February 14, 2024
Donation to increase financial literacy, expand access to higher education and advance professional development
In support of East Tennessee’s diverse community, SouthEast Bank donated nearly $60,000 to Centro Hispano de East Tennessee, a local cultural nonprofit dedicated to providing financial literacy education, workforce development, youth and family engagement and small business support to Latinos.
“Centro Hispano is deeply grateful to partners like SouthEast Bank for their investment in our financial literacy programming,” said Claudia Caballero, president and CEO of Centro Hispano de East Tennessee. “Together, we’re building community and helping hundreds of families better manage their resources and become more financially independent.”
The new partnership and its potential became apparent at a financial literacy event in Fountain City. SouthEast Bank representatives joined Marlene Cervantes, financial education coordinator for Centro Hispano, to teach local families about credit strategies, tax preparation, mortgage loans and building long-term wealth. The event was one example of how Centro Hispano connects with the community, offering instruction in small classes and one-on-one consultations.
SouthEast Bank’s donation also funded two key networking events aimed at fostering sustainable education and career development. The first, a college and resource fair for high school juniors and seniors, encouraged students to explore programs from higher learning institutions and meet with corporations that offer pathways to obtaining postsecondary certifications or degrees. This event was especially crucial for first-generation Latino college students, offering them resources and opportunities to make informed decisions about their education and careers.
The second event, a “Centro Happy Hour” at Knoxville’s Xul Beer Company, brought together SouthEast Bank representatives and Latino professionals from various industries to foster meaningful professional connections.
SouthEast Bank also participated in Centro Hispano’s largest annual fundraiser, the Latino Awards, which highlights individuals, restaurants and allies doing noteworthy work in the community. In commemoration of Centro Hispano’s 18th anniversary, the theme of the Latino Awards was “Graduation,” and the event’s proceeds benefited youth, after-school and post-secondary programs.
“SouthEast Bank’s rich partnership with Centro Hispano is based on a shared commitment to expanding higher education, financial literacy and professional development initiatives where we live, work and play,” SouthEast Bank’s Community Reinvestment Act Officer Kirby Burton said. “We value Centro Hispano’s efforts to support the Spanish-speaking community and hope we can be a part of a shared bright future in East Tennessee.”
About Centro Hispano
Centro Hispano de East Tennessee is the leading resource both for East Tennessee’s Latino community and for East Tennessee regarding the Latino community. For more than 17 years, Centro Hispano has been a welcoming community center for families of all backgrounds, providing resources and opportunities to feel like they are an integral part of life in the Tennessee Valley. As an organization, it has developed effective, relevant, and culturally aware programming that educates and lifts up participants; while also helping Greater Knoxville understand the presence and contributions of Latino families in East Tennessee.
For more information, visit centrohispanotn.org.
About SouthEast Bank
SouthEast Bank is a community bank headquartered in Farragut, Tennessee. With assets in excess of $2.6 billion, SouthEast Bank offers a full suite of loan and deposit products and services for families and businesses throughout Middle and East Tennessee, including its specialty consumer loan division, ELFI, which specializes in educational loan programs. SouthEast Bank is committed to the financial success of its customers, employees, and communities. Local decision-making and community involvement have been the driving successes of SouthEast Bank since its inception. Member FDIC.
For more information, visit southeastbank.com or call 1-844-732-2657.
