ALASI and Latino Collaboration Table Merge to Form United Organization

Dubois Co.- The Asociación Latinoamericana del sur de Indiana (ALASI) and the Latino Collaboration Table of Dubois County announced today they have merged to form a united organization.

The merger leverages the individual strengths of each organization to create a stronger and more effective unit that benefits our Latino community and Dubois County and improves the cultural competency of our region. 

The newly-formed organization will continue its work based on four pillars: advancing access, expanding education, celebrating culture and securing sustainability.  “ALASI and The Latino Collaboration Table have been extremely successful over the years in advocating, offering services, and creating beneficial programs for the Latino community in Dubois County,” says ALASI President Evelyn Rivas. “Representatives from both organizations have collaborated on a number of programs and initiatives, and we felt that our missions could be better served by merging the two organizations together to create one unified voice. We have a tremendous working board full of passionate and caring individuals, and I am confident that ALASI will continue to be successful as we grow in the future.” 

The new organization will build on the achievements of ALASI and the Latino Collaboration Table, both of which have been active in the community for many years. ALASI has provided educational and cultural programming for the Latino community in southern Indiana since 1995, while the Latino Collaboration Table has worked to develop resources and promote communication, understanding, and collaboration between the Latino community and other groups in Dubois County.

"The merger of ALASI and the Latino Collaboration Table is an exciting development for our community," said Donna Oeding-Balka, former Chair of the Latino Collaboration Table. "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to join forces with ALASI, as we share similar goals and vision. This partnership will significantly enhance our efforts in providing resources and education to promote a united, multicultural, and equitable Dubois County."

The new organization’s headquarters have yet to be determined and will be led by a diverse, multicultural board of directors composed of representatives from both ALASI and the Latino Collaboration Table. The board includes Evelyn Rivas, Ivy Tech Community College (President); Rachel Steckler, City of Huntingburg (Vice President); Christian Blome, Vincennes University Jasper Campus (Secretary); Steffi Schmuecker, German American Bank (Treasurer); Irma Alanis, WITZ; Lisa Bower, City of Jasper; Helen Camacho, German American Bank; Jonnathan Macias, OFS; Eber Menjivar, Kimball Electronics; Donna Oeding, Retired; and Rossina Sandoval Monsivais, Southwest Dubois County School Corporation. The organization’s initial goals include the strategy and development of a resource center as detailed by a report completed by the Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement.  

For more information on the new organization, please contact Evelyn Rivas, ALASI President, at 812-661-1685 or [email protected].