¡Celebremos la diversidad y riqueza de la cultura hispana! It’s time to celebrate the diversity and richness of Hispanic culture, right here on Aquidneck Island! Did you know that nearly 12% of the City of Newport’s year-round population identifies as Hispanic or Latino? For the state of Rhode Island, this number is closer to 18%, according to recent data. In 2025, the percentage of all businesses in the Ocean State owned by Hispanic or Latino business leaders climbed to 16.6% from 13.8%, which represents one of the highest year-over-year growth percentages among all U.S. states.
This growing entrepreneurial presence can be largely attributed to the ongoing efforts of The Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and local, independent non-profit organizations, such as Conexión Latina.
Conexión Latina’s mission is to “Educate, inform, mobilize and advocate for all Hispanics in Newport, as well as advise and partner with social services, education, and government agencies, on how they best meet the needs of the Newport Hispanic Community. Through relationship- and trust-building, they bolster much-needed services, ensure accessible systems, and build the community’s confidence to access those services.”
For this women-led spotlight article, I reached out to Yolanda Macías, Co-Founder and Associate Director of Conexión Latina Newport (CLN), to find out more about what services the non-profit provides, and their plans for Hispanic Heritage Month.
“Since 2019, we have helped hundreds of families in Newport and beyond,” Macías told me. “The numbers matter, but what matters more are the stories. One mother came to us unsure how to speak up for her children at school. After connecting with our team and learning how to advocate, she not only saw her children thrive but also joined our Language Learner Parent Advisory Board where she is now leading other parents. Another story comes from a young man who arrived without family, housing, or English skills. Through our Bienvenido program, he found a place to live, enrolled in ESL classes, and eventually got a steady job that allowed him to stand on his own feet. These stories show what Conexión Latina is about: helping people find stability, confidence, and community.
CLN’s office, at 170 Broadway, is in the very heart of downtown Newport and the city’s Latino community. There, families can find help with housing, food access, health services, immigration questions, and education support. They also host programs for youth and women, along with cultural and community events. No appointment is needed – their doors are open to anyone seeking support or connection.
“It’s important to remember that Latinos are the backbone of the hospitality and service industries that keep this city running,” Macías added. “But we are also neighbors, classmates, friends, business owners, parents, and human beings who are deeply woven into the life of Newport. Our work here is to make sure the community sees that whole picture.”
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage in Newport
This year, CLN is partnering with organizations across the city to host cultural activities that highlight Latino-inspired music, art, and traditions. They are supporting school-based programs within Newport Public Schools, and they’re preparing to celebrate Hispanic culture at the Broadway Street Fair on October 11th.
“We invite the wider community to take part in our celebrations by attending these events, supporting Latino-owned businesses, and showing up with curiosity and openness to learn more about their neighbors,” Macías said.
A Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) craft-making event will take place at the Newport Art Museum on November 1st as part of its “Free for All Saturday” lineup.
Yolanda Macías is also a trained chef. “Even when I am cooking for an event, it is part of that same mission: we use food and culture and community to make people feel welcome, safe, and at home.”
Para leer este artículo en español, visite www.clnewport.org. ¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana!
Michele Gallagher is a dedicated supporter of local businesses and the founder of City-by-the-Sea Communications.
