History
MLU was founded by Veronica Cool and Steering Committee in collaboration with Maryland Nonprofits.
Initiated discussions across the state on the impact of COVID-19 on the Latino community and their economic contributions.
Launched the Mid-Atlantic Latinx Vaccine Equity Coalition (MALVEC) with partners including Johns Hopkins University and CASA.
Collaborated with the Maryland Department of Health and the University of Maryland to initiate "International Vaccine Day."
Launched the Leadership, Strategy, and Innovation Program to train Latinos in leadership and organizations in cultural competence. More than 170 Latino Leaders trained across Maryland between 2022 and 2025.
MLU Launched the Latino HIV Self-Test Program and Quiero Saber Social Marketing Campaign. 6312818 impressions served. 47687 videos viewed.
MLU Launched Project AMOR, Advancing Maternal Health Outcomes and Resilience and the Futuros Verdes environmental health program. Pathways to Progress Summit Series reached more than 500 people in regional conferences across Maryland.
MLU celebrates 5 years of operation and completes the Latino Leadership Accelerator Program.
Mission
Maryland Latinos Unidos exists to call attention to the disparities and inequities faced by Latino and immigrant communities, to find solutions, and to address these problems with coordinated action.
Vision
A world where your zip code does not determine your lifespan.
Impact
Since 2020, MLU has been a catalyst for change, from launching the MALVEC program to address the urgent needs of Maryland's Latine community during the COVID-19 pandemic to its expansion to health equity generally, through community education, collaborative partnerships, and vaccination efforts, MLU reached over 40,000 Latine families in its first year. Building on this success, MLU has expanded its mission into several key areas:
- Environmental Justice: Initiatives like CBT Futuros Verdes tackle water quality, education, and environmental health in underserved Latine communities.
- Education: MLU empowers Latine youth and families with resources, advocacy, and pathways to academic and professional success.
- Economic Empowerment: Programs like the Latino Wealth and Leadership Advancement Program help Latines build wealth and economic stability.
- Leadership Development: The Latino Leadership Series has trained over 350 Latine leaders in advocacy and community development.
- Health Equity: Projects like AMOR, PrePárate, and Thome Enterprise address maternal health, HIV prevention, and elder care.
- Advocacy: MLU champions policies for health equity, economic empowerment, and representation through legislative efforts and the People’s Policy Series.
MLU remains committed to equity, opportunity, and representation, shaping a more inclusive future for Maryland’s Latine community.