HISPANIC

ECONOMIC REPORT
SEPTEMBER 2021
ABOUT THE REPORT
The purpose of this report is to provide a summary of the
employment, educational, and socioeconomic status of
the Hispanic population in the greater Sacramento region,
as well as to offer insight into the inequities that affect
the Hispanic population and the Hispanic community’s
significant impact on the region’s economy. The greater
Sacramento region consists of Sacramento County and the
surrounding counties of El Dorado, Placer, Sutter, Yolo, and
Yuba. The data presented was collected from the latest
available sources provided by the United States Census and
several state agencies. Additionally, the Institute for Social
Research at Sacramento State University collaborated
with the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to
conduct interviews with community members who spoke
to us about their personal experiences as students, families,
and business owners during the coronavirus pandemic.
This inaugural Hispanic Economic Report will serve as a
reference for future studies of the Hispanic community in
the greater Sacramento region.  

The Institute for Social Research and Center for Business

Analytics at Sacramento State University collected the
latest publicly available data from the United States Census’
American Community Survey, the California Department
of Finance, the California Department of Education, the
California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, and
California’s COVID-19 dashboard. The report’s contents
were inspired by the 2019 Long Beach Latino Economic
Report published by California State University, Long Beach
along with local non-profit and civic partners, in addition to
conversations with the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce.  

This report was made possible by the support of the following

partners: Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation,
Sacramento State University, Sierra Health Foundation,
Telemundo33, and 3fold Communications.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

04 Population
GREATER
06 Income SACRAMENTO REGION
6 COUNTIES
07 Digital Access
08 Education YUBA PLACER

10 Jonathan
PROFILE:
Hernandez, Student
SUTTER

11 PROFILE:
Miriam Martinez,
Student

12 Labor Force
YOLO EL DORADO

14 PROFILE:
SACRAMENTO
Quispe Family

16 Socio-Economic
Status

18 PROFILE:
Robert
Rodriguez, CEO

20 COVID-19
21 PROFILE:
Bila Castillo,
Small Business Owner

22 Agenda
Hispanic Economic Report | September 2021 | 03
 POPULATION

POPULATION TRENDS | HISPANIC POPULATION

563,346 750,000
708,315
Hispanics 700,000

lived in the Greater

650,000 633,446
Sacramento Region
in 2020
600,000
563,346

The Hispanic population 550,000

522,217
is projected to grow
481,650
12% by 2030 500,000

and a total of
450,000
26% by 2040
400,000
2010 2015 2020 2030 2040

CA Department of Finance | 2010-2040

PERCENT HISPANIC POPULATION

27%
22% Yuba
of the total
Sacramento
Regional 31% 14%
Population Sutter Placer
is Hispanic

31% 14%
Yolo El Dorado

23%
Sacramento

PUMS Census Microdata | 2019

04 | Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

HISPANIC CITIZENSHIP
& BIRTH FACTS HISPANIC
POPULATION
Children (under 18) FACTS
6% 4%

13%
Not born in the US Not US citizens

of all households in the

region speak Spanish at
home.

83%
of the Hispanics living in
the region are of Mexican
heritage.
94% 96%
Born in the US US citizens

7%
of Hispanic households
are multi-generational
Adults (18+ Years) (compared to 3.5% of
non-Hispanic households).

39% 22%
Not born in the US Not US citizens

31%
of the Hispanic population
is under 18 years
(compared to 19% of non-
Hispanic population).

PUMS Census
Microdata | 2019

61% 78%
Born in the US US citizens

PUMS Census Microdata | 2019

Hispanic Economic Report | September 2021 | 05

 INCOME
The median family income for Hispanic households in the region is
$61,300 representing 88% of the median non-Hispanic households.

In interviews, Hispanic individuals expressed the view that their

households had an underrecognized economic influence in the region.

REGIONAL MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME TRENDS

$80,000
73,000
70,000 Hispanic
$70,000 65,400
63,100 Non-Hispanic
61,500
57,600 59,000
$60,000 56,000 56,750 56,700
53,000
51,500
50,200
$50,000
45,000
42,500
40,100 40,000
$40,000 37,500 37,400
36,100

$30,000
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
PUMS Census Microdata | 2010-19

HISPANIC MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME

Hispanic Median $50,300
Household Income Yuba
the Region

$61,300 $60,000
Sutter $81,000
compared to
Non-Hispanics Placer

$70,000
$50,300 $61,000
Yolo El Dorado

$85,000
Sacramento

PUMS Census Microdata | 2019

06 | Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

DIGITAL ACCESS
Hispanic households are slightly less likely to have digital access than
non-Hispanic households.

