Through the story of a three-year-old Nashvillian separated from his family, the campaign called attention to the impacts of immigration policies and the power of community support.

 

Nashville, TN — April 21, 2026 — Conexión Américas announced the success of its annual Cafecito fundraising campaign, culminating in a powerful in-person event at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum on Friday, April 17 that brought together nearly 500 community leaders and supporters in solidarity with Nashville’s Latino community.

For almost two decades, Cafecito has served as Conexión Américas’ signature fundraising campaign. “It helps sustain the programs at the heart of our mission that move our community forward through education, economic prosperity, and advocacy, while also providing critical services in moments of need, such as food assistance, legal aid, rent relief, and more,” said Co-Executive Directors Tara Lentz and Martha Silva.

The event was co-chaired by Tricia Herzfeld, partner at HSGLaw and Conexión Américas board member, and Mike Molinar, Co-founder and President of Big Machine Music. Both leaders have long supported the Latino community in Nashville through professional and civic engagement.

Herzfeld, who has worked in the immigration space for over 20 years, emphasized the urgency of this moment. “Showing up and standing up for our immigrant neighbors during these times is not only the right thing to do, but it is an act of resistance,” she said. “You have already helped so much just by being here today and showing your support, but there is even more that you can do. Vote in every election if you are eligible. In fact, some very important elections are happening right now.”

As the son of Mexican immigrants and the first generation in his family to graduate from college, Molinar shared his personal connection to the organization’s mission. He spoke about growing up in a family of five children and how access to opportunity, guidance, and support helped his siblings—and himself—become first-generation college graduates and business leaders. “Talent can be found anywhere, but access, guidance, and opportunities are not,” he said. “That is why Conexión Américas matters so deeply in our community. The programs they provide for college and job skill preparation and their entrepreneurship incubators offer the kind of encouragement and direction that is desperately needed when you don’t know where to start.”

This year’s Cafecito highlighted how Conexión Américas is responding to the current moment facing immigrant families, providing critical resources in times of crisis and supporting efforts toward family reunification. At the center of the campaign was the story of Logan, a three-year-old Nashvillian who was separated from his parents due to indiscriminate immigration policies. Through the support of Conexión Américas and a myriad of partner organizations, Logan’s family and caregiver found not only essential resources during a time of separation, but also trustworthy guidance.

Conexión Américas celebrates the success of the Cafecito campaign as a reflection of what is possible when a community comes together to create change and ensure that families are treated with dignity, children are protected, and communities are seen, heard, and supported.

“This work cannot wait,” said Silva and Lentz. “The need continues, and community support remains essential.”

Contributions to the Cafecito campaign are still being accepted.

For more information about Conexión Américas and its mission, visit www.conexionamericas.org.