WACO, Texas (FOX 44)— Started in 1975, the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 50 years of serving the community.
Mito Diaz-Espinoza took over as president of the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recently. He’s never owned a business, he’s not an entrepreneur, but he just might be destined for the position. Mito’s grandfather was one of the thirteen original members who founded the chamber 50 years ago. Mito’s father was also a member of the chamber.
“I had a long history of being involved with small business and economic development,” said Mito. “I never started a business or ran a business, but now I’m in this role to be able to advocate for small businesses and kind of continue their legacy.”
With there already being a Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, why do we need one specifically oriented towards the Hispanic community? Mito says the biggest reasons are comfort and culture.
“There’s something special about being able to have conversations in your native language or to be able to see yourself in some of those individuals. That’s why this Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber really kind of provides that home away from home,” said Mito.
Co-owner of Be Kind Coffee in Waco is a board member for the chamber. Although he already has the responsibility of running a business, he also makes time to serve his Hispanic community.
“Growing up you don’t see a ton of businesspeople who look like yourself. You don’t see a lot of Latino business, especially like becoming successful,” said Sanchez. “Being able to be part of that community and provide that inspiration for maybe the next generation of potential entrepreneurs, I think that’s an important thing.”
Mito says that the Hispanic population has always been an important piece of Waco.
“Once Waco was started and throughout all the waves of urban renewal and development, Latinos and Hispanics have always been a part of it,” said Mito. “On every facet and every part of the economy, Latinos are there, whether we are serving directly or we’re starting something. It’s just hard to ignore and hard to not understand how vital of a component that we are to the community.”
If you’d like to learn more about the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, you can find their website here.
