Negocios Now will recognize PODER & Oprima 1, LLC, a Chicago-based organization, with the Community Champion award during the Who’s Who Gala on July 21st.
Founded by Daniel Loftus in 1997, PODER has enabled Spanish-speaking immigrants to create fulfilling new lives in the United States.
Loftus will receive this recognition at the Who’s Who in Hispanic Business gala at the Fairmont Chicago Hotel.
“We are pleased to give this recognition to an organization that has paved the way to success for thousands of Spanish-speaking immigrants”, said Clemente Nicado, Publisher of Negocios Now.
PODER’s efforts have helped serve immigrants in creating successful lives for themselves and their families. With their immigration integration approach, focusing on the English language, job skills, and financial and digital literacy, Latino immigrants have been given tools to help them achieve the American Dream.
Daniel Loftus, CEO of Poder
Their most extensive program, Integrated English (IE), offers six levels of contextualized English as a second language. Offering virtual courses and in-person classes at two locations, Marquette Bank and Metropolitan Family Services, with flexible hours. Created to teach students how to navigate job opportunities and everyday conversations.
In January, PODER opened an immigrant integration center in Gage Park to help Latinos learn new skills and build community by hosting a variety of community resources such as job fairs, health events, and technology to access online classes. As well as an outdoor gathering space for area residents called the zocalo.
During the event, Negocios Now will present other recognitions to Martin Cabrera, CEO of Cabrera Capital Markets and Cabrera Capital Partners with the Business of the Year; Cristina Villafuerte Beran, CEO of Chicago Voice and Data Authority, Latinas in Business Award and Eduardo Rodriguez, founder of Dulcelandia and San Jose Imports, with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
