Stories and news
Stories from our community, practical tips and news from our programs.
What a Year It’s Been... and How Excited We Are for What’s Ahead
What a year it’s been for LatinOz Queensland. A year of conversations, shared moments, challenges, celebrations and, above all, community. A year where ideas turned into action, where families found spaces to connect, and where culture, learning and support came together in meaningful ways. Looking back on 2025 fills us with pride, not just for what we achieved, but for how we achieved it. Every program, every gathering and every collaboration was built through the energy, generosity and...
Wendy Jiménez: From Starting Over to Standing Strong
Wendy Jimenez Garcia Some journeys begin with a plan, while others begin with a moment in life that pushes you to reimagine everything. For Wendy, migrating to Australia wasn’t an adventure, it was a brave decision to rebuild, to grow, and to shape a future that felt true to her values and her dreams. She arrived alone, without friends or family, without English, and with only a few dollars to get her through the first weeks. It wasn’t glamorous. It wasn’t easy. But she carried something far...
Andrea Ballesteros Danel: A Journey of Stories and Roots
There are people with stories, and there are historical figures. The latter we can find in literature, cinema, or in the words of a skilled narrator. What is fascinating is to meet, in the present, a human being who can tell us their own story with their own voice. Destiny and circumstance have brought us to Andrea Ballesteros Danel. Andrea Ballesteros Danel She tells us that she first visited Australia with her family in 1997. That trip made her fall in love with the country, and she...
From Gratitude to Growth: The Story of Ana Suárez and the Art of Entrepreneurship in Australia
Some stories are born from carefully laid-out plans; others bloom from small, intimate gestures filled with meaning. Ana Suárez’s story belongs to the second kind, a simple act of love that unexpectedly became the seed of a life-changing journey. Ana Suarez - Founder of Catering By Ana. In 2016, Ana and her husband arrived in Brisbane with just $2,000 in their pockets and a suitcase full of dreams. They left behind Venezuela, their careers as systems engineers, and their own entrepreneurial...
Latin Kids Fiesta 2025: Celebrating Culture, Connection and Community
Saturday 13 September 2025 | Gregory Park, Milton | 11 AM – 5 PM LatinOz QLD is proud to present the Latin Kids Fiesta 2025 , a joyful, family-friendly event that brings together the vibrant colours, rhythms, and stories of Latin America and this year, with a meaningful twist. This year, we honour the Indigenous peoples of Latin America and Australia , celebrating their stories, knowledge, and creativity through a day filled with art, food, music, and unity. It’s a unique opportunity to...
Spotlight on Empowering Entrepreneurs: The Story of TRIBU
Paula Andrea Garces Cuesta As an organisation dedicated to connecting with our community, amplifying voices, and embracing diversity, we’re excited to introduce you to one of the inspiring entrepreneurs from our 2023 QWINBIZ program Paula Andrea Garces Cuesta . Paula’s journey is one of deep personal reflection and unwavering determination. As she began the process of bringing her vision to life, she faced a profound challenge: " The biggest challenge was, and still is, believing in...
Turning Passion into Purpose: Mariateresa Jardines’ Journey with Australian Steak Co.
Mariateresa Jardines Starting a business from the ground up is never easy, but for Mariateresa Jardines , Co-Founder of Australian...
A Journey of Connection and Community: Cecilia Mansilla’s Story with LatinOz QLD
Cecilia Mansilla - LatinOz QLD Co-founder & Committee Member We’re excited to introduce you to Cecilia Mansilla , one of the inspiring...
The Power of Bilingual Parenting: Raising Kids Between Cultures
Parenting is a journey filled with joy, questions, and constant decisions. For migrant families, it also comes with navigating a new...
From Community Member to Digital Transformation Driver: Guillermo’s LatinOz Journey
Some journeys aren’t just measured in kilometres—they’re measured in heart, growth, and the quiet, powerful impact one person can have on...
Spotlight: Valeria Garcia – Driving Dreams and Building Community
Valeria Garcia - QWINBIZ Program Coordinator 2024/2025 At LatinOz QLD, we believe in the power of community, culture, and...
Baking a Dream: How Yazmin Maestre Turned Passion into Purpose with Luna’s Deli
Yazmin Maestre When Yazmin Maestre arrived in Australia, her plan was simple: improve her English and continue her career in luxury...