Alfonso Cornejo, president of The Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati, is honored as one of the 2026 Seniors Who Rock!

The 2026 Seniors Who Rock event by Pro Seniors honors three community leaders: Alfonso Cornejo, president, Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA; Julieta Simms, educator, advocate, and Board Secretary for Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME); and Howard Elliott, Founder and President of Elliott Management and WEB Ventures Partner.

The 2026 Seniors Who Rock, Pro Seniors is a one-of-a-kind awards presentation honoring inspiring older Ohioans who continue to impact the community.

Alfonso Cornejo is an award-winning lifetime business and community Latino leader who has demonstrated an exemplary life through his work and volunteer activities. Mr. Cornejo has been the president of the Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA since 2003. 

This year, the Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati  USA  is commemorating its thirtieth anniversary and is the largest Hispanic Chamber in the states of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. 

Mr. Cornejo has led Hispanic community programs in Cincinnati for over 20 years, notably founding, with the Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati and the HCCUSA Foundation, The Cincy Cinco Festival, the largest Hispanic festival in the Ohio area; the largest  Volunteer Day event; and Salsa in the Square, a free weekly summer dance and music series held at Fountain Square. 

The Cincinnati metro has for the Latino or Hispanic population in the broader region is estimated to be around 60,000 to 75,000 people, making up roughly 3% to 5% of the total local population. Alfonso Cornejo has seen an increase in the number of new businesses that we have within the Chamber’s membership, a young population willing to study at the local university and stay working in Cincinnati, and more than 247 Latino-owned restaurants in the metropolitan area.

For Alfonso Cornejo, it is important that the emerging communities get involved and the importance of giving back to the community by volunteering in local community-based organizations. Alfonso Cornejo believes that creating businesses, supporting education and local entrepreneurs, and giving back to society are the core values that drive sustainable growth and foster community well-being.

The  2026 Seniors Who Rock event will be held at the 20th Century Theater on Wednesday, August 12th, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Pro Seniors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating older adults, their families, caregivers, and other professionals, will be hosting an event to celebrate the valuable contributions of older Ohioans.  Consider honoring a Senior Who Rocks with a gift to Pro Seniors, investing in the well-being of our community’s senior citizens. Seniors Who Rock also raises awareness of our services. As a nonprofit organization, Pro Seniors offers all its services free of charge. 

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This media release was written by Lorena Mora-Mowry, host of the Latina Today Podcast and a member of the Hispanic Chamber of Cincinnati Foundation Board.