Generally, Hispanics are more likely to have access to a smartphone

compared to a computer to access the internet.

DIGITAL ACCESS FOR HISPANIC HOUSEHOLDS

100
89.6% 90.5% 88.1%
83.8% 85.4%
79.6%
80 Hispanic

Non-Hispanic
60

40

20
8.0% 8.3%

0
Internet Access Smartphone Desktop/Laptop No Computer
Ownership Ownership or Smartphone

PUMS Census Microdata | 2019

PERCENT OF HISPANIC HOUSEHOLDS WITH INTERNET

89.6% 83.5%
Yuba
of Hispanic
Households in
the Sacramento 83.1%
Region have Sutter 89.9%
Internet Access Placer
compared to

86.9%
of all Households
88.5% 87.6%
in California Yolo El Dorado

88.3%
Sacramento

PUMS Census Microdata | 2019

Hispanic Economic Report | September 2021 | 07

 EDUCATION
17% of the region’s Hispanic population has at least a Bachelor’s Degree, which
represents less than half of the rate of educational attainment in the non-Hispanic
population (36% have at least a Bachelor’s Degree).

The graduation rate for high school Hispanics in the region is 82%, which is
6 percentage points below the graduation rate for non-Hispanic.

EDUCATION ATTAINMENT | ADULTS 25+ YEARS

5%
Graduate Degree
13%

12%
Bachelor’s Degree
23%

Some College/ 30%

Associates Degree 36%

High School Diploma 26%

or Equivalent 20% Hispanic

27% Non-Hispanic
Less than High School
Diploma 8%

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

PUMS Census Microdata | 2019

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION

SACRAMENTO REGION
Of those Hispanic
82.0% students who
4-Year
Graduation Rate graduate from
88.6% high school, only
about a third

(33.4%)
Graduates 33.4% had the
meeting CSU/UC Hispanic requirements to
requirements
enter university
45.8% White
in the CSU or
UC systems.
0 20 40 60 80 100

CA Department of Education | 2019-2020

08 | Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

HISPANIC EDUCATION ATTAINMENT
BY AGE GROUP
40 Ages 25–40 38.7%

Ages 41–65
35 32.9%
Ages 65+ 31.2%

30 27.9%
27.3%
24.7% 25.3%
25 23.5%

20.4%
20

15%
15
10.6%
10
7.2%
5.6% 6%
3.9%
5

0
Graduate Degree Bachelor’s Some College/ High School Diploma or Less than High
Degree Associates Degree Equivalent School Diploma

PUMS Census Microdata | 2019

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION

High School
82.9%
Graduation Rate Yuba
for Hispanics for
the Region
83.3%
82.0% Sutter 88.6%
Placer
compared to
California

82.2%
84.6% 88.9%
Yolo El Dorado

79.6%
Sacramento

CA Department of Education | 2019-2020

Hispanic Economic Report | September 2021 | 09

 JONATHAN HERNANDEZ
STUDENT

J
onathan is a first-year college student who aspires to earn a
graduate degree in history and become an educator. He was
born in the United States, but was raised by his grandmother in
Mexico and had to re-learn English when he started school. From a
young age he had a passion for history and wanted to pursue higher
education. His parents always encouraged him to work toward his
academic goals and take advantage of the opportunities he was
offered.

Currently a student at Sac City College, Jonathan plans to transfer

to Sacramento State University to earn his bachelor’s degree, then
go on to pursue a graduate degree. He hopes to become a history
teacher like the mentors who have inspired him. Jonathan participates
in the Puente Project, an initiative to provide mentorship for
educationally underserved students who want to transfer to four-year
institutions, and is an ambassador to the Puente Club. The social club
provides Hispanics and other students with educational resources
and a safe place to socialize with peers. As a Hispanic student, he
feels his academic aspirations are supported by faculty, as well as
the aspirations of other students of color and underrepresented
minorities.

