Yuri Cunza, President & CEO, Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
In an interview with Invest:, Yuri Cunza, president and CEO of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, discussed the evolving narrative of the Hispanic community, while also addressing challenges like workforce development and affordable housing. “The Hispanic segment of the market in Nashville and Middle Tennessee is still relatively new. This segment of the population is essentially writing its story from the beginning,” he added.
What impact does the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce have on the Middle Tennessee market?
The Hispanic segment of the market in Nashville and Middle Tennessee is still relatively new. This segment of the population is essentially writing its story from the beginning. While there are businesses that started 20, 30, or even 40 years ago, the majority of the Hispanic community here consists of newcomers who are experiencing the United States and Nashville for the first time. This is in contrast to individuals moving from more established Hispanic communities, such as those in California or Florida. That said, we do have some of those individuals as well, given Nashville’s growing appeal. However, the Hispanic community that comes to stay has the unique opportunity to create its own narrative, which does not have to mirror that of other markets, and this is a distinctive opportunity for us.
I would describe the Hispanic community in Nashville as still young and, proportionally, smaller compared to other markets, which often results in a lack of representation within established systems and governing bodies. As such, one of our key roles at the chamber is to highlight and spotlight the success stories of Hispanic entrepreneurs in a fair, dignified, and honest manner. This is important not only for those outside the community but also for the younger generation within it. For instance, approximately 34% of the public school population in Nashville is Hispanic. By showcasing positive examples, we hope to inspire these young individuals, especially because representation matters since it is difficult to relate to something you do not see yourself reflected in.
It is also important to recognize the broader contributions of the Hispanic community, especially in a city like Nashville, where the hospitality industry is vital to the economy. For example, I recently learned from the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. that visitors from Mexico rank third in terms of the length of stay for tourists visiting Nashville. The longer tourists stay, the more they spend, which significantly impacts the local economy.
Despite these contributions, there are still inaccuracies in how our community is portrayed. Not everyone wants to leave their home country, as doing so often involves significant sacrifices. For instance, Mexico is a culturally rich and vibrant country, and many people would prefer to stay if not for economic incentives or job opportunities elsewhere. This is a reality that many companies are now grappling with, especially as they face challenges related to workforce development and immigration policies. Currently, there are approximately 12 million undocumented individuals in the United States, and this issue requires attention and resolution. It is unsustainable to ignore this situation, as it affects everyone’s lives. It is important to clarify that being Hispanic does not equate to being undocumented, just as celebrating Cinco de Mayo does not define one’s identity. These are nuanced issues that require thoughtful solutions.
At the chamber, our focus is on celebrating the successes of Hispanic entrepreneurs and highlighting the positive contributions our small business community brings to Nashville. As the city continues to emerge as a desirable destination for businesses and individuals alike, we aim to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment that supports economic development for everyone involved. We want to ensure that the climate here is not only business-friendly but also considerate of all who contribute to the city’s growth.
What opportunities or partnerships is the chamber looking at to promote discussion between the business community and government authorities?
Regarding partnerships, especially economic partnerships that have pushed our agenda further, it is important to note that this requires the government to want to engage in these discussions, and that is not necessarily always the case. I do not want to sound mean, but it seems like the government is still catching up right now. That is, it is working on being more mindful of the makeup of the community we all belong to as the ecosystem is trying to connect with different segments of the population.
For many years, there was no mechanism to do this. The government was busy prioritizing big business. Now, there is an interest, but it is going to take more effort. They know we are here because we keep active. If they do not know, they probably live in a bubble. The government needs to take steps to continue the conversation, and it cannot just be about talking about making improvements when there is no clear way to implement those improvements. For example, during Mayor David Briley’s administration, the Equal Business Opportunity legislation was passed approximately seven years ago. This legislation aimed to review Metro Government’s procurement practices. After an internal audit, it became clear that the opportunities for minority-owned companies to secure contracts with Metro were not as robust as they could be. While the intention was to share opportunities, we found that the types of small, minority- and/or Hispanic-owned businesses in our market may not be ideal for participating in these procurement opportunities since becoming certified as a minority-owned business or navigating Metro Government’s procurement process can be overly complicated for many.
What we need is to be pro-opportunity and pro-growth. However, there are rules and protocols that must be followed, and we are still in the early stages of reaching an ideal scenario. The conversation and opportunities to brainstorm solutions must continue, and I strongly encourage that.
What other challenges is the chamber addressing?
Ideally, someone who works in Nashville should also be able to live and afford to spend in Nashville. Right now, that is not happening. Many people work in Nashville but drive an hour to live in places like Clarksville or Chattanooga because it is cheaper. If someone works in hospitality in downtown Nashville, we hope they can afford to live in Nashville, but that is not the reality. This issue extends beyond just staying in a hotel as it includes renting or buying property in our market. Affordable housing and gentrification are significant concerns we have been addressing.
We need to see leadership from those in charge to welcome these changes. While we can advocate for these improvements, it requires collaboration. It takes two to tango, after all. There needs to be more involvement not only from the community but also from business partners and the government itself.
What would you like to accomplish with the chamber over the next five years?
Our role is no different from any typical chamber. We connect and facilitate opportunities for interaction between the mainstream business community and the Hispanic and small business community. We also focus on fostering leadership opportunities, advancing them based on achievement and the premise that we can all contribute. It is always easier to get where you need to go if you have a network around you that can share common best practices.
Times are changing, and five years from now, things will be much different. I want to ensure our community is not left behind. The solutions we utilize for the betterment of society and our markets must include benefiting the segment of the population that identifies as Hispanic. There may come a day when being Hispanic is a distant memory, like how some people now identify as Black rather than African American. Latinos and Hispanics are going through a similar process of identity. On top of other concerns, like getting a loan or staying here, we should not have to worry about figuring out who we are or how we relate to others. We are here and part of this community.
Moving forward to 2025, with all the changes in government and society, it is a great opportunity to show the value of our community. The determination, resilience, and drive for success within the Hispanic community will continue to demonstrate economic impact. By 2025, there will be about 70 million Hispanics in the country, and we need to make sure that is known and backed by data, not just repeated from social media.
