Maryland Latinos Unidos is a left-of-center nonprofit organization established in Maryland claiming to support Latino communities through a variety of programs aimed at addressing civic, economic, and legal needs. The organization works to provide resources that help Latinos navigate challenges such as access to health care, education, and legal services, as well as efforts to increase their participation in local and national civic life. MLU claims to focus on improving access to social services and addressing issues related to discrimination, social integration, and community engagement. The nonprofit provides educational resources and support services to foster stronger community ties and promote informed participation in public discourse. ¹

The organization’s work extends to advocacy for tougher labor-law standards, health care access, and left-of-center immigration policy. ² Through collaborations with various local community organizations, Maryland Latinos Unidos aims to influence policies that affect immigrant populations and ensure their representation in key discussions. These efforts include providing legal assistance, workforce development programs, and organizing initiatives that help Latinos better understand and access available public services. ³

Background and Advocacy

Maryland Latinos Unidos (MLU) was founded in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a goal to support and unify efforts for the Latino community in Maryland. It was co-founded by Veronica Cool, a Dominican-born entrepreneur and advocate. She has been involved in other advocacy efforts, including Latino Innovators Pitch and several Facebook groups that offer resources for jobseekers and entrepreneurs. Additionally, Cool established MLU claiming to strengthen Latino-serving organizations throughout the state, particularly during the crisis created by the pandemic. ⁴

In December 2020, MLU hired Gabriela Lemus as its first executive director. Lemus has worked extensively on building multiracial coalitions and has championed civic engagement within the Latino community. As executive director, she is responsible for leading MLU’s strategic efforts to build a strong public policy advocacy network and support Latino interests across the state. ⁵

MLU has been instrumental in addressing critical issues faced by the Latino community in Maryland, particularly in areas such as healthcare access, educational support, and economic development. ⁶ The organization operates with backing from Cool and Associates LLC, Johns Hopkins University and Medicine, and MedStar Health, and continues to strengthen the state’s infrastructure to better serve its growing Latino population. ⁷

Financials

In 2023, Maryland Latinos Unidos reported a revenue of approximately $800,000, which it uses to fund its core programs, including legal services, workforce development, and educational outreach. ⁸ Maryland Latinos Unidos reported total assets of $933,488, with liabilities amounting to $694,068, resulting in total assets of $239,420. The organization’s funding sources include grants from international foundations, corporate partnerships, and private donations aimed at supporting refugee integration and legal assistance programs. The net income for the year was reported at $259,216. ⁹

1. “Overview of Services Provided by Maryland Latinos Unidos”, Maryland Latinos Unidos Annual Report 2023, https://www.marylandlatinosunidos.org/
2. “Latino Communities and Local Service Organizations: A Case Study of Maryland”, Maryland Civic Engagement Review, 2023.
3. “Community-Based Organizations and Policy Influence in Maryland”, Maryland Civic Review, 2022.
4. “Veronica Cool.” Maryland Latinos Unidos. Accessed November 6, 2024. https://marylandlatinosunidos.org/leadership/veronica-cool.
5. “Dr. Gabriela Lemus.” Maryland Latinos Unidos. Accessed November 6, 2024. https://marylandlatinosunidos.org/leadership/dr-gabriela-lemus.
6. “Our History.” Maryland Latinos Unidos. Accessed November 6, 2024. https://marylandlatinosunidos.org/about.
7. “Maryland Latinos Unidos.” Maryland Latinos Unidos. Accessed November 6, 2024. https://marylandlatinosunidos.org
8. “Funding Patterns of Nonprofit Organizations in Maryland”, Maryland Nonprofit Resource Center, 2023.
9. Maryland Nonprofits. 2024. “Financial Reporting.” Maryland Nonprofits. Accessed November 6, 2024. https://www.marylandnonprofits.org/about-maryland-nonprofits/financial-reporting/.