La Prensa, Inc. is the same, yet brand new.
After the passing of the founder, Richard (Rico) Neller, last year, members of the Latinx community came together to breathe new life into the only bilingual (Spanish/English) community newspaper with a distribution area that covers Toledo, Columbus, Lorain, Cleveland, and Detroit since 1989. La Prensa has always delivered bilingual regional, national, international, and local community news; it will now expand upon that and add arts, community organizing, things for the kiddos, and much more. La Prensa, Inc. is a nonprofit collective that is made up of like-minded writers, businesses, community organizations, and event promoters who can use this format to elevate themselves and our communities- COLLECTIVELY.
So- whose face is behind the newspaper: Let’s meet La Prensa, Inc.’s “new” President/CEO and nonprofit board.
President/CEO: Chaz D. Boes
When asked what inspired him to take on the role of President/CEO and what excites him most about leading this newspaper?
He said, “La Prensa has been a staple in the Latino Community. Not just for Toledo but throughout Ohio & Michigan. I believe the future of La Prensa is bright. Being the CEO of such a historical newspaper is an honor. I hope to make its founder “Rico” proud.” [“La Prensa ha sido el alimentó de la comunidad latina. No sólo para Toledo sino para todo Ohio y Michigan. Creo que el futuro de La Prensa será más resplandeciente. Ser el director ejecutivo de un periódico tan histórica es un honor. Espero poder honrar a su fundador “‘Rico’.”].
When asked what his vision is for the newspaper’s future and how he planned to adapt to the evolving needs of the Latino community?
He said, “Our vision is to expand reporting and footprint. We will be the premier paper in Ohio & Michigan. We are going to report on relevant issues while highlighting Latinos who are succeeding in our community. As a collective, we will give voice to so many who feel invisible and unheard.” [“Nuestra visión es expender el reportaje y su calidad. Queremos ser el periódico número uno en todo Ohio y Michigan. Seremos el periódico latino principal en Ohio y Michigan. Vamos a informar sobre temas importantes. También queremos apoyar a los latinos que están triunfando en nuestra comunidad. Como colectivo, daremos voz a tantas personas que se sienten invisibles y nos están escuchando.”].
When asked what message he would like to share with readers and advertisers as he takes on this new leadership role?
He thanked all La Prensa’s faithful readers and supporters! He invites you to reach out with questions, comments, & concerns. This newspaper is yours- our communities- and it should represent your voice and the issues that matter the most to you! We are here to serve you! [¡Agradeció a todos los fieles y seguidores de La Prensa! Les invito a hacernos preguntas y comentarios. ¡Este es tu periódico- nuestra comunidad- y debe representar su voz y los temas que son más importantes para ti! ¡Estamos listos para SERVIRLES!].
Vice-President: Kevin Salinas
When asked what motivated him to be part of the founding team for La Prensa, Inc. and what impacts he hopes to make?
He said, “What motivated me to be a part of this newspaper was the lack of accurate information and understanding of what Latinos need in the community. We need truth; we need knowledge, useful information, and resources. We need to unite as a community and help each other grow together, and this is the impact I hope to make.
When asked how he sees this publication strengthening and amplifying Latino voices in the community?
He said he sees “a movement coming, where Latinos in the community who are doing things in the community start speaking up for those who can’t. With the support of the community, those voices will only become louder, and we will begin to make a difference over time. This is how I see La Prensa moving forward and strengthening our voices in the community.”
When asked what values and principles guide the newspaper’s editorial direction and community engagement?
He said, “Honesty, transparency and useful information, resourceful information. We strive to be the voice of the community and hope to begin engaging heavily with the community, receiving feedback, and really getting an understanding of what the people really want to hear or know about.”
Board Secretary: Christina Rodriguez
When Christina was asked the same question as Kevin, what motivated her to be part of this founding team for La Prensa, Inc., and what impact she hopes to make?
She said she is “always looking for unique ways to create a meaningful impact in my community, and this opportunity immediately excited me. I believe this newspaper has the power to bring awareness to ALL parts of our community, ensuring that every voice is heard. I hope to foster inclusivity and unity by highlighting diverse stories, issues, and successes that truly represent who we are as a people.”
When asked how she sees this publication strengthening and amplifying Latino voices in the community?
She said, “This publication serves as a powerful platform to elevate and amplify the voices of the Latino community in the Toledo area. Building on the foundation laid by past Latino leaders, it provides an opportunity to unify and celebrate the rich diversity within our culture. Through shared stories, advocacy, and representation, the publication strengthens our collective voice, ensuring that our community contributions, challenges, and aspirations are heard at a higher level. Unity is key, by coming together, we create a stronger, more visible presence that drives meaningful change and progress for future generations.”
When asked what values and principles guide the newspaper’s editorial direction and community engagement?
She said, “Our newspaper will be guided by a solid business model, financial transparency, and integrity. We believe that a strong foundation built on ethical journalism and responsible management will allow us to serve our community effectively. By prioritizing these values, we aim to build trust with our readers, partners, and advertisers while ensuring long-term sustainability and impactful storytelling.”
—
We hope you enjoyed meeting each of the Board Members. More articles and more opportunities to meet each of them to come.
Chaz D. Boes,
Pastor of Compassion Toledo
3327 Airport Hwy.
Toledo, Ohio 43609
La Prensa, Inc.’s new President/CEO and nonprofit board: Kevin Salinas, Vice-President; Chaz D. Boes, President/CEO; and Christina Rodriguez, Board Secretary. See article on Page 3.