Written by Danielle Hernandez, President of the TBLC
Last week, the Tampa Bay Latin Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the AllHart Foundation and Gary Hartfield, co-hosted The Refinery: Prosperity and Influence, a thought-provoking luncheon focused on financial empowerment and mental health in Black and Hispanic communities.
An Afternoon of Meaningful Dialogue
Held in the middle of the day, this impactful event brought together professionals, community leaders, and advocates for two engaging panel discussions. The luncheon was skillfully guided by our esteemed Masters of Ceremony, Vladimir Kilsinger and Sarykarmen Rivera, who led the conversations with insight and grace.
We were honored to have the support of our community partner, Stageworks Theatre, which facilitated the presentation of Dear Little Brown Girl by Whitney Mays—a powerful performance that resonated deeply with attendees.
Panel 1: Financial Barriers and Minority Representation
The first panel featured Tarneisha Peters, Michael Flores, Joel Marius, and Cesar Hernandez, who addressed financial challenges and opportunities for Black and Brown communities. Discussions included:
- Barriers to accessing capital and how to navigate financial systems
- Programs and resources available to support minority entrepreneurs
- The importance of increasing minority representation in politics, both locally and federally
Panel 2: Mental Health in Black and Hispanic Communities
The second panel featured experts Natasha Pierre, Yvette Guzman, Angie Taboada, Dr. Carlos Garcia, and Dr. Shani Davis, who explored the intersection of mental health and cultural perspectives. Key topics included:
- The stigma surrounding mental health in minority communities
- Personal experiences and challenges with mental health
- The role of healthcare providers in bridging gaps and improving access to mental health resources
Gratitude to Our Community
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible panelists for sharing their expertise, experiences, and valuable insights. Events like The Refinery are vital for fostering meaningful conversations that drive positive change.
Special thanks to TM Media for capturing the memorable moments of this afternoon of dialogue and connection.
We look forward to continuing these important discussions and working together toward a more prosperous and inclusive future for all.