Jonathan says it is important

to him to be a mentor in
his community. In his view,
“WE MAY NOT
Hispanics play a crucial role in RUN IT, BUT WE
Sacramento’s economy, but lack
representation in white-collar SURELY DO KEEP IT
careers and influential positions.
“We just have to work harder RUNNING.”
than others unfortunately,
because I feel we face more
challenges than any other group.” Undocumented individuals like
those in his family live with anxieties about employment and seeking
out resources that may jeopardize their living situation. Jonathan
believes Hispanics are an integral part of the Sacramento region’s
economy. “We may not run it, but we surely do keep it running.”

After graduating high school in the midst of the coronavirus

pandemic, Jonathan was uncertain about starting his college career
virtually and adjusting to distance learning. While it has been at times
difficult to focus on his schoolwork due to uncertainty about COVID
(his parents are essential workers who work seven days a week to
cover their expenses) and living in a busy household with his siblings,
he is glad that he enrolled in his classes. Jonathan feels deeply rooted
in Sacramento and plans to build his career in the region, although he
is concerned about the rising cost of living and earning a living wage.
“I am pursuing that higher education to better my way of life.”

10 | Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

MIRIAM
MARTINEZ
STUDENT

A “THERE’S ALWAYS
fter growing up in Los Angeles, Miriam Martinez moved to
Sacramento to study pre-health at Sacramento City College with
the goal of completing a bachelor’s degree in nursing at a four-year PEOPLE WHO
institution. Sacramento has offered a welcome change of pace. Although
Martinez describes herself as a quiet person who faced a lack of resources ARE THERE
for students like her in high school, the Puente Program at Los Rios has TO SUPPORT
helped develop her professional skills and boost her confidence.
US. WE’RE
Martinez feels a stronger, more close-knit connection with other Hispanics
in Sacramento than Los Angeles. In her experience, Latinos in the VERY FRAMILY
Sacramento region are second, third, or even fourth generation and are
willing to share resources. Sacramentans are also more active in giving ORIENTED, AND
back to their community through volunteer efforts, an important value WILL ALWAYS
to Martinez, who hopes to have a career serving others in the medical
profession. HAVE EACH
While the cost of living in Sacramento is more manageable than in Los OTHER’S BACK.”
Angeles, Martinez has struggled to balance school, work, and her personal
life due to the financial anxiety and the devastating impacts of the
pandemic. “Although I tried my best, I did, it was hard to maintain focus
with all the distractions here at home…how am I going to pay my bills?
How am I going to pay for this class? How am I going to do it for next
semester? Am I going to get my job back? Is my health insurance going to
stop because I’m not working?” The emergency grants she received were
helpful, but not adequate or timely enough to give her a sense of security.

Beyond personal financial challenges, Martinez believes the pandemic

revealed social inequities that impact the Hispanic community, such as
over representation in underpaid jobs that were deemed “essential”.
Martinez points to an lack of congruency between the regional economic
contributions of large Hispanic households who may not benefit from
government programs, while immigration issues are being overshadowed
by other social movements.

Martinez is optimistic that Hispanics can play a leading role in helping

the Sacramento region recover economically from the pandemic and
encourages the community to invest in Hispanic owned businesses.
“There’s always people who are there to support us. We’re very family-
oriented, and always got each other’s back.”

Hispanic Economic Report | September 2021 | 11

 LABOR FORCE
Hispanics in the Greater Sacramento region are more active in the labor force
(67% participation vs 60% for Non-Hispanics) and have higher unemployment
rates (4.5% versus 3.6% unemployment).

Hispanics in the region are over-represented in occupations fields such as Farming,

Cleaning and Maintenance, and Construction, and underrepresented in fields such
as Education, Management, and Health Care. During the COVID-19 pandemic,
Hispanics were more likely to work jobs that could not be completed remotely.

