Week 10/15/25 Newsletter - CareerSource South Florida Empowers Hispanic Businesses at Workforce Fireside Chat with SFLHCC
- Oct 14
- 8 min read
CareerSource South Florida Empowers Hispanic Businesses at Workforce Fireside Chat with SFLHCC
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CareerSource South Florida, in partnership with the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, successfully hosted the Hispanic Workforce Fireside Chat in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month on October 8, 2025, at La Tremenda Miami in Doral.
This impactful event brought together Hispanic business owners, workforce partners, and community leaders to discuss “Building a Skilled Workforce – Connecting Hispanic Businesses to Local Talent.” Moderated by SFLHCC Chairwoman-Elect Michelle Febres, the panel featured insights from Joe Chi (CAMACOL), Gloria Fonseca (Fonsis LLC), Jesus Padilla (Florida SBDC), Myrna Sonora (Prospera), and Danny Espino (Miami-Dade School Board).
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Panelists shared real-life entrepreneurial stories, addressed skill gaps, and discussed strategies to grow and diversify Miami’s workforce. Attendees left with new connections, actionable ideas, and a renewed commitment to supporting the growth and success of Hispanic-owned businesses in South Florida.
The event showcased the power of collaboration in building a stronger, more inclusive local economy and recognized the vital contributions of the Hispanic community to the region’s progress. Thank you to CareerSource South Florida for their continued partnership.
15th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Lunch & "Men Wear Pink" Fashion Show Unites Community
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The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) held its 15th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Lunch & Panel Discussion on Friday, October 10th, at The Biltmore Hotel. The well-attended event, presented by Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, brought together medical experts, breast cancer survivors, local leaders, and community members for a powerful afternoon of awareness.
A highlight of the afternoon was the "Men Wear Pink" Fashion Show, presented in partnership with the American Cancer Society. Prominent Miami leaders, including police chiefs, directors, and executives, took to the runway as 2025 Miami Ambassadors, showing their support for breast cancer awareness in style.
The event featured a dynamic expert panel, moderated by Emmy-winning journalist María Fernanda López from Univision 23, with distinguished panelists including Dr. Susan Kesmodel, Dr. Eva Suarez, Rodrigo Arrangoiz, Nicole A. Marriott, Lisa Lorenzo, and Shirley Sastre Souto, who shared the latest updates on prevention, treatment, and survivorship. Proceeds and support from community sponsors underscored the importance of ongoing education and research in the fight against breast cancer.
Thank you to our sponsors and everyone who made this event a success.
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Celebrating Hispanic-Owned Businesses
🌟 Member Spotlight: Jovianna Gonzalez
Chair, Miami Tech Club – South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Digital Forensics Now
(888)-789-1911
The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is proud to highlight our Miami Tech Club Chair, Jovianna Gonzalez, Founder & CEO of Digital Forensics Now. Jovianna is nationally recognized for her expertise in digital forensics and cybercrime investigations, working on high-profile cases that cross borders and make headlines.
Most recently, Jovianna has been involved in an international investigation tied to a federal raid in Miami, involving the assassination of former Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. Her forensic expertise in data recovery and evidence authentication has played a key role in this complex international case.
Her leadership in the Miami Tech Club reflects her passion for innovation, security, and empowering the South Florida business community with knowledge and resources to thrive in today’s digital economy. We are proud to have her representing SFLHCC on both the local and global stage.
SFLHCC President Liliam M. Lopez Attends Prestigious "Sand in My Shoes" Dinner
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SFLHCC President Liliam M. Lopez recently had the distinct pleasure of attending the annual "Sand in My Shoes" dinner, an esteemed event presented by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. The gala is one of South Florida's most anticipated community gatherings, bringing together influential leaders and recognizing those who have made significant contributions to the region.
Lily gratefully acknowledged SFLHCC past chairman Felipe Basulto, a dear friend and respected business leader, for extending the invitation so graciously. The evening marked a milestone for community celebration, as guests enjoyed meaningful conversations and shared in collective pride for Miami's achievements.
A particular highlight of the evening was the honoring of Benjamin Leon, U.S. Ambassador to Spain, who received the prestigious "Sand in My Shoes" award. The honor reflects Ambassador Leon's remarkable dedication to public service and the positive impact he continues to make both locally and globally.
The event served as an inspiring reminder of the importance of community engagement and leadership, values that Lily and the SFLHCC champion every day.
Quick Read!
Dementia & Alzheimer’s Disease
Amongst the U.S. Hispanic Population
By: Giselle Sancho
Introduction
Alzheimer’s disease is becoming increasingly prevalent in the Hispanic population. In 2024, approximately 6.9 million people in the United States were living with Alzheimer’s disease, a dreaded illness that has long-term and fatal consequences.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia in the elderly. Dementia refers to cognitive impairment in individuals, typically ages 65 and older. The main symptoms are the loss of the ability to care for oneself and the failure to acknowledge familiar surroundings and people. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the disease “is caused by damage to nerve cells (neurons) in the brain. The brain’s neurons are essential to all human activity, including thinking, talking and walking.”
