Metro Philadelphia Latino Power Players

Eric Diaz is a commercial real estate and finance lawyer dedicated to getting the deal done, and devoted to bridging the gap which separates Latino entrepreneurs and small businesses from the information they need to succeed. Diaz’s practice includes commercial real estate acquisition, disposition, leasing, and debt and equity finance. He provides direct, practical solutions to accomplish business goals by bringing experience and a network of professionals developed over 20 years to get the deal done.

What makes the Philadelphia Latino community unique?
It is saddled with an information gap and often a language barrier. These two strikes before they even get up to bat fester into implicit bias and institutionalized discrimination, working harder and longer for less, and intergenerational poverty. Yet, we stand strong in the face of adversity.  Drawn together by common culture, cuisine, and language, working with advocates such as the Hispanic Chamber and LareDiaz, we are a cohesive force politically, civilly, and economically.

What more do you think could be done to support the Latino community in Philadelphia?
We have to close the information gap and make our informed Latino voices heard. Building an ecosystem to support Latino small businesses and entrepreneurs is key. We need to inspire the larger business community to lift up Latino efforts to start or scale a business, purchase or lease property, and obtain financing. We need to educate and motivate lawmakers to ensure Latino interests in understandable, fairly enforced regulations, and safety from crime as a priority.

If you were taking someone on a tour of your neighborhood, what would be your first stop?
I would wander the streets of West Philly, being open to where the universe pulled us. Depending on the time and day, that could be Clarke Park, the Farmer’s Market at Clarke Park, or one of the many locally owned restaurant/bar/coffee shop establishments to mingle in the medley of diversity that is the hallmark of the neighborhood.

Do you have any local Latino heroes you look up to?
I look up to Reverend Luis Cortes and Jennifer Rodriguez. Jennifer’s rare combination of fierce, effective advocacy and managerial efficiency as president/CEO of the Hispanic Chamber is an inspiration. I see Cortes’ vision to meet the needs of the Latino community nationally. His success in creating Latino opportunity communities for 30 years, towards finalizing a replicable model, is an inspiration as LareDiaz aspires to create a legal network serving Latinos nationwide.

Natalia Dominguez Buckley has over 20 years of experience in public finance and economic development. She is currently the First Deputy City Treasurer. As part of the Office’s leadership team, she oversees the Ccity’s $9 billion outstanding debt portfolio, cash management and investments, banking and related policy issues. Natalia holds a BA in International Relations and an MGA in Public Finance from the Fels Institute of Government, University of Pennsylvania.

What makes the Philadelphia Latino community unique?
The Latino community is incredibly diverse in the City of Philadelphia, with so many vibrant cultures, languages, races, religion, music, literature, and sports. We celebrate each other’s success, and we also support each other in times of need.

What more do you think could be done to support the Latino community in Philadelphia?
There is a lot of work to be done in the Latino community. As a board member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and also Community First Fund, I am always looking for ways in which I can support our small minority businesses, individuals that want to be homeowners, and our Latino business corridors, and work closely with nonprofit organizations in the community, as well as City government.  

If you were taking someone on a tour of your neighborhood, what would be your first stop?
The Latino neighborhoods in the City of Philadelphia are very vibrant. I will first take them to some of the fabulous restaurants and then stroll on North 5th street and South 9th street.  

Do you have any local Latino heroes you look up to?
Yes, my Latina friends, such as Carolina Cabrera DiGiorgio, Jennifer Rodriguez, Christina Hernandez, Diana Cortes and Renee Garcia. 

Signe Espinoza (she/her/ella) is the executive director of Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates, a 501(c)(4) advocating for a Pennsylvania where sexual and reproductive health care, including abortion, is accessible, affordable, and affirming for all. She received her Masters in Public Health at Dornsife School of Public Health in 2019. She brings nearly a decade of experience in both the non-profit and government sector and was named among Dornsife’s most notable alumni.

What makes the Philadelphia Latino community unique?
It feels like home. Whether you’re in South Philly eating barbacoa or in North Philly eating Sancocho. It’s amazing how embedded Latinos are throughout the city and how they truly dominate the food scene. While it’s oftentimes overlooked, it’s something that always gives my family and I a taste of home.

What more do you think could be done to support the Latino community in Philadelphia?
More opportunities like this one. Our people deserve to be celebrated and represented in the media, classrooms, political spaces – everywhere.

If you were taking someone on a tour of your neighborhood, what would be your first stop?
El Limón. It’s a great Mexican restaurant by me. Any time I am missing El Coqui, Freddy and Tony’s, and all the northeast Philly staples, this fills that void.

Do you have any local Latino heroes you look up to?
Charito Morales. She is a nurse, organizer, and mobilizer. I look up to her because she is fearless and never turns down an opportunity to help nuestra gente. She challenges the status quo and isn’t afraid to stand up to those in power. Amy Eusebio is another hero of mine. We have worked together and she is currently the Director of Immigrant Affairs for the City. She is an incredible leader, mentor, and dear friend.

