OUR MISSION:
To build economic bridges between Hispanic businesses and the community at large in order to create, promote, and enhance business opportunities for its members and partners.
In 1972, the now CEO of the Virginia Hispanic Chamber, Michel Zajur and his family, opened one of the first Mexican Cuisine restaurants called “La Siesta” in the Greater Richmond Area’s Southside. Virginian families delighted in their first glimpses of the Hispanic culture and its passion for food, family, celebration, and ingenuity. Many locals respond to the restaurant’s mention with smiles, when they reminisce on their trips to the kitchen as children in order to see how fried ice cream was made. It is said in Latin American culture, that food is best prepared with love. Eating together and being together as a family. Families left with full bellies and warm impressions about this newly emerging community in their area.
Michel and his wife Lisa Zajur quickly identified the benefits of educating local children and families about learning Latin American culture and also the Spanish language through a colorful and interactive program they coined as “La Siesta Town.” Students from counties throughout Virginia were brought to the restaurant where they took “airplane rides” through Latin America, giving many children their first ever glimpse into the rich and diverse culture.
As La Siesta grew it was quickly becoming a cultural "information station” in the community, it was also growing into an active hub for local Latinos to convene and discuss matters facing their expanding community. Issues such as language barriers, employment and education were repeating themes during discussions. A need was rapidly developing, and for years Michel and Lisa provided necessary information to the Latino community. Finally in 2000, Michel and Lisa decided to devote 100 percent of their time to the community, bringing an end to the restaurant, but brought about the birth of the Virginia Hispanic Chamber and Foundation.
The mission of the chamber has always been to build economic bridges between Hispanic businesses and the community at large in order to create, promote and enhance business opportunities for its members and partners. For over two decades, the Chamber has made a major impact throughout Virginia. Providing opportunities for business and cultural engagement to strengthen the economic and social well-being of the Hispanic community all throughout Virginia. By building strategic partnerships with state, regional and local organizations as well as government entities, the Chamber serves as a culturally-accessible and trusted central point for Hispanic and Latino led businesses with the intent of supporting economic business growth and providing outreach and resources.
For over 25 years, the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has played an important role in supporting events, programs, and initiatives designed to promote growth, visibility, and credibility for our members and Hispanic-owned businesses across the Commonwealth.
From training courses to job fairs, the Chamber provides resources that support Hispanic individuals and entrepreneurs at every stage, from preparing to enter the workforce to learning how to pursue government bids and contracts. As the Chamber continues building on more than 25 years of service, we are introducing new projects to further strengthen the community, including a student membership program and a Hispanic business directory designed to connect local businesses with new families moving to Virginia.
As Virginia’s Hispanic community continues to grow, the Chamber must continue to adapt and evolve alongside it, finding new and meaningful ways to uplift businesses, families, and the community at large.
