By Karlha Velásquez, Hola America
Fremont, NE. – Over the past seven years, Fremont has become a hub for Nebraska’s Latino community thanks to the Spanish Networking Group, a space designed to share resources, guidance, and job opportunities.
The idea was born when Christine Torres first arrived in Fremont and realized there were few resources available for Hispanics. Today, Torres serves as Membership and Development Director at the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, which now supports the initiative.
“When I first came here, I didn’t know anyone and the Hispanic community was small. I felt there was a real need for a place where people could connect,” she explained.
Growth During the Pandemic
In the early years, meetings were small. But when the pandemic hit in 2020, technology made it possible to expand through online gatherings. Participation quickly grew, with members joining not only from Fremont but also from Omaha, Grand Island, Lincoln, and Norfolk in Nebraska, as well as Council Bluffs and Des Moines in Iowa.
Today, the Spanish Networking Group has more than 150 active participants..
How the Meetings Work
The group meets every third Wednesday of the month at 10:00 a.m., either in person at the Fremont Chamber of Commerce headquarters or virtually. Participation is free and open to anyone interested.
Torres prepares the agenda and sends invitations ahead of time. Meetings begin with a brief introduction about the group, followed by a roundtable where attendees introduce themselves, share what they do, and explain how they can contribute to others. Key topics often include:
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adult education,
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health services,
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domestic violence prevention,
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employment opportunities,
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and community events.
The initiative has also partnered with local institutions, including the mayor’s office, public schools, and the Fremont Police Department.
Christine’s Story
Born in Los Angeles to parents from Michoacán, Mexico, Christine Torres says being bilingual has been one of her greatest tools in supporting the Latino community.
She is the first Hispanic professional at the Fremont Chamber of Commerce, something she considers a milestone. “When I started, many Latinos thought the Chamber was just another bill to pay. Now my job is to help them and small businesses understand the benefits of being part of it,” she said.
Torres, who balances her role with raising two daughters (ages 10 and 16) alongside her husband, emphasizes that her main goal hasn’t changed: to inform, to connect, and to create spaces of inclusion.
“What I love most is seeing people come together to do good things in the community. This year, I hope to host meetings in different parts of Fremont so more people feel welcome,” she shared.
Building a Culture of Inclusion
Torres believes Fremont is showing progress in embracing diversity. Local businesses have offered space, coffee, and resources to support the group’s work. “What’s encouraging is that many Americans here truly want to connect with Hispanics,” she added.
Looking ahead, Christine hopes the Spanish Networking Group will continue to grow beyond institutional support and become, above all, a family.
Anyone interested in joining can reach out to her at [email protected]
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