What We Do
The Latino and Multicultural Center for Regional Development (LMC) formally launched its programming in September 2005. The LMC is a catalyst, a connector of services for the Latino and Multicultural community in Greater Cincinnati.
We provide research, education, and outreach services to help schools, agencies and businesses reach out to the Latino and Multicultural community.
Our Initiatives
Some of the center’s research, outreach and education initiatives include:
- Greater Cincinnati’s First Hispanic Health Survey
- Strategic Planning for Mental Health and Medical Services
- The Latino Pathways Conference: Higher Education for Hispanic students
- Exchange program for Mexican students to experience the United States
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund Town Hall Meeting
A Focus on Education
In education, Dr. Holly Riffe and Amy Shassere have initiated several efforts to help children succeed in school and widen their prospects for post-secondary education. For example, nearly 12% of the student body at Collins Elementary school in Florence Kentucky is Hispanic. Since the teachers have had difficulty communicating with non-English-speaking parents, Dr. Riffe has partnered NKU students from across the campus to interpret for teachers. Now parents can take a more active role in their child’s education. LMC staff is assisting computer science faculty in their efforts to teach Latino children and families about careers in information technology and computer sciences. In one camp, Latino families will be building their own computer!
Our Founding Director
Holly A. Riffe, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in Social Work and the founding director of the Latino and Multicultural Center for Regional Development. She has authored more than 15 articles and book chapters and 25 presentations in 6 countries. The recipient of nearly $1,000,000 in research grants and contracts, Dr. Riffe devotes her time researching and assisting organizations in expanding services to the new immigrant community.