OVERALL GREATER SACRAMENTO REGION

Unemployment Labor Force Participation
4.5% 67%

Hispanic

Non-Hispanic

3.6% 60%

PUMS Census Microdata | 2019

UNEMPLOYMENT RATES 2019

7.8%
8
7% Hispanic

Overall
6 5.5% 5.6% 5.4%
5.3%
4.6% 4.4%
4
3% 3.1%

Placer Sacramento Sutter Yolo Yuba

PUMS Census Microdata | 2019

12 | Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

 OCCUPATIONAL FIELDS | OVERREPRESENTED
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry 66%
Building and Grounds Cleaning
and Maintenance 46%
Construction 36%
Food Preparation and Serving 30%
Production 30%
Transportation and Material
Moving 27%
Military Specific 25% Hispanic
Installation, Maintenance, and
Repair Workers 22% Non-Hispanic

0 25,000 50,000 75,000 100,000 125,000 150,000 175,000

Total Number of People Employed
PUMS Census Microdata | 2019

OCCUPATIONAL FIELDS | UNDERREPRESENTED

Healthcare Support 20%

Community and Social Services 19%

Office and Administrative Support 19%
Sales and Related 19%
Personal Care and Service 19%
Protective Service 17%
Education, Training, and Library 15%
Business Operations Specialists 14%
Management, Business, Science,
and Arts 13%
Financial Specialists 13%
Arts, Design, Entertainment,
Sports, and Media 13%
Legal 12%
Computer and Mathematical 12%
Architecture and Engineering 11%
Healthcare Practitioners and
Technical 9% Hispanic

Life, Physical, and Social Science 8% Non-Hispanic

0 25,000 50,000 75,000 100,000 125,000 150,000 175,000

Total Number of People Employed
PUMS Census Microdata | 2019

Hispanic Economic Report | September 2021 | 13

 QUISPE FAMILY

I
n the decade since moving to the region, the Quispe family has
found economic opportunity in Sacramento along with a diverse
community which allows them to connect with both Hispanics and
people from all walks of life through their neighbors, faith, careers,
and philanthropy.

Jovanna and Carlos Quispe arrived in Sacramento in 2009, after first

moving with their young children from Peru to New York, and later
relocating across the country to Los Angeles. The Quispes were
drawn to Sacramento by multiple prospect including employment
and better schools for their kids. “We were attracted by the diversity
of Sacramento, and culturally is has been essential to the raising
our kids.” They hope the region’s cultural richness will nurture their
growing children: Nicole, Alejandro, and Gabriel.

14 | Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

 Finding employment in a new country during the
aftermath of a historic recession was a challenge.
Jovanna, a practicing psychologist, and Carlos, an
engineer, left behind established careers in Peru. The
couple attended community college while they studied
English and familiarized themselves with American
culture. Carlos worked in retail before securing a position
in his field. Jovanna has earned three associate degrees
and hopes to obtain a license to work as a counselor or
therapist.

The Quispes had support from MediCal until Carlos got

insurance through his employer. While appreciative
of the assistance, they found the healthcare system
difficult to navigate, lacking in quality, and had problems
scheduling routine appointments.

Today, Jovanna and Carlos are proud members of the

local community, eager to support regional businesses,
embrace an environmentally conscious lifestyle, and
give back to those in need through donations to St.
Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Catholic radio
station Radio Santisimo. Jovanna says “We as family, we
consume local. We go to the local farmer markets, local
businesses, and [find] produce from California.” Away
from their families abroad, Sacramento has provided the
Quispes with a support network. “We have made friends
with people from difficult cultures, and countries. We
exchange our food, culture, and that makes it a melting
pot of opportunities to find where to belong.” Jovanna
won a local cooking competition with her preparation of
lomo saltado, a traditional Peruvian dish. “Sacramento
provides the opportunity to be proud of our culture, our
food, and language. Wherever I go, there is people who
look like me, and make me feel welcome.”

Carlos lost his job within the first two months of the
coronavirus pandemic and the Quispes say that many
of their friends were laid off or had to close their
businesses. Fortunately, the family received support from
“SACRAMENTO PROVIDES regional and state programs. While Jovanna was able
to work from home, she knows many others who had to
THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE work onsite and were at greater risk of COVID exposure.
PROUD OF OUR CULTURE, The pandemic has delayed the Quispes’ plans to start
a business, made their son Gabriel’s graduation virtual,
OUR FOOD, AND and limited their ability to connect with the Sacramento
community they cherish. Despite the difficulties, the
LANGUAGE. WHEREVER pandemic gave Carlos and Jovanna an unexpected
I GO, THERE IS PEOPLE opportunity to spend more time with their kids. “During
the pandemic, every night was a movie night. It was a
WHO LOOK LIKE ME, AND way for us to connect with our children.”

MAKE ME FEEL WELCOME.”

