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Many Latino newcomers to the Charlotte area seek out ways to connect with others who share a cultural connection, through traditional cuisine, dancing or simply networking. The rapid growth of the area's Latino population has created more networking opportunities. While the groups may be Latino-oriented, they welcome anyone interested in connecting with the Hispanic community. These are just some of the area's Latino groups:
Professional
Latin American Chamber of Commerce of Charlotte
http://www.lacccharlotte.com
LACCC brings in guest speakers for its monthly luncheons, but the chamber's Spanish tapas events also draw a crowd. Both events provide members a chance to mingle and promote the growth of Latino businesses. The chamber also hosts a golf tournament in September. Through its LACCC Foundation, the chamber offers educational opportunities, scholarships and entrepreneurial development. Some LACCC members also belong to the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA, www.alpfacharlotte.org).
National Society for Hispanic Professionals
http://www.nshp-charlottechapter.org/
A Charlotte NSHP chapter launched in February 2008, providing more networking, development and leadership resources to professionals of any race and ethnicity. Meetings are held about once a quarter and feature guest speakers. A job fair is in the works for 2009.
Community Service
Enlace Charlotte
http://www.enlacecharlotte.org
Several community and nonprofit organizations comprise Enlace Charlotte, which is Spanish for “Charlotte Links.” Chief among these groups are the Latin American Coalition (www.latinamericancoalition.org), the Charlotte area's largest Latino advocacy group, and the Latin American Women's Association (www.lawanc.org), which provides educational opportunities and scholarships for Latino students. Members of Enlace Charlotte get together on the third Wednesday of every month to exchange event information and volunteer opportunities. Meetings are held at the International House (www.ihclt.org), 322 Hawthorne Lane.
Social
Unidad Social
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UnidadSocial/
Unidad Social began in 2002 with a dozen or so members who were looking to connect socially and culturally with others in Charlotte. Now more than 300 Latino professionals make up Unidad Social, Spanish for “social unity.” Activities include happy hours at local Latino restaurants, group outings to theater shows and an annual picnic. Some events are held in conjunction with other Latino groups such as LACCC and ALPFA.
Charlotte Hispanic Professionals
http://hispanicpros.meetup.com/97
A relatively new group, Charlotte Hispanic Professionals has more than 125 members who sign up through Meetup.com, a social networking site. Most events are outings to concerts and shows, as well as salsa and tango parties with other local Latino groups on the Web site.
Rogelio Aranda is a copy editor for the Observer. He also writes the blog Entérese Charlotte at www.charlotteobserver.com/espanol.
