The Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley has announced its upcoming merger with the Latino Leadership Alliance of the Lehigh Valley. The merger represents a pivotal step in strengthening the mission to empower families in the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

Established over 25 years ago, the Latino Leadership Alliance has been dedicated to strengthening the Latino community through leadership development, education, health and cultural activities. Its mission focuses on amplifying the voice and expanding the power of Latino leadership, engaging in policy and advocacy and building partnerships to address racial equity affecting the Latino community.

LLA’s key initiatives include:

• Scholarship Fund: Since 2004, the “Nuestro Futuro Scholarship” has provided financial support to Latino students pursuing higher education, with 445 scholarships awarded to date.

• Community Engagement: Organizing events and activities that foster cultural pride, community involvement and a united voice for the Latino community in the Lehigh Valley.

Impact of the Merger

By combining the expertise, resources and shared values of both organizations, the merger will enable HCLV to offer more impactful services, expand outreach efforts, and address the needs of an increasingly diverse population. The collaboration will enhance HCLV’s existing programs while introducing new opportunities for community engagement and leadership development.

“Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley and Latino Leadership Alliance of the Lehigh Valley’s merger will bring together two forces whose main goal is to uplift our Hispanic/Latino community and remove barriers to a better life,” said Raymond Santiago, Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley executive director. “We are eager to begin offering college scholarships and continuing advocating for the Hispanic community of the Lehigh Valley.”

Janine Carambot Santoro, Latino Leadership Alliance of the Lehigh Valley president, said the two organizations wanted to model what it looks like to join forces in a noncompetitive way to build upon the work of the other.

“This merger honors the history of advocacy efforts around education, health equity and leadership made by our founders and members, while also reimagining what those efforts look like today when funding and support for the Latino community is being threatened, nationally and locally,” Carambol added.

Moving forward, the merged organization will continue to operate under the Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley name, working closely with community leaders, partners and local organizations to foster intercultural understanding and improve self-sufficiency. All current programs, including the food pantry, social services, workforce development and senior center, will remain available to the public.

To learn more about the merger and the continued work of HCLV, please contact Raymond Santiago at (610) 868-7800 ext. 221 or rsantiago@hclv.org.