Hispanic Economic Report | September 2021 | 15

 SOCIO-ECONOMIC
STATUS
The percentage of Hispanics at or below the poverty line is consistently above
that of non-Hispanics. However, the disparity between the rate of poverty
between Hispanics/Non-Hispanics has been shrinking.

Hispanics are more likely to lack health insurance and be enrolled in

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Hispanics are more likely than Non-Hispanics to live in multi-generational

households.

SOCIO- UNINSURED INDIVIDUALS

ECONOMIC BY AGE
STATUS Hispanic
3.0%
Under 18 Non-Hispanic

90.7%
of all Hispanics have
2.3%

health insurance coverage

compared to 95.5% of 13.0%
non-Hispanics Age 18-30

8.5%

10.6%
of Hispanics receive SNAP Age 31-65
13.7%

assistance compared to 5.5%

5.11% of non-Hispanics

1.8%

40%
Age 66+
0.4%
Average percent of gross
income spent by Hispanics
households on rent 9.3%
compared to 41% of non-
All Ages
Hispanics
4.6%
PUMS Census
Microdata | 2019
0 3 6 9 12 15

PUMS Census Microdata | 2019

16 | Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

PERCENT OF POPULATION AT OR
BELOW POVERTY LINE

35 Hispanic
31%
30% 30% Non-Hispanic
30 28%
27%
26%

25 23% 23%
22%

20 19%

15% 15% 15%

15 14% 13%
13%
12% 12% 12%
11%
10
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

PUMS Census Microdata | 2019

PERCENT OF MONTHLY HOUSEHOLD

INCOME SPENT ON RENT

Percent of 37%
Hispanic Yuba
Household
Income spent 37%
on rent for the Sutter 38%
Region Placer

40%
compared to
Non-Hispanics
43%
41% Yolo
40%
El Dorado

41%
Sacramento

PUMS Census Microdata | 2019

Hispanic Economic Report | September 2021 | 17

 ROBERT RODRIGUEZ
CEO OF CAMBRIA SOLUTIONS

S
ince its founding in 2003, Robert Rodriguez’s Sacramento
headquartered Cambria Solutions has provided consulting
services to an ever-expanding clientele of public and private
organizations across the country. From a young age, Rodriguez had
first-hand exposure to the daily operations of the Mexican bakery
his grandfather founded in Southern California. Upon the completion
of his bachelors and masters degrees, he worked for a startup and
other companies, eventually moving to Sacramento. A self-described
entrepreneur at spirit, he founded Cambria Solutions to primarily
serve governments by helping them modernize with information
technology services. The company of around three hundred people
now has offices in eight locations nationwide and has grown 30%
each year for nearly two decades. Rodriguez serves as CEO of
Cambria Solutions as well as the founder of other ventures and a
mentor to the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative.

18 | Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Cambria Solutions has been a long time supporter of the Sacramento
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Rodriguez is proud of the
national recognition the company has received. He hopes that the
visibility of Hispanic business leaders will inspire others to follow
in their footsteps. “We’re not saying it’s an easy ride to get here,
but we’re showing that through grit and perseverance, you can
accomplish a lot. And our hope is that you don’t stop and you keep
pushing forward.” About 40% of Cambria Solutions’ workforce are
ethnic or racial minorities including Hispanic employees.

Rodriguez believes that Hispanics will play an important role in

the Sacramento region’s recovery from the pandemic. Hispanics
are both the enduring backbone of the California economy in the
farming and service industries, as well as increasingly ascendent in
positions of economic and political power. He says COVID-19 has
brought long overdue recognition
to the employees who provide
“I THINK WHEN indispensable labor. “A lot of
WE LOOK AT IT people are putting their lives at
risk so that our communities can
FROM A DIFFERENT continue moving forward and,
literally, put food on the table. I’m
PERSPECTIVE, IT proud of what our communities
OPENS OUR EYES have contributed to this and I’m
glad to see that more and more
AND GIVES US NEW people are recognizing some of
our contributions.”
GOALS TO ACHIEVE
As Hispanic prominence rises
AND MAYBE NEW in business and government,
GAPS THAT NEED TO he sees more opportunities
for inidividuals to advocate for
BE FILLED UP.” other Hispanics and provide
mentorship. Rodriguez wants the
Hispanic community, and everyone in society, to think broadly about
representation for racial minorities and women. “I think, why not us?
Why can’t we do it? I look around and somebody is asking, why is it
that we can’t do this? Why don’t we have more representation? Why
don’t we have more Latino millionaires? Why don’t we have more
Hispanic billionaires? Why don’t we have more Hispanic companies in
the Fortune 500? Why are we not in the Fortune 10? It goes on and
on, right, when we think about that and not just Latino communities.
Why don’t we have more women owned entrepreneurs? Or why don’t
we have more women leaders, why don’t we have more women in the
legislature? It just goes on. I think when we look at it from a different
perspective, it opens our eyes and gives us new goals to achieve and
maybe new gaps that need to be filled up.”

