In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by President and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Monica Villalobos.  

Together, they explore the challenges of navigating a current political climate that seeks to divide diverse communities, and the difficulties of fighting narratives that are not rooted in fact and truth.  

This conversation takes place during National Hispanic Heritage month, but Monica emphasizes the impact of the community year-round, pointing out the vast economic and civic influence. 

Latinos in Arizona make up 30% of the state and contribute $72 billion to the state’s economy, according to Datos, an annual report outlining the state of Arizona’s Hispanic market. 

The US Latino community is considered the fourth largest economy in the world, spending $4.1 trillion annually, forecasted to surpass Germany by 2027. 

Key Takeaways: 

🤑  Arizona’s Latino community has signifiant economic and demographic power. The present and future of Arizona is Hispanic. 

🌱 America’s Latino population is young, skewing about 15 years younger than the general population–and they are consistently putting more into the economy than they are taking out. 

📊 Sharing real data, like the Datos Report, is critical for owning your own narrative and dispelling myths.  

❤️ The Hispanic community makes contributions 365 days a year and should be recognized and celebrated year-round. 

🌵 Arizona is considered “ground zero” for political and social battles surrounding the Hispanic community, making it a critical location for fighting for change. 

National Hispanic Heritage Month takes place September 15-October 15. 

About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix.  

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