by Diana Pando
On Friday, October 11^th over 500 Chicago movers-and-shakers in business, nonprofit, and media came together for Global Latino Fest, a highly anticipated Hispanic Heritage Month event of the season. In its 9^th year the event was organized by Milena Tous, President of Multi Latino Marketing Agency, Inc. and Pat Pulido Sanchez of Pulido Sanchez Communications. Guests were treated to savory Latin inspired cuisine, mouth-watering drinks, and live entertainment featuring dances from Mexico, Brazil, and Peru. This year, the proceeds from the event benefited The Resurrection Project and will launch the La Casa Scholarship Fund.
The evening was kicked off by the event’s masters of ceremonies, Daniella Guzman of NBC and Edna Schmidt of Telemundo. After introducing the event’s honorary committee, Guzman and Schmidt introduced Raul Raymundo, Executive Director of The Resurrection Project, who came onstage with two students from La Casa.
“La Casa is more than just a building: it’s a response to the challenges that The Resurrection Project and communities in Chicago’s Southwest Side recognized more than 10 years ago,” explained Raymundo. “It’s imperative that we act today to equip Latino youth for the demands of the workforces they will enter tomorrow. La Casa was created to do just that by surrounding students with the resources and support they need to successfully complete a bachelor’s degree.”

The two students, Sebastian Jimenez and Gonzalo Trejo of UIC, introduced themselves to the audience and thanked them for their support for La Casa.
“I love La Casa and its location,” Jimenez told the audience, “because I was looking for a strong sense of community and I didn’t want to lose that by living on campus. I want to see the everyday people because I don’t always want to see college students. Living in the heart of Pilsen is letting me grow as a person and expand my knowledge.”
Latino students also need access to resources in a nurturing environment that allows them to finish their education and succeed. Students are able to defray the cost of living on campus by living at La Casa and are able to benefit from a centralized on-site Resource Center. Students can benefit from resources like student mentorship, internship opportunities, and leadership development.
“I personally love La Casa because there are a lot of students who have the same goal and dream as I do,” said Trejo. “Living at La Casa and being close to the University Of Chicago (UIC) gives me the opportunity to get involved and do so many things I couldn’t do if I was just living on campus or at home. The staff is also really helpful and if you need help and they will do whatever it takes to connect you with people that can shape your career and shape your life.”
The event was capped off with a night of live entertainment and music, dancing, and a silent auction that raised additional funds for the La Casa Scholarship Fund.
Didn’t get to go to the event? No worries. Make your donation today!
By making a donation students have access to mentorship opportunities in an environment that values culture and dreams while cultivating the next generation of Latino leaders.
Special thanks to Milena Tous and Pat Pulido Sanchez for their continued leadership in our community.
To see more photos from the event, visit our Facebook page!