Amy Eusebio is a proud first-generation American, Afro-Latina, and daughter of Dominican immigrants. Eusebio joined the City of Philadelphia in 2018 as Municipal ID Program Director. She has more than 15 years of experience working in non-profit social services. Eusebio’s previous roles included a focus on ensuring the programs she was part of were culturally responsive to the immigrant communities they were intended to serve. She completed her education in social work, earning a bachelor’s degree from Temple University and a master’s from the University of Pennsylvania.

Radhi Fernández has called Philadelphia his home since moving there in his late teens. In 2020, he started The Faiya Co. producing healthy and delicious hot sauce free from sugar, additives, or preservatives. The brand has since garnered unwavering support from his local community, as well as national and international recognition, with multiple awards under its belt. Fernández’s dedication to his craft has proven successful, making his brand a household name in the condiment industry.

What makes the Philadelphia Latino community unique?
What makes this community unique is its ability to maintain its distinct identity while also adapting to life in a new and often challenging environment. This strong sense of community is reflected in the way that Latinos in Philadelphia come together to celebrate important cultural events and holidays through music, dance, and food most importantly.

What more do you think could be done to support the Latino community in Philadelphia?
Increasing equal opportunities for Latino business owners in Philadelphia would not only promote economic growth, but also help to reduce wealth disparities and foster greater community involvement. By providing access to resources, training, and support, Latino entrepreneurs can contribute to a thriving and diverse business ecosystem that benefits the entire city.

If you were taking someone on a tour of your neighborhood, what would be your first stop?
I’m a foodie, so I immediately think of food as a must-do. There is a Dominican spot called El Ranchito in North Philly that has all the traditional dishes that remind me of home. There is also a food truck called Los Potrillos and they serve some of the best tacos in the area.

Do you have any local Latino heroes you look up to?
I admire Chef Cristina Martinez of South Philly Barbacoa and Hector Nuñez of Wooder Ice as my local Latino heroes. Martinez’s dedication, hard work in promoting Mexican cuisine, and advocating for the rights of undocumented workers are truly inspiring. Nuñez’s dedication to highlighting diverse voices in Philadelphia through his platform is a testament to his commitment to equality. They both are examples of how hard work and determination can create positive change in the community.

Cynthia F. Figueroa is the president and CEO of JEVS Human Services. Cynthia is a dynamic leader with 25 years of experience in the government and non-profit human service sectors. She builds high-performing, diverse teams and develops outcome-based programs and services. She’s also  a creative problem-solver, a staunch advocate for vulnerable communities, and skilled at leading effective collaborations. Prior to JEVS, Cynthia was City of Philadelphia Deputy Mayor, Office of Children and Families.

What makes the Philadelphia Latino community unique?
The history and diversity of the community. Philadelphia is home to one of the largest concentrations of Puerto Ricans on the mainland. Although NYC and Orlando also have large Latino communities, Philadelphia’s Latino community is majority Puerto Rican, with a growing Mexican, Central, and South American communities. The Latino community has a strong civic and cultural present in this City.  

What more do you think could be done to support the Latino community in Philadelphia?
Continued representation in government, the private sector, as well as in Latino owned and operated entities. There are also significant issues impacting geographic sectors of the City that have a large concentration of the Latino community, including the opioid crisis, gun violence, blight, the state of public education, and the conditions of the school buildings. A specific plan that coordinates effort for all communities to be safe and offer quality education is needed. 

If you were taking someone on a tour of your neighborhood, what would be your first stop?
A few stops for sure, but in the order of heading north, I would stop at Taller Puertorriqueño and view what is on display in the gallery. I would then pop into Congreso to say “hi” to old friends and then I would head to Tierra Colombian for an incredible meal.

Do you have any local Latino heroes you look up to?
So many: Alba Martinez, Pedro Ramos, Sara Manzano Diaz, the Honorable Teresa Sarmina, Jaqueline Romero and the Reverend Bonnie Carmada.

Iron Chef, father, husband, James Beard Award-winner, entrepreneur, and food innovator, Chef Jose Garces is known as a leading culinary authority of Spanish and Latin-American food. As a child of immigrants and a leader in the diverse and inclusive hospitality industry, the wellbeing of his community in Philadelphia has always been dear to Chef Garces’ heart. To help provide ongoing and actionable assistance to the immigrant community, Chef Garces co-founded The Garces Foundation in 2011.

What makes the Philadelphia Latino community unique?
In my opinion, it’s an amazing blend of the best of the worlds. Philadelphia is a fantastic city with a great deal of heart, diversity, and passion. It’s natural that the Latino community can thrive here, especially with the strong sense of community that binds us all together. We are woven so fully into the fabric of our city that there is no way to separate the two. 

What more do you think could be done to support the Latino community in Philadelphia?
I think that there is a huge need for increased access to education, healthcare, and immigration services. At the Garces Foundation, we’re working to alleviate some of the issues that affect our communities through our EREL classes, community health days, and dental clinics. Through the pandemic, we increased our food pantry program to provide additional nutritional support to families. 

