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YLN marks 10th
Anniversary at Ariel International Center
By Arooj Ashraf, La Prensa Correspondent
Young Latino Network (YLN)
celebrated ten years of grooming the future leadership of
Cleveland on July 28, 2012. At the annual fundraiser,
Noche De Guayabera,
YLN honored the founding visionaries who realized the
need for an organization that propelled careers and nurtured
leadership in the Latino community.
YLN treasurer, Luis
Cartagena, said in researching the history of the
organization he was impressed that it has remained true to its
founding mission of providing support to existing community
organizations rather than being a competitor. “YLN has been a
safe place for young professionals to grow as leaders and
develop skills if they are right out of college,” he said.
Cartagena said the
emphasis for its membership has always been to foster strong
partnerships within the community organizations and regardless
of the challenges faced by each Board the spirit of
collaboration has been steadfast.
José Feliciano Jr.,
YLN President, said the organization is strengthening its
commitment to fostering leadership by developing a YLN Fund
which will provide
scholarships for members looking for leadership development
opportunities through organizations like Cleveland Bridge
Builders, Lead Diversity, Neighborhood Leadership Development
Program, United States Hispanic Leadership Institute, and
more. “We always need more Hispanic representation,” he said and
the scholarships will encourage members to participate in
existing programs that are models of producing exemplary
leaders.
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YLN board members,
Blanca Figueroa,Jose Feliciano,Jessica Gonzalez, Luis Cartagena,Luis
Cabrera with Radhika Reddy (Center)
Luis Caragena and Luis Cabrera
Linda Alvarado and Radhika Reddy |
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This year’s event took
place at the recently opened Ariel International Center,
one-stop center for International
business development and International events in Northeast Ohio,
celebrating the regions global diversity and contributing to the
economic development of the region.
Radhika Reddy, founding partner and
owner of Ariel Ventures, welcomed the Latino community as the
first to host an event at the historic 68,000 square foot
building, located on 3 acres, overseeing Lake Erie and the
Cleveland skyline. The renovated building is the realization of
a 20-year dream for Reddy, who arrived in Cleveland as a student
with $20 in hand and a one-year scholarship.
“I faced many
of the challenges that immigrants face,” and she realized the
need for a one stop international facility in Cleveland that
would encourage entrepreneurship and facilitate immigrants and
foreign partners to establish roots in the city. She plans to
convert the building into an incubator space for inspired minds,
especially minority and women owned business to start up with
under $150. “I love to support immigrants, because I know how
hard we work,” she said.
Cartagena said
Ariel International Center should be a key resource for business
developers who are hoping to expand to Latin America and bring
opportunities back to Cleveland, “We are honored to be the first
ones to showcase this amazing place to the Hispanic community.”
As the sun set
on Lake Erie and downtown skyline lit up in the background, YLN
marked the beginning of a new era with a renewed sprit and
dedication to empowering young professionals to step up to the
plate and serve. “If we are not involved we cannot complain,”
said Cartagena.
For more
information on YLN visit:
www.younglatinonetwork.org
Visit Ariel
International Center at: http://www.arielinternationalcenter.com/aic/
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