It never ceases to amaze me at the creativity of people who want to help others. I recently received an email nominating Giovanna Minotta as one of the REAL Richest People in America. Here is her story:

She was teaching Spanish classes when she had the idea of starting a non-profit organization to promote the Hispanic culture. Having recently moved to the United States with her family from Colombia, Minotta understood first-hand the need for a community-based organization intended to serve as a bridge between the Hispanic immigrant population and the English-speaking community.

In December 2000, she started researching on what could be done for her idea to become a reality. Finally, in August 2002, she founded the Be Latino Corporation while working part-time at a Dollar General store, and began organizing a bilingual musical show two months later to promote understanding between the cultures. This presentation, sponsored by Jacksonville State University, showcased 57 area schoolchildren who sang and danced Latin American music in spring 2003.

One evening, Minotta was approached by a Latino pregnant woman who only spoke Spanish and who was needing somebody to go with her to the hospital when she was ready to deliver her baby. Minotta agreed to go. The baby was born in February 2003. Two weeks later, Minotta was contacted by 10 more Latino pregnant women. In the following four months, she helped 40 more patients.

And so, this was the beginning of the programs “Give me a Hand” and “Operation Stork”, through which Be Latino has helped many individuals, pregnant women and their babies meet their different needs by providing a variety of services.

The Be Latino Corporation continues to expand their services recently adding Proyecto L.A.T.I.N.A. to fight against domestic violence within the immigrant Hispanic community. They also assist statewide shelter with interpretation service over the phone in emergency situations and support domestic violence advocates in their outreach work.

Tim’s note: Do you want to make a difference but don’t know where to start? Join the World Biggest Blogging Party. If you live near me, come to our kickoff party featuring singer/songwriter and inspirational speaker Jana Stanfield on Tuesday September 11th.

Tim Richardson is an inspirational speaker who speaks about how giving increases employee morale, lowers employee turnover, increases customer loyalty and creates higher profits for Fortune 500 companies, associations, and national conventions. He is the founder of the The Worlds Biggest Blog Party an event which will connect bloggers from all over the world to raise money for charity. He is also founder and president of the Bill Walter Melanoma Research Fund. For more information on Tim, go to www.TimRichardson.com