Each student received a $1,500 scholarship intended to fuel their transition into higher education. Beyond financial assistance, the on-site presentation served as a meaningful moment of validation, designed to remind young Latino leaders that their dedication is recognized by the broader community.

A Message of Visibility and Support

The core of the Vamos! Scholarship initiative is to ensure that the efforts of diverse students are amplified and uplifted by the ecosystem surrounding them. During his visit to Chanhassen High School, Llerena delivered a direct message of encouragement to Perez and Zepeda on behalf of the organization’s network.

“Our message to Daniel and Fernanda is simple: We see you,” stated Juan Llerena, Executive Director of Vamos Impact. “Your hard work is not invisible. Your daily efforts are deeply appreciated, and you have an entire community standing right behind you, supporting your journey. The word ‘Vamos’ literally means ‘let’s go’ or ‘keep moving forward.’ It is the very spirit of sí se puede—yes, it is possible. We are incredibly proud of them, and we say: ¡Vamos por más!”

Strengthening the Local Educational Ecosystem

The presentation highlights Vamos Impact’s ongoing commitment to closing the educational gap and fostering equity within Eastern Carver County Schools. By celebrating these milestones directly within the school, the organization aims to inspire fellow students and build a stronger, more welcoming environment where everyone has a real opportunity to live life to its fullest.

This impactful day at Chanhassen High School was made possible through the shared vision of local supporters and community partners. A significant shout-out goes to Americana Community Bank, whose role as a Sustainable Sponsor reflects a dedicated commitment to backing local youth and empowering the next generation of Latino professionals and changemakers.

About Vamos Impact

Vamos Impact is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing Latino entrepreneurship, education, and economic mobility. Through initiatives like the Vamos! Scholarship Fund, the organization provides culturally relevant resources and financial support to help Latino leaders and students thrive in Minnesota. Learn more at vamosimpact.org.

Media Contact:

Juan Llerena, Executive Director

Vamos Impact

Email: info@vamosimpact.org

Website: www.vamosimpact.org

The post “We See You”: Vamos Impact Celebrates Latino Excellence at Chanhassen High School with 2026 Scholarships appeared first on Vamos Impact.

During his session, “The Community Connection: Strategic Marketing, Outreach, and PR for Community Leaders,” Llerena served as a bridge between high-level strategy and grassroots impact. While the workshop provided tactical roadmaps for leaders, its heart centered on a singular mission: ensuring that no part of the community—particularly the Latino population—is left operating in a silo.

Building a Bridge for All

Llerena, widely recognized as a “Community Connector,” utilized the platform to demonstrate how strategic communication can dismantle barriers. By sharing the Elev@te Framework and inclusive outreach strategies, he highlighted the necessity of moving “beyond the lens” to reach non-English speaking community members and aspiring entrepreneurs.

“A thriving community isn’t built on noise; it’s built on authentic connections,” Llerena noted. “When we align our vision with the actual needs of our neighbors, we stop just ‘marketing’ and start leading toward a better future for everyone.”

Strengthening the Latino Ecosystem

Under Llerena’s leadership, Vamos Impact has become a vital force in Minnesota, focused on two primary pillars:

• Economic Development: Providing Latino entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and strategic roadmaps needed to build sustainable businesses.
• Education: Ensuring accessible paths to professional growth and digital literacy, helping individuals navigate a rapidly changing economic landscape.

The presentation at Minnebar20 served as a call to action for the broader ecosystem to recognize that the success of Latino-led initiatives is inextricably linked to the prosperity of the entire state.

A Call for Partnership

The work of shaping a better community requires a collective effort. Following the success of the Minnebar20 session, Vamos Impact is actively seeking to expand its network of supporters who share a commitment to economic equity and educational excellence.

We invite stakeholders across all sectors to join us in this mission:

• Government Agencies looking to enhance inclusive outreach and program implementation.
• Private Corporations seeking to invest in the next generation of diverse business leaders.
• Foundations dedicated to sustainable community development and education.
• Individual Supporters who believe in the power of a connected, thriving community.

Together, we can ensure that the “Community Connection” is not just a workshop title, but a lived reality for every Minnesotan.

Join the Movement

To learn more about our current initiatives or to discuss how your organization can support economic development and education for Latinos in Minnesota and beyond, please reach out to us directly.

Contact: Juan Llerena, Executive Director Vamos Impact Email: info@vamosimpact.org Website: www.vamosimpact.org

#CommunityBuilder #EconomicDevelopment #LatinoExcellence #MinnesotaImpact #EducationForAll #VamosImpact #Minnebar20 #Leadership

The post Shaping the Future of Minnesota: Juan Llerena Advocates for Economic Empowerment at #Minnebar20 appeared first on Vamos Impact.

Founded in 2011, the ELCD program is designed for early- and mid-career professionals dedicated to shaping the future of community development. Through a combination of mentorship, industry-specific training, and networking, the program provides participants with the tools necessary to strengthen their leadership and expand their impact across the region.

Strengthening the Mission of Vamos Impact

As the Executive Director of Vamos Impact, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Llerena’s participation in the ELCD program is a strategic step toward ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability. The program aligns with the nonprofit’s core mission of fostering community growth and creating lasting social impact.

“I am incredibly grateful to MCCD and Hope Community for this opportunity to learn alongside some of the most dedicated professionals in the field,” said Juan Llerena. “My goal is to leverage the mentorship and training from the ELCD program to further advance the mission of Vamos Impact. Building a sustainable future for the communities we serve requires continuous education and a strong network of partners.”