Hispanic Economic Report | September 2021 | 19

 COVID-19
In four of the six counties in the Greater Sacramento Region, Hispanics
had a higher COVID-19 infection rate than non-Hispanics (June 2021).
CALIFORNIA
The California Latino Economic Institute’s report on the economic
impacts of COVID-19 found that Latinos were overrepresented in both AND
cases and deaths. Nearly two-thirds of California Latinos reported
experiencing a loss of employment income since March of 2020
COVID-19
and over 40% of Latinos reported that they had difficulty paying
their usual household expenses in the past week. Over 75% of small
business owners said that COVID-19 had a moderate to large negative Death rate for
effect on their businesses. The experiences of Hispanics statewide are Latino people is
reflected in the personal accounts of our interviewees.  

In interviews, Hispanic students expressed the significant financial

21%
higher than statewide.
burden of the pandemic on employment for themselves and their
families, in addition to anxieties about COVID-19 exposure for
family members working “essential jobs”. All participants felt that
the pandemic highlighted the underappreciated work of Hispanics California’s COVID-19
employed in crucial jobs in the agriculture and service industries. They dashboard highlights
felt that Hispanics were more important to the economic future of the the divergent health
region than ever before. outcomes for Hispanics
and other minority
groups compared to
whites.

COVID INFECTION RATE Socioeconomic factors

PER 100K POPULATION | JUNE 2021 influence exposure
to COVID, access to
healthcare, impacts
on family units, and
92 vaccination efforts.
El Dorado
64

123 County level information

Placer is limited, but the
82
Sacramento region likely
mirrors broader trends.
106
Sacramento
71

Interviewees spoke
133
Sutter directly about the stress
119 of COVID-19, the impact
on small businesses and
67 their ability to serve the
Yolo
43 communities around
them (Bila Castillo).
123
Yuba
114

0 30 60 90 120 150

Hispanics White
Covid19.ca.gov | 2021

20 | Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

BILA CASTILLO
SMALL BUSINESS OWNER, BILA’S HAIR STUDIO

W “WE NEED TO
hen COVID-19 forced her small business to close for nearly
six months, Bila Castillo was determined to focus on the
opportunities around her. She encouraged her employees to SPEAK. WE NEED TO
pursue additional training and certifications so that they could emerge
from the pandemic with new skills they might not otherwise have had TELL OTHER PEOPLE
the time to acquire. Castillo’s resilience in the face of unprecedented WHAT WE WANT,
challenges is a testament to the tireless efforts of Hispanic small
business owners across the Sacramento region. After working for a WHAT WE NEED,
friend for sixteen years while her children grew up, Castillo founded
Bila’s Hair Studio on Howe Avenue in 2016. The business has six WHAT I’M GOING
employees who serve a diverse community in Sacramento’s Arden-
Arcade area.
FOR. EVERYBODY
CAN BE SUCCESSFUL
Castillo says that her salon offers more than just haircuts to its
customers as stylists give their clients ways to express themselves. IN DIFFERENT WAYS,
Beyond the beauty services, Castillo is determined to give back to the
community around her. Before the pandemic, the salon offered free BUT WE NEED TO
professional hairdressing classes which taught participants technical
and customer service skills. Education is the crucial factor, in her
GET EDUCATED.”
view, that can help the Hispanic community reach its full potential as
business owners and economic participants in the region. Hispanic need
to work together to share information and resources that will help their
small businesses make the greatest economic impact in the region.
She encourages individuals to not be held back by their language skills
and focus on the opportunities available to them in the United States.
Castillo wants to see more women to get involved in business and
channel their passions into profitable ventures that allow individuals to
work for themselves. “We need to speak. We need to tell other people
what we want, what we need, what I’m going for. Everybody can be
successful in different ways, but we need to get educated.”

