Learning More About Latinx Community Center for Empowerment

As we enter Latinx Heritage Month, SIF is pleased to highlight and uplift the critical work of the Latinx Community Center for Empowerment (LCCE). LCCE is committed to elevating the socioeconomic status of Latinx communities by creating inclusive pathways to education, access to social services, civic participation, and enriching arts and culture experiences. They provide educational workshops, translation and interpretation services, and citizenship classes. We spoke with Diego Leonardo, the Executive Director, to better understand their values at work and the challenges they may face.

What do you wish other people knew about the nonprofit?

We want people to know that LCCE is the only Latino-led, Latino-serving nonprofit in Lowell focused on empowerment through education, cultural celebration, and access to resources. For six years, our small but mighty team — supported by dedicated volunteers — has worked tirelessly, often quietly, to connect community members with opportunities that transform lives. From language learning to small business support, we exist to ensure that the Latinx community has a strong voice, visibility, and access to the tools needed to thrive.

How are you bringing your community together through your work?

We bring the community together through programs and initiatives that build both pride and belonging:

• Compartamos Series – A space for dialogue and storytelling where community members share experiences, challenges, and successes, strengthening cultural identity and mutual support.
• Lowell Latinx Archive – Preserving and uplifting the stories of the Latinx community in Lowell so future generations can recognize their contributions and history.
• Hispanic & Latinx Festival – Now in its 4th year, this festival gathers over 15,000 people in downtown Lowell for a day of music, food, dance, art, and celebration, creating one of the largest and most inclusive cultural gatherings in the Merrimack Valley.

Through these efforts, we create opportunities for learning, celebration, and empowerment while connecting people to vital resources.

What challenges are the team facing?

Our biggest challenge continues to be a lack of funding. While we are proud of the impact we’ve made as a small team with mostly volunteers, sustaining and expanding our programs requires consistent financial support. Without it, we risk not being able to serve as many families, offer more classes, or grow initiatives like the archive and festival. We need the community’s help to pitch in and ensure this important work continues.

What are some ways you are celebrating the holiday with your community?

We celebrate holidays by centering culture, family, and community pride. This includes:

• Cultural gatherings with food, music, and traditional activities that highlight the richness of our Latinx heritage.
• Special programming through the festival and community events, where families can come together to share in both tradition and joy.
• Highlighting local businesses and artists, giving them a platform to showcase their work and celebrate with the community.

These celebrations are not just about festivity, but about strengthening bonds and reinforcing the value of cultural pride and unity.

How can others support the organization?

There are two primary ways to support LCCE:

1. Donate – Contributions of any size go a long way in keeping our programs and the Hispanic & Latinx Festival free and accessible. Donations can be made here.
    
2. Volunteer – We rely heavily on the passion and commitment of volunteers to run programs, events, and community outreach. Those interested can sign up through our volunteer form.

By donating or volunteering, people can help us continue building a stronger, more inclusive community in Lowell.

Thank you for your support of SIF’s Innovators, and we’re happy to stand by all the Latino-led organizations in our portfolio: 

• The Latino Health Insurance Program

• Chica Project

• Mujeres Unidas Avanzado

• Young Man with a Plan