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Celebrating 25 Years of NAHREP: The Power and Promise of The Latino Brand
As NAHREP marks its 25th anniversary in 2025, the organization stands as a testament to the transformative power of unity, advocacy, and vision within the Latino community. From its humble beginnings to its place as the nation’s largest Latino business organization, NAHREP’s journey is deeply intertwined with the evolving narrative of The Latino Brand-a concept that is now at the forefront of national conversation thanks to the thought leadership of co-founder and CEO Gary Acosta.
Founded in 1999 by Gary Acosta and Ernie Reyes in San Diego, NAHREP emerged with a clear mission: to advance sustainable Hispanic homeownership through education, advocacy, and relationship building. What started as a small network quickly grew, with the first national convention held in 2001 and the establishment of local chapters across the country. By 2005, NAHREP had reached 10,000 members, and today it boasts over 58,000 members and 100 local chapters nationwide.
NAHREP’s evolution is marked by major milestones that reflect both its internal growth and its influence on the national stage:
The 25th anniversary was celebrated in March with the landmark Homeownership and Housing Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., bringing together senior policymakers, industry leaders, and advocates to shape the future of Hispanic homeownership.
Central to NAHREP’s recent evolution is the concept of The Latino Brand, championed by Gary Acosta in his latest blog series and public talks. As Acosta argues, the narrative surrounding Latinos profoundly impacts access to capital, business opportunities, and representation in leadership roles. When the Latino community is viewed through a lens of problems-immigration, financial instability, legal challenges-doors remain closed. But a unified, empowered, and positive Latino brand can change the game, unlocking capital, influence, and new possibilities.
“If the narrative about Latinos is that we're a community that's full of problems... why would we be surprised that accessing capital has been next to impossible for us?... Now conversely, if the narrative is positive, amazing things can happen.” Gary Acosta, The Latino Brand
Acosta’s vision calls for intentional efforts to redefine and amplify the Latino brand by:
His message, delivered at venues including the United Nations, is clear: unity and a strategic approach to branding are essential for Latino economic empowerment and for realizing the community’s full potential.
As NAHREP celebrates 25 years, its legacy is not just in the numbers of homes purchased or members enrolled, but in the powerful shift it has helped spark in how Latinos see ourselves -and how the world sees us. The next chapter for NAHREP and The Latino Brand is about owning the narrative, investing in each other, and ensuring that the Latino community’s contributions are recognized, valued, and multiplied for generations to come.
Here’s to 25 years of progress-and to a future where the Latino brand is synonymous with prosperity and leadership.
Disclosure: Please note that the information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.
Founded in 1999 by Gary Acosta and Ernie Reyes in San Diego, NAHREP emerged with a clear mission: to advance sustainable Hispanic homeownership through education, advocacy, and relationship building. What started as a small network quickly grew, with the first national convention held in 2001 and the establishment of local chapters across the country. By 2005, NAHREP had reached 10,000 members, and today it boasts over 58,000 members and 100 local chapters nationwide.
NAHREP’s evolution is marked by major milestones that reflect both its internal growth and its influence on the national stage:
- Policy and Advocacy: NAHREP has become a leading voice in Washington, D.C., advocating for policies that expand homeownership, address housing affordability, and promote workforce development.
- Annual State of Hispanic Homeownership Report: This flagship publication provides critical insights into Latino homeownership trends, challenges, and opportunities, serving as an invaluable resource for industry leaders and policymakers.
- The Hispanic Wealth Project: Launched in 2014, this initiative set the ambitious goal of tripling Hispanic household wealth and has driven programs focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and investment.
- Cultural and Professional Community: NAHREP is known for its strong sense of “familia” among members, offering mentorship, leadership development, and a national network that supports both personal and professional growth.
The 25th anniversary was celebrated in March with the landmark Homeownership and Housing Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., bringing together senior policymakers, industry leaders, and advocates to shape the future of Hispanic homeownership.
Central to NAHREP’s recent evolution is the concept of The Latino Brand, championed by Gary Acosta in his latest blog series and public talks. As Acosta argues, the narrative surrounding Latinos profoundly impacts access to capital, business opportunities, and representation in leadership roles. When the Latino community is viewed through a lens of problems-immigration, financial instability, legal challenges-doors remain closed. But a unified, empowered, and positive Latino brand can change the game, unlocking capital, influence, and new possibilities.
“If the narrative about Latinos is that we're a community that's full of problems... why would we be surprised that accessing capital has been next to impossible for us?... Now conversely, if the narrative is positive, amazing things can happen.” Gary Acosta, The Latino Brand
Acosta’s vision calls for intentional efforts to redefine and amplify the Latino brand by:
- Educating and involving the next generation in financial literacy and leadership.
- Creating Latino brand ambassadors to showcase success stories.
- Supporting one another in business, board representation, and economic advancement.
His message, delivered at venues including the United Nations, is clear: unity and a strategic approach to branding are essential for Latino economic empowerment and for realizing the community’s full potential.
As NAHREP celebrates 25 years, its legacy is not just in the numbers of homes purchased or members enrolled, but in the powerful shift it has helped spark in how Latinos see ourselves -and how the world sees us. The next chapter for NAHREP and The Latino Brand is about owning the narrative, investing in each other, and ensuring that the Latino community’s contributions are recognized, valued, and multiplied for generations to come.
Here’s to 25 years of progress-and to a future where the Latino brand is synonymous with prosperity and leadership.
Disclosure: Please note that the information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.
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