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The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by continuing its mission to shed light on Hispanic businesses and entrepreneurs.
National Hispanic American Heritage Month, which is observed annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, acknowledges the achievements of Hispanic Americans.
“It gives us an opportunity to learn something about a significant community that has had many financial contributions and cultural contributions to this country,” Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Laura Murillo told the Houston Daily. “We are on a constant forward moving trajectory to elevate the perspective of Latinos.”
Despite Hispanics representing 42% of the demographic in the Houston area, Murillo said the Latino community is often left out in conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion.
“As we continue to promote individuals who are doing phenomenal things it’s our hope that we help with this conversation—that people see us as a contributor, as a formidable taxpaying leader,” she said. “It’s about educating our community and changing perceptions that they may have.”
The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce had been in existence for over 40 years.
“We promote the civic and economic interests of the business community,” Murillo said. “Every day we find ways to connect the dots for job opportunities, for information on referrals on where you can go to find information on how to start a business.”
The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce website states the organization offers a variety of programming from networking events to educational seminars.
Gov. Greg Abbott said the culture of Texas bears a heavy Hispanic influence, according to the Office of the Texas Governor website.
Abbott also said Texas ranks among the top states for Hispanic-owned businesses and leads the nation for jobs created by Hispanic women business owners.