Hispanic Economic Report | September 2021 | 21

 AGENDA
The Regional Hispanic Economic Agenda sets the priorities to improve the economic well-being of
Hispanics across the Greater Sacramento Six-County Region. Based on the Hispanic Economic Report
findings, this roadmap serves as a platform to engage elected officials, community, and business leaders
in solution-driven discussions and efforts towards addressing the opportunities identified in the report.

The top eight emerging priority areas include:

CONSISTENT AND SIGNIFICANT HIGH-SPEED INTERNET

INVESTMENT
Establish permanent funding sources to support
programs and services offered by community-
based organizations and technical assistance
associations serving a Hispanic and diverse
populations. Fund capacity building and structural
building efforts to advance a supportive ecosystem
that increases economic impact.
EDUCATION ATTAINMENT
Implement programs to increase the high school
graduation rates in the six-county region over
the next five years. Address the educational
attainment gap for Hispanic students in K-12 to
meet the minimum admission requirements for
CSU and UC, with the completion of A-G courses.
FINANCIAL LITERACY AND
CIVIC EDUCATION
Integrate financial literacy and civic learning
curriculum into district/city/county-funded youth
and community programs. Support regional
conferences and activities that aim to provide
these educational opportunities to Hispanics and
underinvested communities.
FUTURE OF WORK
Leverage partnerships to rethink the workforce
demands of our region, with an emphasis on
equity, career readiness, and retraining. Establish
a network for existing workforce development
programs at centers, colleges, and universities
to strategically combine efforts, set goals, and
opportunities to close gaps through transitional
education.
In partnership with providers, complement public
funds and innovative strategies to increase
access to high-speed internet throughout the
region, including rural and neighborhoods with a
significant concentration of Hispanics.
HOMEOWNERSHIP
Increase homeownership among Hispanics by
prioritizing the approval and development of
mixed-income, single-family homes, and affordable
housing within and outside downtown cores. Set
goals and incentives to increase housing density
and disposable income in areas with significant
concentration of Hispanics.
REGIONAL ECONOMIC
APPROACH
Leverage partnerships, resources, and public funds
to develop a regional strategy that is inclusive,
prioritizes the economic well-being of all people,
and guides a diverse and Hispanic population
through opportunities for investment and
collaboration.
REGIONAL RACIAL EQUITY
GOALS
Developed alongside community members and
stakeholders, a regional set of goals must be
instituted to create or enhance racial equity
policies, delivery of services, and to strengthen
government agencies’ relationship with ethnic
leaders and their respective communities.

The Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation,
and the stakeholders engaged in the development of this agenda look forward to collaborating with leaders
across the six-county region in championing the priorities outlined in this agenda.

22 | Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

STAKEHOLDERS GROUP
Rita Gallardo Good Rachel Rios
Sacramento State University Executive Director
SACHCC Board Secretary and La Familia Counseling Center
Initiative Chair
Jose Suarez
Marie Acosta President & General Manager
Executive and Artistic Director Fresno (KNSO), Sacramento
Latino Center of Art and Culture (KCSO), and Salt Lake City
(KULX)
Julius Austin SACHCC Board Member
Sacramento Promise Zone
Coordinator
Karina Talamantes
Sacramento Housing and
Redevelopment Agency President
Sacramento County Board of
Education
Dr. Eduardo Bermudez
DOCO Medical Service Director
Cathy Rodriguez
Kaiser Permanente
President & CEO
SACHCC Board Member Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce
Caroline Cabias
Co-Chair Juan Novello
Latino Economic Council of Vice President
Sacramento Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce
SACHCC Board Member

Alma Caravarin
Immigration Program Lead
Organizer
Placer People of Faith Together

Mariana Corona Sabeniano

Chair
Sacramento Latino Community
Roundtable

Richard Dana
Director of Economic
Development
Sierra Health Foundation

Sophia A. Garcia
State Government Affairs
Verizon

Hispanic Economic Report | September 2021 | 23

For more information, contact
info@sachcc.org
916.486.7700
www.sachcc.org

To access the full report, visit:

www.sachcc.org/report