The Hispanic Canadian Chamber of Commerce (HCCC) and Western Community College (WCC) announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) marking a significant milestone in advancing educational and economic opportunities for the Hispanic community across British Columbia.
The agreement was formally signed at a ceremony held at Western Community College in Surrey’s Health & Technology District on July 22.
The ceremony highlighted a shared vision to empower Hispanic learners, entrepreneurs, and professionals through collaboration, training, and community engagement.
“This partnership is a meaningful step toward building a more inclusive economy,” said Javier Barajas, President and Founder of the HCCC. “Through our work with Western Community College, we will expand access to education and create real pathways for leadership, growth, and entrepreneurship for Hispanic Canadians.”
Representing Western Community College, Mr. Gurpal Dhaliwal, President of WCC, emphasized the importance of building bridges between the educational sector and community development:
“This partnership reflects our commitment to serving diverse communities and preparing our students for success in today’s workforce. We’re proud to join efforts with HCCC to help amplify opportunity for Hispanic students and professionals.”
Also present at the signing was H. Captain (Navy) Anita Huberman, Board who spoke about the broader impact of inclusive partnerships:
“Strategic collaborations like this one between HCCC and WCC will strengthen our communities and ensure we are lifting all voices. It's about building a stronger, more connected, and more equitable Canada.”
Key areas of collaboration outlined in the MOU include:
· Promoting professional development and bilingual education tailored to the Hispanic community.
· Supporting international students with networking and career resources.
· Jointly organizing forums, leadership workshops, and business events.
· Providing mentorship, industry training, and entrepreneurial guidance.
The MOU marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration to support economic and educational integration for Hispanic and minority communities in BC.
