In 1972, the now CEO of the Virginia Hispanic Chamber, Michel Zajur and his family, opened one of the first Mexican Cuisine restaurants called “La Siesta” in the Greater Richmond Area’s Southside. Virginian families delighted in their first glimpses of the Hispanic culture and its passion for food, family, celebration, and ingenuity. Many locals respond to the restaurant’s mention with smiles, when they reminisce on their trips to the kitchen as children in order to see how fried ice cream was made. It is said in Latin American culture, that food is best prepared with love. Eating together and being together as a family. Families left with full bellies and warm impressions about this newly emerging community in their area.

Michel and his wife Lisa Zajur quickly identified the benefits of educating local children  and families about learning Latin American culture and also the Spanish language through a colorful and interactive program they coined as “La Siesta Town.” Students from counties throughout Virginia were brought to the restaurant where they took “airplane rides” through Latin America, giving many children their first ever glimpse into the rich and diverse culture. 

As La Siesta grew it was quickly becoming a cultural "information station” in the community, it was also growing into an active hub for local Latinos to convene and discuss matters facing their expanding community. Issues such as language barriers, employment and education were repeating themes during discussions. A need was rapidly developing, and for years Michel and Lisa provided necessary information to the Latino community.  Finally in 2000, Michel and Lisa decided to devote 100 percent of their time to the community, bringing an end to the restaurant, but brought about the birth of the Virginia Hispanic Chamber and Foundation.

The mission of the chamber has always been to build economic bridges between Hispanic businesses and the community at large in order to create, promote and enhance business opportunities for its members and partners.  2020 marks the 20th year the Chamber has made a major impact throughout Virginia. Providing opportunities for business and cultural engagement to strengthen the economic and social well-being of the Hispanic community all throughout Virginia. By building strategic partnerships with state, regional and local organizations as well as government entities, the Chamber serves as a culturally-accessible and trusted central point for Hispanic and Latino led businesses with the intent of supporting economic business growth and providing outreach and resources. 

The chamber plays a role in over 150 events throughout the year created to promote growth, visibility, and credibility for our members and Hispanic businesses.  From training courses to job fairs, the chamber provides everything necessary for Hispanic individuals, from preparing them to enter the workforce, to submitting government bids and contracts.  This year to celebrate 20 years of business the chamber will be introducing new projects to further enhance the community, including a student membership as well as a Hispanic directory showcasing local business to new families moving to Virginia. In order to keep up with the incredible growth of the Hispanic community we too must have the capability to adapt and change along with it constantly finding new ways to better the community at large.