LYNN — The Millennium Latino Project (MLP) is hosting its Connect for Community event on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Item Café.
This event offers Lynn residents the opportunity to meet city councilors, ask questions, and engage in direct discussions about community issues in an informal, welcoming setting.
The city councilors confirmed to attend include Natasha Megie-Maddrey, Nicole McClain, Coco Alinsug, Fred Hogan, and Obed Matul, along with various ward representatives.
This gathering aims to bridge the gap between elected officials and the people they serve, giving attendees a chance to put a face to their representatives and understand how city government impacts their daily lives.
MLP was co-founded by Stephanie Herrera and Edwin J. Rosales, two professionals who have lived in Lynn for years and saw a need for stronger networking and civic engagement opportunities for young entrepreneurs and professionals in the community.
Herrera and Rosales first met while working in banking at TD Bank in Salem. Their shared experiences in finance and real estate introduced them to the networking world, but they quickly realized that many of these spaces were stuffy, intimidating, and not always welcoming to younger professionals — especially those from Latino backgrounds.
“We saw so many people struggle with networking anxiety — they felt out of place, unsure of how to engage, or simply didn’t have a welcoming space to connect with others,” said Rosales, now a mortgage loan officer with Rate in Revere.
This realization led them to launch MLP with a simple goal: create an inclusive, supportive space for professionals to connect, learn, and give back to the community.
“Our idea was to build something that felt more organic — where people could show up as they are, meet others without pressure, and still leave with valuable knowledge and connections,” said Herrera.
Beyond her work with MLP, Herrera has built two businesses dedicated to supporting local entrepreneurs. She co-founded All in One Graphics, a company that provides graphic installation and printing services. Working alongside her husband, who has nearly two decades of experience in the industry, Herrera has forged partnerships with other printing companies to maintain strong local connections and ensure high-quality service for clients.
In addition, she started a bookkeeping and payroll firm in response to the lack of accessible, Latino-owned financial services in Lynn. After recognizing the challenges small business owners faced in managing their finances, Herrera became payroll-certified and launched her own company, helping local entrepreneurs navigate the financial side of business ownership with confidence.
Since its start in September 2024, MLP has gained significant traction, attracting young entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community leaders who want to grow together while also giving back to Lynn. The organization has led initiatives such as a coat drive for the Lynn Shelter Association, a diaper collection for local mothers in need, and a series of workshops on real estate, financial literacy, and small business development.
Looking ahead, MLP will host a Hispanic Scholarship Fund workshop in April to support students and young professionals as they enter higher education and the workforce.
For Herrera and Rosales, MLP isn’t just about networking — it’s about making a tangible impact.
“Too often, we talk about what we can get from our community, but we also need to think about how we can give back,” said Herrera. “That’s why all our events are open to the public and completely free — because we want everyone to feel welcome and have access to opportunities.”
The Connect for Community event is a natural extension of MLP’s mission — encouraging civic engagement and helping people understand how their local government works.
“I hope people leave this event knowing what a city councilor’s role actually is, how they represent you, and why voting and staying informed matters,” said Rosales.
Ward 2 Councilor Matul emphasized that accessibility is key. “Many times, people don’t realize the resources available to them or how to reach their representatives. This event gives them a chance to engage directly, ask questions, and build relationships.”
Councilor At Large McClain also highlighted the importance of reaching out to younger generations. “I’m looking forward to meeting young adults in their 20s and 30s at this event. They are the next leaders of our city, and we want them to feel empowered to get involved.”
For Lynn residents looking to meet their local leaders, expand their professional network, or connect with a supportive community, MLP’s Connect for Community is an event not to miss.
For more details about the event and MLP’s initiatives, visit millenniumlatinoproject.com.
