LLEAD Website: (LLEAD) Latino Leaders for the Enhancement of Advocacy and Development
For more information please contact: Al Flores at 517-515-9800.

LLEAD Website: (LLEAD) Latino Leaders for the Enhancement of Advocacy and Development
For more information please contact: Al Flores at 517-515-9800.

We have prepared a special Selena on canvas for you to work with on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 6:00pm at the Consumers Credit Union location at 6935 S. Cedar St. in Lansing, Michigan.
Not an artist? Paint Your Poison has everything including a professional artist who leads the group step-by-step and supplies everything you need including the canvases, paints, brushes, and aprons. No artist experience is required for this fun night!
Any questions please feel free to contact me by email seinpaul65@gmail.com or phone 517-303-7001. This really should be a great night!
To register: https://www.paintyourpoison.com/shop-events/p/selena

The Cristo Rey Golf League announces its yearly organizational meeting scheduled for April 19, 2026 at 10:00am at Prairie Creek golf course in Dewitt, Michigan. Up for review will be the proposed schedule and league rules. Following the meeting, the group will be playing a round of golf for those interested, weather permitting.
The season will start Sunday, April 26, 2026, and goes until Mid-October. 2-player teams compete every other week at Prairie Creek Golf Course located at 800 E. Webb Dr. DeWitt, Michigan. 9:00am start time. Cost is $375.00 for the season. The big change for the 2026 season is the league will now play on Sundays as opposed to Saturday.
Cristo Rey Golf League Website: Cristo Rey Golf League
For more information send contact info to the league: Contact – Cristo Rey Golf League
Reflections of Life….With Good Friday upon us, it’s a great time for reflection. One can never underestimate the trust that is given, shared or accepted.
July 1986. I was 21 years old and leading Youth Programs in Jackson and Lansing Churches. Occasionally putting them together for different events and holidays.
Fr. Tom McCloskey placed enough trust in me to secretly give me the key to the Church as a teenager. I lived close by and we had a couple times when people needed to get in the Church and he nor the secretary were available.
He allowed me to lead my way and he shared his idea of who the Church was and how do we grow. We talked about reaching out to kids in the schools. He sent me to Notre Dame with my Godfather for two weeks of Youth Ministry classes which solidified my thoughts on the concept of “Fishers of Men” and going after people.
As a teenager, he seen through the efforts of our youth wanting to enjoy Church with friends who didn’t attend on Sunday but wanted to be there at Youth Night. I would visit the 3 high schools in Lansing during lunch to meet with students amd teachers. I remember getting criticized for half the program being non-Church kids by someone who would become my replacement. Fr. Tom told me to continue doing what I do and little by little, many of those kids came on Sundays. A couple years later, that replacement took over and I left her with 60 kids. She lasted one year and she left the next Director with 5-10 kids.
His trust of me, provided a way for many kids to attend Church. When Jesus went looking for his 12 Apostles, he didn’t ask for a resume or a Theology Degree. He didn’t worry about what class of people showed up. He just wanted people to show up. I could never repay Fr. Tom for that trust he placed in me as I was just some kid who thought I could try and yet there was always a doubt from authority as to: “who is this Sein guy?”
This Sunday is Easter and a time of renewal. A time to start again. If you haven’t found a Church, ask me. Ask a friend. Ask family. But, whatever you do, show up. It might just be the turning point you need or the message you never knew you needed to hear – off my soapbox
Join us for Latino Legislative Advocacy Day in Lansing!
Come together with advocates, community members, and leaders for a day focused on civic engagement and Latino advocacy.
Register here: bit.ly/LLAD2026

Greater Lansing Area Ballet Folklorico celebrates the rich heritage of Hispanic culture through the vibrant art of Mexican Folklorico dance. Their mission is to create a fun, energetic, and positive environment for dancers of all ages, from children as young as 5 to adults. Whether you’re new to Folklorico or have years of experience, their group provides an inclusive space to learn, grow, and connect with the beauty of traditional Mexican dance. Join them in preserving and sharing the joy of Hispanic heritage while embracing the spirit of community, movement, and tradition. Discover the power of dance with us and become a part of something special.
Classes start Monday 1/26 and are ongoing. Classes are free and open to anyone interested in joining our dance family. For more information please email: glaballetfolklorico@gmail.com
Beginner: 6pm-6:30pm
Intermediate: 6:30pm-7:15pm
Advanced: 7:15pm-8:15pm
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/gla-ballet-folklorico/home?authuser=0
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GLABF

