Empowering Latino communities: BMO and LCF at Demo Day
Latino communities are a driving force in California’s civic and economic landscape. Yet, they often face barriers to accessing philanthropic support. Through its $1.5 million pledge to the Latino Community Foundation (LCF), BMO is working to elevate community voices and expand opportunities—helping ensure that impactful stories and solutions receive the attention they deserve.
At the heart of this partnership are two cornerstone initiatives: the Latino Nonprofit Accelerator and the Promotora Cooperative Initiative. Both programs focus on strengthening leadership, advancing economic mobility and building organizational resilience. organizational resilience.
The Latino Nonprofit Accelerator enhances the visibility and infrastructure of grassroots Latino-led nonprofits. In addition, BMO’s Zero Barriers to Business™ colleagues Angel Pastrana and Daniel Rodriguez have mentored participants in the Latino Nonprofit Accelerator, while Cheryl Kisob from BMO Community Giving provided mentorship to participants in the Latino Nonprofit Accelerator—reinforcing BMO’s commitment to capacity-building and leadership development.
The Promotora Cooperative Initiative empowers Latina and Indigenous caregivers to launch worker-owned businesses, creating sustainable income and community-driven solutions.
Demo Day, held on October 29 at the Brava Theater in San Francisco, was a powerful celebration of the Accelerator program work. It showcased the impact of BMO’s investment and the leadership of Latino communities in shaping their own futures. From launching cooperatives to building nonprofit capacity, the results are clear:
- 23 Promotoras are now cooperative founders
- 7 nonprofits received tailored coaching
- Hundreds of community members have been reached through Promotora-led initiatives
BMO team members Lisa Milburn, Rebecca Laskaris, Edgar Coronado, Ron Milsap and Philip Wong, attended Demo Day to witness firsthand the innovation and resilience driving Latino-owned businesses and nonprofits. The event was a reminder that when communities are given the tools and trust to lead, they create lasting change.
“Demo Day was a powerful reminder of the innovation and resilience within Latino communities. At BMO, we are driven by our Purpose, to Boldy Grow the Good in business and life and believe in building relationships that go beyond banking—by supporting entrepreneurs and community leaders who are driving meaningful change. Our partnership with Latino Community Foundation reflects that commitment, and it’s inspiring to see the positive impact these initiatives are having across California.”
– Edgar Coronado
U.S. VP of Commercial Banking, BMO.
BMO is proud to stand with LCF in redefining philanthropy—not as charity, but as empowerment. Together, we’re helping build stronger communities and a more inclusive future.
