BY BECCA HAYDU, CLAUDIA CEBALLOS, JENNIFER HERNANDEZ, GABRIELA WATSON-BURKETT & KIANNI FIGUEREO ON NOVEMBER 7, 2023

In this short documentary, award-winning Mexican Chef Cristina Martinez opens up about the challenges she's faced as an immigrant entrepreneur. She candidly shares her journey, the significance of launching her restaurant, Casa Mexico, in South Philly, and how it represents a powerful symbol of determination and resilience. Cristina also talks about the importance of having a support system, with a special focus on programs provided by the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GPHCC).

Jennifer Rodríguez, President and CEO of GPHCC, weighs in on the critical role of civic participation by small business owners and delves into the biggest obstacles that Latino micro-entrepreneurs encounter while striving to succeed in the dynamic Philadelphia economy.

This video addresses the importance of immigrant entrepreneurship and the vital role that support networks and community organizations play in empowering small businesses. It sheds light on the immigrant experience and underscores the broader importance of embracing diversity and inclusivity in our local economies.

Team:

Filmed by Becca Haydu

Additional cinematography by Kianni Figuereo

Associate Production by Claudia Ceballos

Production Supervision by Gabriela Watson-Burkett

Subtitle translation by Jennifer Hernandez

This video is a part of Every Voice, Every Vote, a collaborative project managed by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Lead support is provided by the William Penn Foundation with additional funding from The Lenfest Institute, Peter and Judy Leone, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Harriet and Larry Weiss, and the Wyncote Foundation, among others. To learn more about the project and view a full list of supporters, visit www.everyvoice-everyvote.org. Editorial content is created independently of the project’s donors.