First Place Roxana Rodriguez
402: Hispanic Businesses Growing the Nebraskan Economy and Culture
In any community, small businesses are the cornerstone of a successful economy, but building and keeping a business alive is no easy feat. Yet, for Hispanic small-business owners this hard work, long hours and personal sacrifices are small in exchange for their dreams. Hispanic small-business owners make up less than 5% of all small-business owners in Nebraska. While helping drive the Nebraskan economy, these businesses also offer a connection back home to many new Nebraskans and the opportunity to learn for many long-time Nebraskans.
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The bakery employees store their belongings in a designated cubby space each day. Their typical workday begins at 6:30 a.m. and lasts until 9:00 p.m. Photo by Roxana Rodriguez / Junior / Advertising and Public Relations
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Salvador Allala, is from Mexico City, Mexico. He has been working for Lobo’s City Mex Market for two years. “Inside the store, it’s like a family here. We tease each other, work together and get along well,” said Allala. Photo by Roxana Rodriguez / Junior / Advertising and Public Relations -
Uerlan Garban immigrated to the United States five years ago from Cuba. “I have found job opportunities, better life and friendships. This city is full of opportunities,” Garban said. Photo by Roxana Rodriguez / Junior / Advertising and Public Relations -
Garban and his co-workers spend the day baking over 60 types of bread, totaling over 6,000 pieces of bread daily. Photo by Roxana Rodriguez / Junior / Advertising and Public Relations -
Adriana Rodriguez and Maria Contreras shop for snacks for their trip to Colombia. “Sometimes there isn’t enough personnel for work. It’s easier for Latinx people to work in Latinx stores because an American isn’t going to understand the necessity of Latinos,” said Rodriguez. Photo by Roxana Rodriguez / Junior / Advertising and Public Relations -
Lobo City’s Mex Market has been serving the city since 1996. This permit is for chefs, cooks, salad prep staff, buffet line staff, deli staff, wait staff who help with cooking or stocking buffet lines or related tasks, all employees of fast food establishments and convenience store clerks who prepare food. Photo by Roxana Rodriguez / Junior / Advertising and Public Relations -
The Pan Dulce Bakery bakes bread from several Latin American countries and offers a wide variety for customers to choose from. Photo by Roxana Rodriguez / Junior / Advertising and Public Relations