Surprisingly, the U.S. Latino population has a 50% higher chance of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease than non-Hispanic Whites.
Health Conditions
The prevalence of chronic conditions impacting dementia amongst Latinos is high and growing every day.
Metabolic syndrome affects memory and cognitive performance, and it is most prevalent among Latino adults, a high “risk factor that may contribute to health disparities in (Alzheimer’s disease).” This includes illnesses such as diabetes, stroke, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. In the case of diabetes, about 17% of the Hispanic population has this condition.
Poor dietary patterns are also a culprit as this leads to obesity resulting in many of the aforementioned conditions. Culture-specific recipes, cooking methods, and large portion sizes that may be unhealthy and typical in Latino households could have a negative impact.
It is believed that genetics, physical inactivity, and psychological stressors such as drug abuse, depression, isolation, and family problems, are additional contributing factors.
Culture
Like most other cultures, Latin people are heavily influenced by their family and cultural beliefs. The family unit is of strong importance and so are the opinions and perceptions of family members. Family caregivers may unintentionally dismiss the standard level of medical and pharmaceutical care as they are leaning towards executing their own beliefs. Some may consider that memory loss is simply a normal part of aging and medical assistance is not sought in time or at all.
There can also be a lack of trust in the medical community as this class is still underrepresented in the profession, with “only 8% working in a science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) job.” As a result, only 29% of Latinos have “a great deal of confidence” in medical scientists, according to a Pew Research Center survey, and they may not seek the professional care required.
Socioeconomic Disparities
There are multiple socioeconomic factors that may play a role in the high prevalence of dementia in Hispanics. Over 23 million live in low-income households and in areas that do not have adequate access to food markets carrying healthy foods, also known as food deserts.
Research has demonstrated that “Alzheimer’s patients with higher education could cope better with degenerative brain disease than those with less education.” Brain images have shown this through larger brain volumes. This would put the Latino community at a disadvantage as many have not attained high levels of education.
High stress is also a contributing factor with negative implications. Studies indicate that Hispanic women, who tend to be the caregivers and nurturers in the family, have more depression and anxiety which can lead to mental conditions.
Immigration status is another pressing matter that may prevent Hispanics from seeking medical attention due to fear of deportation and legal repercussions. Variables such as bilingualism, language issues, and immigration may “promote cognitive resilience in the presence of neurodegeneration.”
Improving the socioeconomic, language, stress, and educational concerns may help lower the prevalence of dementia.
Conclusion
We must continue to raise awareness about the impact of Alzheimer’s in the Hispanic community. This is essential to breaking stigma and encouraging early diagnosis and support. By keeping this dialogue alive, we can empower our community with knowledge, resources, and hope for better outcomes.
More information & assistance is available at:
Alzheimer's Association | Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Help Alzheimer’s Associationhttps://www.alz.org
Sources
College Savings Just Got Easier — and You Get $50!
Our partner, Florida Prepaid, just launched a brand-new website that makes saving for college super simple — and they’re celebrating with a $50 bonus for families who open a new 529 Plan between Sept. 15 and Nov. 10. As always, they offer lexible plans that grow with your child’s future (college, trade school, tech training — you name it!)
But here’s what’s new (and awesome!):
A Plan Builder Tool to help you find the right savings plan for your family
A mobile-friendly site with easy, step-by-step enrollment
New options — like buying a Dormitory Plan on its own
Whether you’re just starting to think about college or ready to dive in, this is a great time to take that first step.
👉 Check out the new site (link to your unique bitly) and use promo code SFLHCC2025 to grab your $50 before Nov. 10!
Register for Our Upcoming Events!
Nominations Now Open
This week, we throw it back to 2001 with SFLHCC's President, Liliam M. Lopez, and Board of Directors featured in the newspaper.
CHAMBER MEMBER EVENT SPOTLIGHT
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Remember to Maximize Your Benefits
The South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SFLHCC) has announced an exciting partnership with CareerSource South Florida to deliver enhanced services to its members. This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths and resources of both organizations to benefit businesses and job seekers within the community.
 Nestor de la Cruz-Muñoz Medical Director, HCA Florida Weight Management and Metabolic Wellness HCA Florida Mercy Hospital |
Schedule your Appointment for the New Year Now!
Thursdays with Lily
Chamber Member Announcements
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HUB South Florida Compliance & Benefits Summit on October 23, 2025 Join us for an in-depth discussion on what the latest compliance updates mean for your organization. We’ll also share insights on employee benefits strategies and personalized employee programs that will help you build an engaged and vital workforce and a resilient organization.  |  |
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👉 How to Register:
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A"Business Minute with Lily Lopez"
Click below to access "A Business Minute with Lily Lopez" on YouTube
