Executive Director of the Mortenson Family Foundation and member of our Board of Directors at LEDC.
“In 2005 I became a member of the LEDC Latino Scholarship Fund committee and in 2018, I became a board member. LEDC is a pillar of our community. I chose to be a part of LEDC because its mission, to transform our community by creating economic opportunities for Latinos, is essential to the well-being of EVERYONE in Minnesota. Historically, like many other Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, Latinos have been prevented from having access to opportunities that would bring talent and innovation into Minnesota’s ecosystem while creating new job opportunities, increasing communities’ quality of life, and building wealth.
I believe our communities have a lot to offer and I joined LEDC’s board because not only was the organization tapping into and creating access for incredible entrepreneurs, but it has also created mechanisms for these entrepreneurs to give back and pay it forward through the Latino Scholarship Fund which supports our young leaders have access to achieving their own dreams of becoming doctors, lawyers, artists, business owners, chefs, teachers, farmers, and so much more.
As a teenager, I watched my dad and my stepmom grow their embroidery business. My siblings and I worked there for many years and built a great sense of respect for what it takes to build and grow a business. My dad and stepmom have had to overcome many barriers even though they also have the privilege of many opportunities that our Latinx community cannot easily access. In spite of so many hardships, I’ve watched my dad and stepmom’s business grow and thrive through many ups and downs. When I look at our communities’ resilience and how they have been able to grow businesses whether a farm or a restaurant, facing many more challenges, I see nothing but resilience and opportunity.
I am not currently an entrepreneur but the radical hopefulness of entrepreneurs lives deep in my heart. I believe that the dreams pursued by entrepreneurs are essential to the fabric of any thriving community and it is exciting to support their dreams, innovation, persistence, and resilience as well as their sense of responsibility to give back to the community.
As someone who came to Minnesota 25 years ago from the Dominican Republic and longed for a sense of community. I am grateful to be surrounded by so many people that are part of the fabric of Minnesota’s culture. In addition to spending time with family, chosen family and friends, I enjoy learning about the history of our Native American, African American, European American, and Latin American communities with my family through the exploration of art, food, music and culture that all of these communities have to offer.”
Thank you, Ambar for your dedication to the betterment of the community and for your contribution to LEDC.
#community #entrepreneur #business #minnesota #ledc #ledcmn
