Donation funds a number of events advancing financial literacy, higher education access, and professional development
In support of the growing diversity of our community, SouthEast Bank has committed nearly $60,000 to Centro Hispano de East Tennessee, a local cultural non-profit dedicated to providing community resources, workforce development, youth and family engagement, and small business support. “At Centro Hispano, we are deeply grateful to partners like SouthEast Bank for their investment in our financial literacy programming,” said President and CEO Claudia Caballero. “Together, we’re building community and helping hundreds of families better manage their resources and become more financially independent.”
A highlight of this partnership included a financial literacy event in Fountain City, where SouthEast Bank representatives and Centro Hispano Financial Education Coordinator Marlene Cervantes taught local families about credit strategies, tax preparation, mortgage loans, and building long-term wealth. For the north Knoxville community, this was a hands-on example of the type of support Centro Hispano offers, both in small classes and one-on-one consultations. As Cervantes says, “A good relationship with our personal finances is a great first step toward a better life.”
SouthEast Bank’s donation further funded two networking events in the promotion of sustainable education and career pathways. The first was a college and resource fair for high school juniors and seniors, during which they could explore programs from higher learning institutions and meet with corporations that offer pathways to obtaining postsecondary certifications or degrees. For Latino students who are first-generation college students, this event offers support and access to opportunities to make meaningful choices for their education and careers. The second event was a “Centro Happy Hour” held at Xul Beer Company in Knoxville for SouthEast Bank representatives to get to know Latino professionals from a variety of industries.
SouthEast Bank also participated in Centro Hispano’s largest annual fundraiser, the Latino Awards, which highlights individuals, restaurants, and allies doing noteworthy work in the community. In commemoration of Centro Hispano’s 18th anniversary, the theme of the Latino Awards was “Graduation,” and the event’s proceeds went toward funding youth, after-school, and post-secondary programs.
“SouthEast Bank’s rich partnership with Centro Hispano is based on a shared commitment to expanding higher education, financial literacy, and professional development initiatives right here where we live, work, and play,” says Kirby Burton, SouthEast Bank’s Community Reinvestment Act Officer. “We value Centro Hispano’s efforts to support the Spanish-speaking community and hope we can be a part of a shared bright future in Eastern Tennessee.”
About Centro Hispano
Centro Hispano de East Tennessee is the leading resource both for East Tennessee’s Latino community and for East Tennessee regarding the Latino community. For more than 17 years, Centro Hispano has been a welcoming community center for families of all backgrounds, providing resources and opportunities to feel like they are an integral part of life in the Tennessee Valley. As an organization, they have developed effective, relevant, and culturally aware programming that educates and lifts up participants; while also helping Greater Knoxville understand the presence and contributions of Latino families in East Tennessee.
For more information, visit https://www.centrohispanotn.org/.
About SouthEast Bank
SouthEast Bank is a community bank headquartered in Farragut, Tennessee. With assets in excess of $2.6 billion, SouthEast Bank offers a full suite of loan and deposit products and services for families and businesses throughout Middle and East Tennessee, including its specialty consumer loan division, ELFI, which specializes in educational loan programs. SouthEast Bank is committed to the financial success of its customers, employees, and communities. Local decision-making and community involvement have been the driving successes of SouthEast Bank since its inception. Member FDIC.
For more information, visit www.southeastbank.com or call 1-844-732-2657.
