The Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce recently held its annual Hispanic Business Reception at Cox Business in Herndon where members enjoyed food and discussion. 

Attendees were able to talk with Voto Latino Executive Director Maria Teresa Kumar. 

“A good traditional Hispanic gathering includes delicious food, great music and a room filled with happiness,” said New York Life Agent Rebecca Paris, co-chairman of the chamber’s Hispanic Business Council in a press release.

The Hispanic Business Council is a bipartisan committee that worked to plan the festivities, including the "rock the vote" theme. The event raised awareness at the importance of voting in the Hispanic community.  

“The Hispanic Business Council routinely selects high-caliber speakers to share information of importance to our Hispanic-business community,” said Nury Mena, Fulton Bank’s Herndon branch manager, also a council co-chairman. “The power of the vote is critical to all business owners; even more so as Hispanics integrate themselves as new Americans in this land of freedom to pursue their professional and personal dreams.”

Paris said the council selected Kumar to speak because of her vision and mission to empower the Hispanic community with information on their voting rights. Past council chairman Keisy Chavez, who helped select the speaker, called Kumar an “inspiring communicator” and a “great role model for others.”

During the event, attendees were also able to address issues of concern to Latinos in the Dulles corridor. 

“I believe we have raised the expectations for future Hispanic Business Council events … now participants will not only be looking forward to a fun event, but also great content,” Chavez said.

For more information on the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce's Hispanic Business Council, visit www.dullesregionalchamber.org.