White House hosts Hispanic summit in Lorain County to discuss issues in the community

ELYRIA, Ohio - Hispanic community leaders were given the opportunity to tell White House officials what’s on their minds Saturday in Lorain County.

More than 300 Hispanic business owners and other officials from around Ohio came to Lorain County Community College prepared to address problems in their communities. Topics of discussion included improving schools and businesses, as well as jump starting job growth.

Rafi Rodriguez of the Ohio Hispanic Chambers of Commerce says, “Hispanics, although we are the fastest growing minority in the nation and so in Ohio, I think that we have been more disproportionately hit when it comes to the unemployment and the opportunities to grow. ”

White House administrators say the summit is geared to help close the communication gap between federal officials and local Hispanic leaders.

White House administrator Joe Rico says, “They understand that if the Hispanic community does well here, Northeast Ohio is going to prosper and obviously, not only, so will the state and our country. ”

However, not everyone in attendance thought Hispanic communities – specifically in Lorain County – will welcome the new ideas.

Juan Molina of The Council on Social Analysis says, “I feel like the most important aspect is the individual that we’re trying to help. You know we can go so far, but they have to meet us as well … There are going to be people who want to get involved and try and motivate their neighbors, their friends and family. But however, I believe other people might be a little more apprehensive. ”

While the summit may be a step in the right direction, some say the changes they’d like to see in the future are certainly not something that will happen overnight.

The executive director of Ohio Latino Affairs Lilleana Cavanaugh said, “We want to be a part of the solution, we want to be part of building Ohio. We know we can turn Ohio around and we are in the process of doing it… This engagement is a long term commitment. ”

White House officials are continuing to travel all over the country hosting these forums in an attempt to connect more closely with Hispanic communities.