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The Latino Roundtable of Southwestern Illinois (LRT), The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, SIUE’s Office of Online Services and Educational Outreach, and various community sponsors, along with additional partners will host a conference on Friday, August 9: “Immigrants in Our Midst,” that focuses on how to better serve the U.S. Immigrant Workforce. This event will take place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at SIUE’s Morris University Center Conference Floor in the Legacy Room and welcomes all immigrant groups. This conference is dedicated to educating service providers on how to best support the diverse Greater St. Louis immigrant population.

SIUE alumnus Raffi Mikaelian and LRT member is leading the coordination of this annual event that includes presentations by regional specialists in the fields of immigration law, immigrant demographics, Latino outreach, employment services and state resources. Professionals and students, who seek to increase their involvement with immigrant communities in and around St. Louis, are expected to attend.

Latino Roundtable Co-Chairs Jo Ann Di Maggio May and Ingrid Suazo, say, “We’ve attended and heard many inspiring presentations at the Immigrants in our Midst Conference. Dedicated Professionals share their stories and offer insight that can be both educational and relevant to current trends.”  Di Maggio May is also the Director of the Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE.

“As a past conference participant, immigration attorney, and founder of Gonzalez Herrera Law Firm, LLC, I can attest to the invaluable resources and diverse perspectives offered at the ‘Immigrants in Our Midst’ Conference. This event brings together attorneys, social workers, entrepreneurs, and directors of several non-profit organizations, all sharing their insights on the essential support needed for immigrants in our community. It’s a fantastic opportunity not only to learn but also to network with passionate individuals dedicated to making a positive impact. I hope everyone takes full advantage of this enriching experience to collaborate and further our collective efforts in assisting and supporting immigrants."

Keynote speaker this year is Arrey Obenson, President and CEO of the International Institute of St. Louis, known for his dedicated advocacy work in the St. Louis Immigrant Community. Other conference speakers will include:  J. S Onésimo (Ness) Sandoval, Leenna Choudharry, Moji Sidiqi, Tapiwa Mupereki.

The event is open to the public and costs $40, which includes parking and lunch. CEUs are also available upon request.

Visit the registration page to attend. For additional assistance with registration or questions, contact Cynthia Cobetto in SIUE’s Office of Educational Outreach at 618-650-2164 or cgorsag@siue.edu. 

Sponsors for 2024 include FCB Banks, The Hispanic Leaders Group (HLG), Revity Credit Union and Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois.

The Latino Roundtable (LRT) Southwestern Illinois is a group of representatives from community organizations, businesses, colleges, universities, agencies and many more. We have a unified purpose of serving the Latino community in the St. Louis Metro East Area. LRT’s Mission is to work together to develop and expand available resources of social services to the Latino community of the St. Louis Metro East area. Contact the Latino Roundtable at thelatinoroundtable@gmail.com.

The Illinois SBDC for the Metro East assists existing companies as well as new businesses headquartered in the nine-county Metro East region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. It is a no-cost service to the community supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and SIUE.

By aiding entrepreneurs and companies in defining their path to success, the SBDC network positively impacts the Metro East by strengthening the business community, creating and retaining jobs and encouraging capital investment. It enhances the region’s economic interests by providing one-stop assistance to individuals by means of counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures and existing small businesses. When appropriate, the SBDC strives to affiliate its ties to the region to support the goals and objectives of both the SIUE School of Business and the University at large. To learn how the SBDC can help your small business, contact the Metro East SBDC at (618) 650-2929 or sbdcedw@gmail.com.

PHOTO:  The Latino Roundtable of Southwestern Illinois logo