Latino Community Network - Connect.

Lilleana Calderon-Cavanaugh, MBA, Program Director
Community Liaison

The vision of the Latino Community Network of the Office of Hispanic/Latino Affairs is to be the definitive hub of information for and about Hispanic Ohioans, an information resource for the benefit of all Ohioans, with a specific focus on connecting the diverse Latino communities of Ohio.

The mission of the Latino Community Network (LCN) is to serve as the program office directly responsible for implementing the following statutory mandates:

• Gather and disseminate information and conduct hearings, conferences, investigations, and special studies on problems and programs concerning Spanish-speaking people;
• Secure appropriate recognition of the accomplishments and contributions of Spanish-speaking people to this state;
• Stimulate public awareness of the problems of Spanish-speaking people by conducting a program of public education;
• Establish advisory committees on special subjects as needed to facilitate and maximize community participation in the operation of the commission. The committees shall be composed of persons representing community organizations and charitable institutions, public officials, and such other persons as the office determines.
• Establish with state and local governments and private business and industry relationships that promote and assure equal opportunity for Spanish-speaking people in government, education, and employment.

The LCN accomplishes these objectives by maintaining a database of Latino community organizations, conducting hearings and conferences, and organizing legislative visit days for Hispanic Ohioans. In addition, the LCN organizes the annual Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan Awards Gala with the full partnership of members of the Commission.