Latino Contributions to the U.S. Economy Forum

On Thursday, April 10, the Margaret W. Wong Endowed Forum on Foreign‑Born Individuals of Distinction took place at the City Club of Cleveland. The discussion focused on Latino contributions to the U.S. economy, business, and entertainment.

The forum was titled “The True Contributions of Latinos to the U.S. Economy, Business, and Entertainment.” The featured speaker was Ms. Ana Valdez, President and CEO of the Latino Donor Collaborative (LDC). LDC is “a 501(c)(3) non‑profit organization dedicated to reshaping the perception of Latinos as part of the American social mainstream.”
https://latinodonorcollaborative.org/

The Latino Donor Collaborative’s Research Mission

According to City Club program notes, leaders at the LDC recognized a shift in the U.S. economy nearly a decade ago. They observed the emergence of a new mainstream economy driven by Latino consumers, entrepreneurs, and workers. However, that growth did not align with prevailing media narratives about Latino communities.

As the program materials explain, inaccurate portrayals and harmful stereotypes often influenced laws and public policy. In response, LDC partnered with the Latino Data Think Tank to ask an important question: “What if American Latinos were all recognized as valued, patriotic Americans in all facets of American life?”
https://www.cityclub.org/forums/2025/04/10/the-true-contributions-of-latinos-to-the-us-economy-business-and-entertainment/

Speaker Background and Perspective

Ms. Valdez brings more than three decades of professional experience in marketing, research, media, and corporate leadership. Her biography describes her as “an American marketing, research, and political expert and thought leader with 30 years of experience.” Born and raised in Mexico City, she has lived, studied, and worked in Mexico, Europe, and the United States.
https://latinodonorcollaborative.org/leaders/ana-valdez/

She has also stated that her professional purpose is “to close the gap between who Latinos in the United States really are and what people perceive us to be.”
Profiles of prosperity: Ana Valdez, CEO of the Latino Donor Collaborative | Profiles | calonews.com

Key Takeaways from the Forum

Before the forum began, we had the opportunity to speak briefly with Ms. Valdez. She came across as engaged, positive, and deeply committed to her work. We also learned that she has been a United States citizen for nearly 30 years after immigrating to the country.

During her presentation, Ms. Valdez reviewed data produced by the Latino Donor Collaborative. These statistics showed how Latino communities in Ohio and across the country contribute significantly to labor, entrepreneurship, the arts, and education. She emphasized that these Latino contributions to the U.S. economy continue to grow each year.

Nevertheless, she noted that media narratives and political rhetoric often dampen public recognition of these contributions. For that reason, she stressed the importance of challenging stereotypes and promoting data‑driven discussions.

In response to a question from a young Latina entrepreneur, Ms. Valdez advised her to “have a voice.” She encouraged the use of reliable statistics to show clients how they benefit “by doing business with me.”

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