2025 Accomplishments With Gratitude to Our Community, Supporters and Dedicated Team

“As President of the Hispanic American Business Association of the Gulf Coast (HABAGC), I am deeply honored to reflect on the meaningful accomplishments achieved in 2025. This year marked a defining chapter of growth, collaboration, and measurable impact that reaffirmed our mission and strengthened our collective voice across the Gulf Coast.

One of our most visible and celebrated achievements was the extraordinary success of Mobile Latin Fest 2025. What began just five years ago as a modest cultural gathering has evolved into one of the most vibrant and influential festivals in the region. This year, more than 7,000 attendees gathered at Mardi Gras Park to celebrate culture, entrepreneurship, and community. This was a powerful testament to the diversity, resilience, and unity that define our region.

Mobile Latin Fest has grown into far more than a festival. It has become a catalyst for economic opportunity, small business growth, cultural pride, and meaningful community connection. In 2025, the festival elevated local vendors, artists, performers, and entrepreneurs while fostering a welcoming, family friendly environment rooted in inclusion, excellence, and shared purpose.

A special highlight of this year’s celebration was the presentation of Miss Mobile Latin Fest 2025, Karla Altamirano, who proudly represents Peruvian and Chilean descent. As a university student pursuing higher education in nursing at the University of South Alabama, Karla embodies leadership, cultural pride, and the promise of a bright future. She represents the future we are collectively building, rooted in opportunity, empowerment, and community.

Education remained a cornerstone of HABAGC’s mission in 2025. This year, we proudly awarded 13 scholarships to deserving Latino students, directly investing in their academic journeys and future leadership. These scholarships represent more than financial assistance. They symbolize access, opportunity, and our long term commitment to community advancement.

Beyond the festival, HABAGC expanded its year round impact through strategic partnerships, advocacy, and economic development initiatives that support Latino owned businesses and strengthen workforce opportunities across South Alabama. A key milestone was the Latino Opportunity Summit 2025, held at the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of America in collaboration with The Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama (¡HICA!). The summit focused on education, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and international trade through the Port of Mobile.

None of these accomplishments would be possible without the unwavering support of the City of Mobile, our sponsors, volunteers, community partners, and most importantly, our dedicated HABAGC team. Their leadership, passion, and service continue to turn vision into reality and impact into lasting legacy.

As we look ahead, HABAGC remains committed to uplifting our community, expanding economic opportunity, supporting education, and celebrating the cultural heritage that strengthens the Gulf Coast.
Thank you for standing with us and being part of this journey.”

With gratitude and purpose,
Silvia Lessa Skultety
President, Hispanic American Business Association of the Gulf Coast