LULAC Ottumwa

05/29/2026

¡El episodio de Himar Hernández ya está disponible!
Lo pueden ver en YouTube o escucharlo en Spotify🎧

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/56ypEJ2L7Zft0Zpx5YShtz?si=HIIdeAT6TD6k7sEvxjmwxw

YouTube: https://youtu.be/NnVkrL8KtcY?feature=shared

05/26/2026

Buenos días todos y feliz Martes!

Introducing the first guest on our podcast: Himar Hernandez!

Himar is a proud voice in our community who shares his story, experiences, and perspectives growing up and living in Iowa. His episode dives into culture, community, identity, and the journeys that shape our people here in the Midwest.

Our SECOND episode drops this Friday at 10:00 AM! 🎙️

Make sure to tune in on Spotify and YouTube because you do NOT want to miss this conversation. 👀

Gracias por todo el apoyo, familia!❤️‍🔥

05/06/2026

Try Something New invites O.L.A. participants to explore something different, such as an event, activity, or place they haven't experienced before. It's about stepping outside your comfort zone, meeting new people, and seeing things from a fresh perspective.

Dhairyasheel Gaikwad and Jim Fineran chose to attend Día de los Mu***os celebration organized by LULAC.

"The celebration beautifully reflected the belief in welcoming the spirits of the departed back to be remembered and celebrated with joy rather than sorrow. Experiencing this tradition firsthand helped deepen my appreciation for the cultural values, customs, and symbolism associated with Día de los Mu***os." stated
Dhairyasheel.

"The night was a moving celebration, as friends and family gathered to honor those who have passed from earthly life into eternal spirit," Jim added.

05/04/2026

05/03/2026

Had a great time this weekend at the LULAC Annual Conference. Learned so much from other councils and got to meet some people. LULAC Ottumwa Vice President, Paulina Ocegueda participated in a panel👏🏻

04/29/2026

¡Nuestra ceremonia de inauguración y día de lanzamiento será este Cinco de Mayo! ¡Wow… ya casi llega el tiempo! Queremos que todos ustedes vengan y nos apoyen. Este proyecto es especial en el que hemos estado trabajando, y ahora por fin lo estamos haciendo realidad.

¡Todos y cualquiera están invitados!

Esperamos verlos ahí, ¡traigan a su familia y amigos! ¡Porque ya se llega la fiesta!🎥❤️‍🔥🎙️💃🏽.✦ ݁˖

04/29/2026

Hey! We know that guy!
Felicidades Himar, estamos orgullosos de ti y tus logros!

Himar Hernandez will serve as the Dean for the 2026–2027 program year.

Himar grew up in Spain and Germany until he came to Iowa as an exchange student at the age of 15. He is the State Assistant Director for Community and Economic Development for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and was previously the Director of the New Iowan Center (Iowa Workforce) for Southeast Iowa.
Himar is co-author of several research papers and his work in small rural communities has been featured in Good Morning America, The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Wall Street Journal, The London Sunday Times and NBC Today. He is a recipient of the Passport to Prosperity Award and was named one of 14 people to watch by the Des Moines Register.

Himar, his wife and two children live in Ottumwa. He has served in various leadership roles throughout the community. He formerly served on the AEA Board for seven years, appointed by the Governor to the Iowa Commission of Latino Affairs, and was past President of the Ottumwa Legacy Foundation Board. Currently he is the Chair of Iowa Leadership Exchange and Founding President and current Treasurer of LULAC Ottumwa– to name a few.

As Dean, Himar will guide participants through a transformational year of personal growth, civic engagement, and leadership development. The Academy encourages individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the Ottumwa area to consider applying.

Those wishing to apply for the upcoming Ottumwa Leadership Academy class must submit an application by June 30, 2026.

To access the application, please visit https://www.ottumwaleadershipacademy.org/apply/online-2/

04/26/2026

We’re excited to share a first look at what Ottumwa Pride has planned for Pride Month this year! We don't have all the details finalized just yet, but will announce more information as we get closer to each event, so stay tuned!

Also, a quick reminder: if you’re interested in being a vendor at the market on June 6th, be sure to sign up by May 30.
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/SUQoAY1nZGqnqhBR8

04/22/2026

We’re about 50 days away from the Pride Market! If you’re interested in being a vendor, please make sure to register by May 30, as we won’t be accepting any applications after that date. Vendor spots are $25 each or $40 for two.

As for the rest of the month, we’re still working to finalize the schedule and hope to have it released soon!

Sign up & pay here 👉 https://forms.gle/SUQoAY1nZGqnqhBR8