Minority Majority 002: 2.6 Million to Latino Founder & More

Hola! Dive into this week's edition where we celebrate a Latino founder’s financial milestone, honor a Mexican-American media pioneer, and explore an initiative toward boosting Latinx homeownership.

BUSINESS
Tia Lupita secures $2.6 million seed funding

A big win for Latino Founded Food Brand - Tia Lupita Foods, a Mexican food brand based in San Francisco, recently secured $2.6 million in seed funding, led by Mexican investment entities Santatera Capital and GBM Ventures. This follows their earlier success on Shark Tank, where an investment was secured from Kevin O'Leary. The funding will be channeled towards expanding the team, accelerating new product development, and widening their retail footprint across the U.S.

Hector Saldivar, the founder and chief executive officer of Tia Lupita Foods, transformed a cherished family hot sauce recipe into a growing Mexican food brand with various offerings, that include sustainable cactus-based products. They partnered with Renewal Mill to create a unique grain-free tortilla using upcycled okra flour. Now nationally recognized, their products are available in major retailers, portraying a successful journey from a family kitchen to nationwide availability.

CULTURA
Mexican-American Media Pioneer and Activist featured in Google Doodle

October 17, 2023 Doodle Honors Raul A. Cortez - Born in 1905, Cortez began his media journey as a reporter, later launching America's first Spanish-language radio station in 1946, and eventually expanding into television. His efforts played a significant role in diversifying the U.S. media landscape, as well as educating and entertaining the growing US Latino community.

Besides his media ventures, Cortez was a fierce civil rights advocate. He notably oversaw a landmark court case ending segregation of Mexican Americans in Texas schools. His legacy continues to inspire, as awards and exhibits celebrate his remarkable contributions to the Latino community and the broader American society.

IMPACTO
UnidosUS aims to create 4 Million Latino Homeowners by 2030

Boosting Latino Homeownership - The median Latino family only has 19 cents of wealth per every dollar a White family possesses. Homeownership is vital for Latino families, ensuring stability and inter-generational wealth. However, systemic hurdles persist, with notable barriers like discrimination, high down payment requirements, and loan denial rates. Over recent years, there's been a positive trend in Latino homeownership, yet the disparities remain glaring.

UnidosUS is spearheading efforts to bolster Latino homeownership, aiming to ease access to credit and affordable homes. With a structured approach encompassing policy advocacy and data-driven strategies, the initiative seeks to navigate through existing barriers, promising a ripple effect of benefits across communities.

RECURSOS

• Book Recommendation - Olga Dies Dreaming: A Novel by Latina author Xochitl Gonzalez, unfolds the journey of Olga, a famed wedding planner, navigating her societal ambitions and Puerto Rican roots amidst the chaos post-Hurricane Maria. Set in a changing Latinx neighborhood in Brooklyn, the tale delves into political corruption, family rifts, and the essence of the American dream, portraying a vivid narrative of identity and perseverance amid adversities.

• Looking for a Job in Tech? - POCIT (People of Color in Tech) provides a job board, articles, a podcast, a newsletter, and more for folks looking for new opportunities and a way to stay informed on the tech world from a diverse perspective.

• Last Minute Halloween Costumes - If last-minute Halloween prep is your style, consider embodying a Latino pop culture icon—easy to pull off with everyday items. Not included in the article, but some bonus ideas: Bad Bunny, Betty La Fea, or Frida Kahlo.

NUESTRO TRIVIA: Last Week’s Answer

Last week, we asked: "Which Latin American territory won its first Olympic gold medal in 2016?" The correct answer is Puerto Rico, thanks to the fantastic performance by tennis player Monica Puig in women's singles.

While Puerto Rico is not a sovereign country but a territory of the United States, it has its own National Olympic Committee. This allows PR to participate independently in the Olympic Games, showcasing its unique cultural identity on the global sports stage.

NUESTRO TRIVIA: This Week

Question: Which Latin American country is known as the "Land of Lakes and Volcanoes"?

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

RIEGA LA VOZ

An Ask, please forward this newsletter to a friend or encourage them to sign up using the link below: 

https://minoritymajority.carrd.co/