UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía joins Denver Mayor Mike Johnston to Spotlight Latino Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity

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The visit kicked off “On the Move with Janet Murguía,” a new video series highlighting the people and places shaping Latino communities across the country.

DENVER — Yesterday, UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía joined Denver Mayor Mike Johnston for a visit to local businesses in Westwood, a historic neighborhood where nearly 80 percent of residents are Latino and Latino-owned businesses anchor the local economy. As part of the visit, the two met with small business owners and community leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the Latino community in Denver.

“At the national level, we’re seeing Latino families and small businesses face an increasing number of economic challenges,” said Janet Murguía, President and CEO of UnidosUS. “In Denver today on our tour of the historic Westwood neighborhood with Mayor Johnston, we saw what local support and local organizations such as UnidosUS Affiliates can do to help Latino families to build wealth, achieve homeownership, access childcare or start their own businesses. We will continue to build on our connections made today to help the Latino community thrive and foster prosperity for everyone.”

The visit began at Las Hijas de la Chilanga, a family-owned restaurant reflecting decades of immigrant entrepreneurship in the neighborhood, and continued at Lifespan Local’s Blossom House, a community hub that houses an early childhood education center, the Lena Archuleta Branch Library, and gathering spaces for families across the community. The stop also spotlighted UnidosUS’ Colorado Affiliate Network, including Mi Casa Resource Center, CLLARO, the Latino Community Foundation of Colorado and NEWSED, showcasing the essential role these organizations play across the community.

In Colorado alone, Latino economic output exceeds $40 billion annually, and Latinos make up more than 22% of the state’s population and 21% of its total workforce, with a labor force participation rate of 72%, higher than the statewide average of 69%.

This visit is the first stop of a new video series titled “On the Move with Janet Murguía,” that follows UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía as she travels the country and visits with elected officials, business owners and community leaders to spotlight the everyday realities and economic impact of Latino communities.

As part of the new video series, Janet will travel to cities across the country, leveraging UnidosUS as the bridge between local officials and community partners to elevate Latino voices and priorities. A highlight of yesterday’s visit to the Westwood neighborhood is available here.

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