According to Santiago Marquez, adaptability is crucial as a leader. “Leadership requires the ability to adapt to new challenges; understanding priorities and needs is crucial,” he said. Adaptability was a necessary trait when Marquez assumed the role of CEO of the Latin American Association (LAA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Latino community, which we are deeply committed to serving, faced significant hardships during these times,” said Marquez. “It was imperative for us to be there for them, providing support, guidance and resources.”
The mission of the Latin American Association is to empower Latinos to adapt, integrate and thrive. The organization’s vision is “Opportunity for All.” Founded in 1972, the LAA has grown over the past four decades to become the region’s leading agency representing Georgia’s Latino issues by offering a targeted menu of direct services that help Latino individuals assimilate and become contributing members of Georgia’s community.
The nonprofit has five focus areas: Civic engagement and advocacy, economic empowerment, youth services, family stabilization and well-being and immigration services.
Under Marquez’s leadership, the nonprofit has actively supported the economic mobility of Latino families to help them get back on their feet after the pandemic. He established partnerships with different organizations that aligned their vision to the Latin American Association and these partnerships granted Latinos access to professional education that otherwise would not have been possible.
Marquez also joined forces with Georgia Piedmont Technical College to give Latinos carpentry certifications and free GED classes. Since Marquez’s tenure at the LAA, his leadership has elevated the organization’s impact and visibility in Georgia’s Latino community with the 39th Annual Career EXPO, the largest Latino job fair in Georgia. This event, under Marquez’s leadership, broke attendance records and provided a crucial platform for job seekers and employers in the Latino community. He also set a new standard by providing over 300 job seekers with employment opportunities.
“Santiago’s influence and leadership have been widely recognized across various platforms,” said his staff. He was honored as one of the 500 most influential leaders in Georgia by Georgia Trend and received the Dekalb County Humanitarian of the Year Award.
“My goal is to enable the community to integrate and thrive, using the Latin American Association as a catalyst for positive change,” said Marquez. “We approach each problem looking at our client’s needs, data and strategic thinking, ensuring that our actions and efforts today are maximized into paving the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for the Latino community.”
