamos para negocios con intereses bajos

Desde LEDC, queremos explicarte como acceder a préstamos para negocios con intereses bajos. 

EWI Legacy Stories Project Ep. #10: Karlisima

Award- winning artist Karlisima draws on her Mayan heritage and reverence for nature in work as a painter and muralist. In Episode #10 of the EWI Legacy Stories Project, Karlisima shares her experience immigrating to the US as a teenager, her work as an artist, and how the Empowered Women International programs motivated her to be an artist entrepreneur.