If you were taking someone on a tour of your neighborhood, what would be your first stop?
I live up in Manayunk, which I love because of its proximity to Wissahickon Valley Park, so the trails are definitely on the list of places to stop. I love Artesano Coffee Shop; it’s a latin-based craftsperson space and cafe. Great coffee and art; a unique space. I also love WhiteYak, a Tibetan restaurant on Ridge. And I have to give a shout out to Taqueria Amor, by Chef Tim Spinner, for when I’m craving Mexican food.

Do you have any local Latino heroes you look up to?
Philadelphia is full of local heroes, so I can only give you the first handful that come to mind. I’ve always been incredibly impressed by Jennifer Rodriguez from the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She’s got her finger on the pulse of the community in meaningful ways. Hernan Guacaro from AlDia has done a huge amount for the community through his news organization. Lastly, in sports, Ruben Amaro, former Phillies general manager is a force. A genuinely good guy doing great work.

Victor Garrido is the Managing Partner of GG CPA Services. In addition to his Certified Public Accountant and IRS Enrolled Agent licenses, Victor has other relevant national and international qualifications and credentials. Before founding GG CPA Services, Victor Garrido worked for PwC in Europe and the United States for almost a decade. Victor and his partners provide professional accounting and tax services, among others, to individuals and small businesses in several States. 

What more do you think could be done to support the Latino community in Philadelphia?
The Latino community has a poverty rate of around 40% in Philadelphia (national average around 25%), which is probably even higher due to the increase of living costs in the last couple of years. Entrepreneurship training, knowledge to register your business properly, navigate the Philadelphia taxes, and similar programs to create and support micro and small businesses that in return generate employment and wealth, are key to breaking the circle of poverty. 

Do you have any local Latino heroes you look up to?
In the last five years in the Philadelphia area I have interacted with numerous Latino and non-Latino individuals in non-profit organizations, businesses (from mom and pops to Fortune 500 companies), and government entities that advocated for the empowerment of the Hispanic community. On many occasions, we lack visibility or representation, so I have a deep sense of admiration for those individuals that helped us to have a voice and a seat at the table. 

Carlos Giraldo completed the Greater Philadelphia Realty School licensing program in 2003 and began selling real estate with Re/Max. He sold over 10 million in Real Estate in the first year alone. Following that success, he received his broker license in 2007. He is the Broker of Record for Giraldo Real Estate Group. His broad experience includes all facets of real estate, including development, renovation, and property management.

What makes the Philadelphia Latino community unique?
Our Latino community is one of the fastest-growing populations in our country. Their diversity and eagerness to obtain the “American Dream” allows them to excel in many industries.

 What more do you think could be done to support the Latino community in Philadelphia?
It would be great to have more local programs offering grants to first-time home buyers regardless of their ethnicity, and also grants to help with the revitalization of some areas of Philadelphia. For example, a Façade Improvement Program for homes and businesses to improve the exterior of their buildings. 

If you were taking someone on a tour of your neighborhood, what would be your first stop?
My first stop would be Esperanza because they have been helping our community for 30 years with housing, education, and arts!

Do you have any local Latino heroes you look up to?
Reverend Luis Cortes.

Will Gonzalez has 40 years of experience working on the housing, economic, and civil rights of low-income families, people who are Limited English Proficient, and immigrants. The Philadelphia Foundation’s Williams Award for Organizational Excellence and The Community Change Award from the Bread & Roses Community Fund recognized his leadership of nonprofits. He has a BS in Economics from Lehigh University, and a JD from Rutgers University. Ceiba is the backbone to the Latino Equitable Development Collective.

What makes the Philadelphia Latino community unique?
Strength and diversity make the Philadelphia Latino community unique. The 2020 US Census showed that Philadelphia’s 5% population growth was fueled by the 27% expansion of its Latino community. We may be the poorest group in Philly, 26.9% live in deep poverty, but Latino nonprofits are forging a collective impact approach to meet this challenge. We are breaking down silos of service and programs to produce transformational change. Si se puede.

What more do you think could be done to support the Latino community in Philadelphia?
We need to improve the education system. Philadelphia schools are among the most segregated in the country, especially for Latino students. Latinos make up 21% of children in the School District, yet only 4% of its teachers. We need to increase the supply of affordable housing. Latinos have the highest percentage of income used for rent: 39.9%. A rent share threshold above 30% is considered ‘rent burdened’. The affordable housing crisis is affecting our health.

If you were taking someone on a tour of your neighborhood, what would be your first stop?
The first stop of my tour would be Taller Puertorriqueño. An amazing art and culture space in the heart of the community’s Golden Block. It is one of the best manifestations of art for social change. It hosts all types of activities related to social justice, economic development, affordable housing, and civic engagement. The activities increase connections with other communities in Philadelphia, and promotes action for positive change.

Do you have any local Latino heroes you look up to?
The unauthorized immigrant community is my hero. More unauthorized immigrants live in Philadelphia than in the five largest cities in the Northeast, excluding NYC. 47% of unauthorized immigrant households have children; 73% of the children are US citizens by birth. They are engines of economic activity despite, financial system wise, having their hands tied behind their back. They are also great contributors to the cultural vibrancy of Philly, notwithstanding haters using them as scapegoats.