BIENVENIDO

¡Saludos! Happy Friday and welcome to the 48th edition of Comprende.

Before we jump in, I want to share a message I recently posted on social media. In a time when many in our community feel fear, uncertainty, and exclusion, telling Latino stories matters more than ever. Our voices, histories, and contributions deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Through Comprende, we hope to amplify our stories, uplift our community, and remind every Latino that we belong—always.

@comprendelatino

We build. We lead. And most importantly, despite headlines, we belong. This is why I believe Latino stories matter more now than ever before. ✊

The 3 Core Stories:

• This week, we highlight Jessica DeLugo & Ganesh Haridas, founders of Cultured Scents Co., who are merging Latino and South Asian traditions through candles that evoke nostalgia, pride, and cultural connection— while balancing a full-time job.

• Next, we take a look at Willy Chavarria’s Paris Fashion Week debut, where his Chicano-inspired designs took center stage, blending heritage with high fashion and proving that Latino culture belongs on the global runway.

• Finally, we celebrate the Hispanic Federation’s latest initiative, a $1 million grant from Google.org that will help train 3,000 Latinos in digital and AI skills, opening doors to careers in tech and closing the industry’s opportunity gap.

So, grab your cafecito or cervecita (depending on where you are), settle in, and if you enjoy, please forward the newsletter to friends or share it on social media! ☕️ 🍺

A Love Letter to Latino & South Asian Heritage: Cultured Scents Co.

Starting a business while working full-time is no easy feat, but Jessica DeLugo is proving it’s possible—with heart, hustle, and a deep love for shared culture. As the founder of Cultured Scents Co., Jessica along with her husband, Ganesh Haridas, have created a brand that beautifully blends Latino and South Asian influences, inspired by their own multicultural journey.

Born and raised in Connecticut to Nuyorican parents, Jessica grew up immersed in the rhythms of salsa, the aroma of Puerto Rican home cooking, Spanish and Spanglish at family gatherings, and the rich traditions of her ancestors from San Juan, Vega Baja, and Luquillo. As a third-generation Puerto Rican, she often grappled with finding a sense of belonging, but her pride in her heritage never wavered. When she and Ganesh married, whose roots trace back to India, their shared appreciation for culture sparked the idea for a business that celebrates both backgrounds.

What started as a passion project creating custom bridal boxes for Latine and South Asian weddings evolved into Cultured Scents Co., a candle business designed to evoke nostalgia, pride, and connection. Each scent tells a story—whether it’s Besitos de Coco, Coquito, or Bomba y Plena, reminiscent of Caribbean warmth, or Chai, Gajra, and Mango Lassi, honoring South Asian traditions. These scents aren’t just fragrances; they are memories in a jar, made for the children of the diaspora.

Jessica shared that building the business while juggling a full-time job can be challenging, especially when it comes to marketing and community outreach. But milestones like securing their first wholesale order on Faire and expanding their product line to custom wedding favors continues to fuel Jessica and Ganesh’s drive. Looking ahead, they plan to introduce Cafe con Leche, Ocean Waves, and Mojito Parcha in Spring 2025, while also finding ways to give back to both Puerto Rican and South Asian communities.

Ultimately, Jessica shared that their goal with Cultured Scents Co. is to “celebrate our colorful cultures and reach the diaspora with hopes of spreading joy, comfort, nostalgia, and pride. We have big hearts and big dreams to give back to our communities and we hope people join us on our journey!”

A Global Moment for Chicano Fashion: Willy Chavarria’s Paris Fashion Week Debut

Willy Chavarria, the visionary Chicano designer known for blending streetwear with fine tailoring, made a bold statement at Paris Men’s Fashion Week with his 10th-anniversary show, Tarantula. Held in a historic church adorned with red flora and candlelight, the show merged Mexican-American roots, European tradition, and social activism into a striking collection.

Raised in California by a Mexican farmworker father and an Irish-American mother, Chavarria’s work has always honored Chicano culture while pushing fashion’s boundaries. His Paris debut was no exception—velvet suits, jewel tones, and chiaroscuro contrasts created a Neo-Baroque aesthetic, balancing “tough and tender.” Special appearances by J Balvin, Becky G, and Indya Moore brought star power, while a collaboration with Adidas added a ‘90s hip-hop edge.

Beyond fashion, Chavarria’s work remains deeply political. Tarantula referenced the misunderstood immigrant experience, and proceeds from select pieces will support human rights and wildfire relief efforts. With Paris now in his grasp, Chavarria is proving that Chicano culture belongs on the world stage.

Closing the Digital Gap: New Grant to Train 3,000 Latinos in AI & Tech Skills

The Hispanic Federation is taking a major step toward bridging the digital divide with a new $1 million grant from Google.org. This funding will support the Latino Digital Accelerator, a workforce development program designed to equip Latinos with digital skills and AI education.

Despite making up nearly 20% of the U.S. workforce, Latinos account for just 8% of STEM professionals. To change this, the Hispanic Federation has partnered with 52 community organizations, training 30,000 people since 2019. This effort has resulted in an average salary increase of $10,500 for participants.

This year’s funding will help 20 organizations train 3,000 more Latinos in tech-related skills. The initiative aligns with the Hispanic Federation’s mission to ensure equitable access to technology and education, opening doors to higher-paying jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities. With continued corporate support, the future of Latinos in tech is brighter than ever.

How to Make: Guatemalan Jocón

Jocón is a traditional Guatemalan dish with a bright green, flavorful sauce made from tomatillos, cilantro, and green onions. This Mayan-inspired stew is both comforting and tangy, served with rice or tortillas.

Ingredients: (Serves 4-6)

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs (or a whole chicken, cut into pieces)

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 lb tomatillos, husked and rinsed

• 1 bunch cilantro (about 2 cups, packed)

• 4 green onions, chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 small white onion, chopped

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp corn masa flour (masa harina) (optional, for thickening)

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:

   • In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil.

   • Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 30 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside, reserving the broth.

2. Prepare the Green Sauce:

   • In a separate pan, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, green onions, and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened.

   • Add the tomatillos and cook until they soften (about 5 minutes).

3. Blend the Sauce:

   • Transfer the cooked vegetables to a blender. Add cilantro, cumin, and 2 cups of the reserved chicken broth. Blend until smooth.

4. Simmer the Stew:

   • Pour the blended green sauce back into the pot. Add the chicken and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

   • If needed, mix masa harina with a little water to make a slurry and stir it in to thicken the sauce.

5. Serve:

   • Enjoy Jocón hot, served with white rice, corn tortillas, or tamales.

Tips:

• For a spicier version, add serrano or jalapeño pepper to the green sauce.

• You can use chicken breast instead of thighs, but bone-in pieces add more flavor.

• Some variations include adding peas or potatoes for extra texture.

In our last edition, we asked: What sport, played on horseback with a wooden ball, is considered Argentina's national sport?

The right answer was: Pato

Pato, Argentina’s official national sport, is a fast-paced horseback game that blends elements of polo and basketball. Dating back to the 17th century, it was originally played by gauchos using a live duck in a basket (“pato” means duck in Spanish) instead of a ball. (Don’t worry they use balls now.) The modern version features a leather ball with handles, which players must pass while riding at full speed to score in tall, vertical hoops. Despite its deep cultural roots, polo is often mistaken as Argentina’s national sport due to its global popularity and Argentine dominance in the sport. However, pato remains a symbol of gaucho heritage, officially declared the national sport in 1953 to honor the country’s traditions.

Question:  In what Latin American country is a desert considered the driest place on Earth?

Reply with your guess! Answers will be revealed in the next newsletter!

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