Farouk Rajab, President and CEO, RI Hospitality Association.
By Farouk Rajab, President/CEO, RI Hospitality Association
We’re thrilled to announce the formation of the RI Hospitality Latino Council, created to strengthen our engagement with the state’s vibrant Latino community. This council will play a crucial role in two key areas: fostering legislative involvement and expanding Spanish-language training opportunities within the hospitality sector.
We are particularly excited to announce that Maria Jacobo will lead the RI Hospitality Latino Council. With her extensive experience and deep commitment to the community, she is exceptionally well-suited to guide this important initiative. Her leadership will be invaluable as we work to empower Latino professionals and businesses within Rhode Island’s hospitality industry.
Maria Jacobo.
Empowering Legislative Involvement
The Latino community is a vital part of Rhode Island’s economy and culture, and their voices are essential to shaping policies that affect our industry. Under Jacobo’s leadership, the RI Hospitality Latino Council will actively encourage and support greater legislative involvement among Latino hospitality professionals and business owners.
This means:
• Creating a direct channel for concerns and perspectives from the Latino hospitality community to reach our association and, in turn, our legislators
• Organizing informational sessions and workshops in Spanish to demystify the legislative process and explain how proposed bills could impact their businesses and livelihoods
• Encouraging participation in advocacy efforts, such as attending legislative hearings, contacting elected officials and sharing their unique insights
• Building a network of civically engaged Latino leaders within the hospitality industry who can advocate for their interests effectively
Expanding Spanish-Language Training
Recognizing the growing number of Spanish-speaking professionals in our industry, the Latino Council, spearheaded by Jacobo, will also lead the development and promotion of expanded training programs in Spanish. This critical work will ensure that:
• Essential skills training and professional development opportunities are accessible to a broader segment of our workforce.
• Safety protocols, operational best practices and customer service standards are clearly communicated and understood by all employees, regardless of language barriers.
• Career advancement opportunities become more attainable for Spanish-speaking employees, fostering a more inclusive and skilled workforce.
The council will identify specific training needs, develop relevant curriculum and facilitate the delivery of these programs—ultimately enhancing the professionalism and success of our Latino workforce.
By establishing the RI Hospitality Latino Council—with Jacobo at its helm—we are taking a significant step toward building a more inclusive, representative and empowered hospitality industry in Rhode Island. We believe this initiative will not only benefit the Latino community but also strengthen our entire association and the broader hospitality sector.
