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Hispanic/Latino voices heard during Southwest discussion

By Lynn Maples 

Hispanic student enrollment at Southwest Tennessee Community College has been the school's fastest-growing student population since 2019. Leaders from Southwest and the Mid-South Latino Chamber of Commerce discussed how working together can benefit Memphis' Latino population through educational and business opportunities.
Hispanic student enrollment at Southwest Tennessee
Community College has been the school's fastest-growing
student population since 2019. Leaders from Southwest
and the Mid-South Latino Chamber of Commerce
discussed how working together can benefit Memphis'
Latino population through educational and business
opportunities.

Southwest leaders met April 11 at the Maxine A. Smith Center with the Mid-South Latino Chamber of Commerce (MLCC) to explore opportunities for growth, empowerment, and economic impact. The Center’s Director, Patrick Washington, organized the event as a way to introduce Southwest’s programs and degrees available to that community.

“It is our intent to delve into potential avenues for additional training and services tailored to the Hispanic/Latino community,” Washington said.

Angela Trillo, president of MLCC, said the meeting is the first step in addressing how to “fix the gap” in communication for better sharing of information and opportunities. She understands the difficulties facing many Hispanics/Latinos as residents and business owners in a primarily English-speaking city. That is one reason she founded the MLCC: to advocate for the Latino business community’s contribution to the Mid-South’s economic and community growth.

NaShawn Branch, executive director for the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC), reported that the largest infusion of capital -- $18.8 million – via the TSBDC has been in Memphis and 201 Hispanic/Latino businesses have taken advantage of its offerings. The Center offers one-on-one consulting, training, and referrals to those wishing to expand their business and work with others in the Mid-South community.

TSBCD maintains an office at the Maxine A. Smith Center and serves as an essential partner for Southwest’s workforce efforts.

Washington said the outreach is essential for the success of the College and Hispanic/Latino community. There are little more than 78,000 Hispanics/Latinos in Memphis (a 49% increase between 2010 to 2020), making the demographic the fastest-growing population in Shelby County. 

For Southwest, this translates into increased enrollment and closely examining the educational needs of the expanding community. For the Hispanic/Latino community, it means exploring opportunities not afforded to them previously.

According to Title III Director Joshua Nave, enrollment by Hispanic/Latino students is a key reason for Southwest’s current student population increase. Hispanic/Latino students have been a sustainable reason for the school’s growth. Matthew Lexow, interim dean for the Center of Learning Excellence, agrees, stating that there has been a 402 percent increase in dual enrollment for the College, with an 820 percent increase among Hispanic/Latino students.

However, sustaining that growth is increasingly difficult. The option of credit versus non-credit courses is important to many students – especially Hispanic/Latino students who often choose a job over college. The credentialing available to students from Southwest makes the school extremely appealing.

“Latinos love education,” said Trillo. “Unfortunately, there are many barriers in the way. Language is one of them. So is paying for school. But we find a way. We make the effort.”

In future discussions, the two groups would like to explore business opportunities, training needs, and educational funding through scholarships offered by The Southwest Foundation and Hispanic/Latino businesses.