Local leaders from various Latino-run organizations in Philadelphia gathered on Tuesday evening for the AL DÍA Leaders Network Reception.

The event, which was held at the 1919 Market Street Penthouse, functioned as a way for the professionals to meet, network and find potential ways to collaborate.

“This is a time where we need to come together,” AL DÍA Founder, CEO, and Publisher Hernán Guaracao said.

One of the Latino-run organizations represented at the event was Prospanica Philadelphia, an organization whose mission is to empower members to achieve their full educational, economic, and social potential.

“The fastest way to do that and build influence is through collaboration and supporting each other,” Prospanica President Natily Santos said.

Another organization represented at the reception was the Hispanic Bar Association.  

Jacqueline Romero, executive board member and immediate past president of the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania, said she hopes to see more collaboration between these organizations and Latino professionals who represent business, law, and medicine — all areas of society in which Latinos have touched.

“We have a ton of synergies,” Romero said. “We are being attacked in many ways right now in this country. People create a dialogue about our cultures, and about our people that’s just simply not true, and we’re the ones who get to tell our stories.”

The event was a way to bring the minds together of the various Latino organizations from the region to talk about the significance of their organizations and how to help get their initiatives moving forward. 

The guests all indulged in a large plate filled with an eloquent array of crackers cornered by a delicious assortment of fine cheeses, with grapes scattered about. The spread was complemented by a nice collection of wines imported from Chile and Argentina.

Other organizations in attendance were The Society of Ibero Latin American Medical Professionals (SILAMP), the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA) and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Guaracao added that it’s important to make sure all the groups that make up America can be welcome and feel like they belong, which is why these gatherings and receptions are so important.

The event concluded with a detailed slideshow presentation of the programming that AL DÍA has in store throughout the year. This includes the first edition of “Our 40 Under Forty” program, as well as the first “On Boards” forum and annual report.

Other announcements included the newly relaunched program “AL DÍA Philadelphia Diverse City Career Fair,” taking place in April, and new membership subscription forms.