This is two projects in one. Latino Leaders for Equity Advocacy and Development (LLEAD) with the support of the Michigan Historical Society are working to preserve the stories of Michigan Latino Veterans that have sacrificed their lives to defend this country. The project is called Latino Veterans of Michigan: Preserving Their Voice in History.
Most Michiganders have no idea of their existence or their courageous and selfless contributions to the Great Lakes State. The project is being funded through a grant received by the “Preserving Nuestra Historia” Project. The project will conduct oral interviews and include some photos within the videos and attempt to capture the spirit of the Latino Veteran’s life in Michigan.
The second project is Cafecito Caliente will be taking the lead in recognizing Latino Veterans and creating a page on our website dedicated to honoring these Veterans for their service. In the process of identifying these Veterans, Cafecito will in turn connect them to LLEAD for their project and will be taking the lead in the initial phase of the LLEAD project.
If you are a Veteran, have a Veteran in the family or know of a Veteran who is Hispanic Latino, please feel free to reach out to Sein Paul Benavides at seinpaul65@gmail.com or 517-303-7001.
LLEAD website: https://llead.org/
LLEAD State Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/198976440471279
LLEAD Mid-Michigan Chapter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565834649318

The National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) – Michigan Chapter is committed to advancing the success of Hispanic/Latino nursing students through scholarship support and leadership development.
For 2026, NAHN-MI will award:
to eligible Hispanic nursing students enrolled in Michigan nursing programs.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2026
The 2026 NAHN-MI Scholarship Application is attached (hyperlink).
Please review all eligibility criteria and submission requirements carefully.
These scholarships help ease the financial burden of nursing education while strengthening workforce diversity and promoting culturally responsive care across Michigan. NAHN-MI remains dedicated to mentoring and investing in future nurse leaders who will give back to their communities.
We encourage faculty, advisors, students, and community partners to share this opportunity widely so eligible students do not miss this chance to advance their nursing journey.
Together, we uplift our profession and the communities we serve. The National Hispanic Association of Hispanic Nurses was founded in the early 1980’s according to their website.
HAHN website: https://nahnmichigan.nursingnetwork.com/
HAHN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAHNmichigan

Last night the Latino Business Conexión of Michigan (LBCM) finally got started in 2026. Great night made by great people at our first Mixer of the year.
The purpose behind the LBCM is to build relationships with people so that your organization, company or even you can connect to them. We are not business consultants. We are a set of entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals on the ground who know the Latino community better than anyone.
If you have ever wanted access to the Mid-Michigan Latino community, we are here for you. Let’s setup a time for un Cafecito Caliente. Our question to you is, who do you know that needs to know about the LBCM?
2026 Latino Business Conexión of Michigan Schedule:
March 3rd – LBCM Mixer – Taqueria El Chaparrito
March 25th – Chavez Dinner at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
April 28th – TBA
May 31st – LBCM Golf Scramble at Centennial Golf Course in Sunfield
June 9th – Community Building Event – TBA
August 11th – LBCM Mixer – TBA
August 22nd – Latino Night with the Lugnuts – Ballpark
September 25th – Cafecito Awards at the Cadillac Room in Lansing
October 3rd – Latino Business Expo at the Lansing Mall
October 27th – LBCM Mixer – TBA
Photos courtesy of Marisa Laura Photography






The Student Organization for Latinx Social Workers (SOLASW) is looking for Latinx Social Workers from the Mid-Michigan community. They are looking to network with Professionals in the area who are willing to come onto the Michigan State University Campus. They are currently meeting every second Friday of the month at 5:00pm on Campus.
SOLASW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solasw_michigan_state/?hl=en
For more information, please contact their Faculty Advisor: Elizabeth (Liz) Montemayor at her office 517-432-4092 or email her at Montema7@msu.edu