Commitment to Excellence and Strategy

In addition to his leadership at Vamos Impact, Llerena remains fully committed to his role at JLLB Media. By participating in the ELCD session, he aims to bring fresh leadership perspectives and strategic insights to both the nonprofit and private sectors, ensuring that his work continues to drive growth and innovation across all platforms.

About the ELCD Program

The Emerging Leaders in Community Development (ELCD) program is a free, competitive initiative that connects mentees with established leaders in the community development sector. Over the next six months, the 2026 cohort will engage in intensive training sessions and networking events designed to build a more resilient and collaborative community development field.

About Vamos Impact

Vamos Impact is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering communities through strategic initiatives and sustainable development. Driven by a passion for social equity, the organization works to create meaningful opportunities for growth and resilience.

The post Vamos Impact Executive Director Selected for 2026 Emerging Leaders in Community Development Program appeared first on Vamos Impact.

The Vamos! Scholarship Fund was born from a vision to close the educational gap for Latino students in Carver County—specifically within the schools of Chaska and Chanhassen. From those early conceptual meetings to the awarding of scholarships to dozens of bright, deserving students, the District 112 Foundation has been a vital ally.

“Our partnership with the District 112 Foundation has been a masterclass in community collaboration,” says Juan Llerena, Executive Director of Vamos Impact. “On behalf of our founders, partners, and the students whose lives have been changed by these scholarships, I want to thank the Foundation’s Board of Directors and their dedicated volunteers. They didn’t just manage funds; they believed in the potential of our youth.”

Bridging the Gap, Together

The impact of this collaboration is seen in the classrooms of Chaska High School and Chanhassen High School, where Latino students have received the financial backing and community encouragement needed to pursue higher education. By working together, both organizations have moved the needle on equity and opportunity in Eastern Carver County.

The Road Ahead

While this update marks a transition in our organizational journey, it is far from a conclusion. This milestone represents a “new beginning” for future collaborations. Vamos Impact remains committed to strengthening our community, supporting those in need, and improving the livelihood of all residents in Carver County and beyond.

We look forward to many more years of working alongside the District 112 Foundation as we continue to build a future where every student has the resources to say, “¡Vamos por más!”

About Vamos Impact

Vamos Impact is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing Latino entrepreneurship, education, and economic mobility. Through initiatives like the Vamos! Scholarship Fund, the organization provides culturally relevant resources and financial support to help Latino leaders and students thrive in Minnesota. Learn more at vamosimpact.org.

About District 112 Foundation

The District 112 Foundation serves the students and staff of Eastern Carver County Schools by providing grants and support for innovative programs that go beyond the limits of public funding. Their work ensures that every student in the district has the opportunity to excel.

Vamos Impact Media Contact

Juan Llerena, Executive Director

Executive Director

Vamos Impact

info@vamosimpact.org

Text (612)730-9520

Vamos Impact is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to building economic opportunity through entrepreneurship, education, and fair trade. EIN: 39-3851393.

Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

The post A Letter of Gratitude for Your Fiscal Sponsorship and Partnership appeared first on Vamos Impact.

LIMA, PERU / WACONIA, MN – April 18, 2026 – Vamos Impact is proud to announce the successful completion of its 2026 mission trip to Peru, led by Executive Director Juan Llerena last February & March 2026. This intensive, journey across the coastal and Andean regions of the country marked a significant step forward in the organization’s commitment to fostering sustainable entrepreneurship within Latino communities, bridging local Minnesota roots with impactful international outreach.

Teaching a Person to Fish

Driven by a core philosophy of “teaching a person to fish” rather than simply providing a handout, the mission moved beyond traditional aid, focusing instead on three critical pillars: Educational Empowerment, Fair Trade Advocacy, and Strategic Partnerships. The Vamos Impact team delivered tangible results on the ground:

• Educational Workshops: Conducted intensive, hands-on entrepreneurship training in Chincha (Pueblo Nuevo) and Lima, partnering with organizations like the local Association “Mujer, Vida, y Propósito” and Obras Misionales Pontificias (OMP) to equip local micro-entrepreneurs with essential business skills and educational materials.
• Fair Trade Technical Assistance: Provided critical on-site sales and technical strategy support to artisan partners in Cusco, including jewelry makers and textile alpaca producers at Plaza San Blas. This assistance directly helps these traditional craftspeople access and thrive in broader, global markets.
• Strategic Growth & Storytelling: Explored new educational partnerships to expand the reach of the “Vamos Entrepreneur” curriculum and captured powerful, video-based impact testimonials from local leaders, including Gloria Herrera of Mujer Asociación Vida y Propósito.

“We started this mission with a backpack full of passion, love, and knowledge,” said Juan Llerena, Executive Director of Vamos Impact. “The response from these communities was overwhelming. We are not just delivering resources; we are building deep friendships and planting the seeds for long-term, independent economic growth that will ripple through these families for years to come.”

Vamos Impact invites its supporters, partners, and the public to witness the highlights of this transformative journey. A newly released video captures the faces, stories, and spirit of empowerment from the 2026 mission:

As the organization looks to scale these successful models, both in Minnesota and Peru, it calls on the community to join this journey of sustainable impact.

About Vamos Impact

Vamos Impact is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering diverse entrepreneurs through education, fair trade initiatives, and community support. By connecting resources from Minnesota with talent and opportunity in Peru, we create a global network of sustainable, life-changing impact.

Learn more at:

https://vamosimpact.org

Media Contact:

Juan Llerena – Executive Director

Vamos Impact

info@vamosimpact.org

Learn more & Support our mission: https://vamosimpact.org/

Donate: https://vamosimpact.org/donate/

Follow us for updates: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vamosimpact/

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