Uplifting Birmingham: When Access Meets Ambition for Latino Citizens
10/5/2026 - By Rachel Ham - Stories and Insights
People visit Google millions of times a day to ask questions about budgeting, mortgages, debt consolidation and much more. Financial goals such as starting a business or purchasing a home may feel daunting if you don’t have resources available in your own language. That’s where organizations like ¡HICA! come in.
Based in Birmingham, Alabama, the Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama, or ¡HICA!, supports the region’s Latino and immigrant families with financial literacy, education pathways, low-cost legal services and other programs designed to empower them with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. The organization serves approximately 5,000 people annually.
During the past five years, SouthState has proudly partnered with ¡HICA! by providing both financial support and financial education programs, allowing the organization to connect more people to valuable resources.
This partnership, originally developed by Director of Corporate Stewardship LeDon Jones, is led today by Community Development Officer Shakira Ellis, along with Madison, Alabama Branch Manager Iza Fernandez Aviles.
Fernandez Aviles is a dedicated volunteer offering hours of financial literacy classes in Spanish to the participants at ¡HICA! “I’m thrilled the Bank is giving me the opportunity to help our Hispanic communities. It fills my heart with joy to be able to be there for them in their own language,” Fernandez Aviles says.
"For five years, SouthState has shown up for ¡HICA! not only with dollars, but with people. When Iza stands in front of a room of women entrepreneurs and explains credit in Spanish, she is working alongside neighbors who already have the drive and the vision and are ready for the tools to match. That is what real partnership looks like, and it is why the families who walk through our doors leave with more than information. They leave with a plan," says Carlos Aleman, CEO of ¡HICA!.
In a metro area with a population of 1.2 million, ¡HICA! is the only organization providing comprehensive, culturally tailored economic development entirely in Spanish. A one-stop shop for education and assistance is ¡HICA!’s desire as Latino and immigrant families build lasting economic stability.
“Their whole passion is making sure that every single client that comes through that door is seen, is heard and is respected. The staff is constantly reaching for resources, trying to find different ways to be able to meet the needs of every single individual that's coming through that building,” Ellis says.
Based in Birmingham, Alabama, the Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama, or ¡HICA!, supports the region’s Latino and immigrant families with financial literacy, education pathways, low-cost legal services and other programs designed to empower them with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. The organization serves approximately 5,000 people annually.
During the past five years, SouthState has proudly partnered with ¡HICA! by providing both financial support and financial education programs, allowing the organization to connect more people to valuable resources.
This partnership, originally developed by Director of Corporate Stewardship LeDon Jones, is led today by Community Development Officer Shakira Ellis, along with Madison, Alabama Branch Manager Iza Fernandez Aviles.
Fernandez Aviles is a dedicated volunteer offering hours of financial literacy classes in Spanish to the participants at ¡HICA! “I’m thrilled the Bank is giving me the opportunity to help our Hispanic communities. It fills my heart with joy to be able to be there for them in their own language,” Fernandez Aviles says.
"For five years, SouthState has shown up for ¡HICA! not only with dollars, but with people. When Iza stands in front of a room of women entrepreneurs and explains credit in Spanish, she is working alongside neighbors who already have the drive and the vision and are ready for the tools to match. That is what real partnership looks like, and it is why the families who walk through our doors leave with more than information. They leave with a plan," says Carlos Aleman, CEO of ¡HICA!.
In a metro area with a population of 1.2 million, ¡HICA! is the only organization providing comprehensive, culturally tailored economic development entirely in Spanish. A one-stop shop for education and assistance is ¡HICA!’s desire as Latino and immigrant families build lasting economic stability.
“Their whole passion is making sure that every single client that comes through that door is seen, is heard and is respected. The staff is constantly reaching for resources, trying to find different ways to be able to meet the needs of every single individual that's coming through that building,” Ellis says.
Education with Purpose
Fernandez Aviles dedicates her time and attention to properly research the various requested topics, and to create relevant materials for ¡HICA! participants on her own time. For her, breaking down barriers to knowledge is worth the extra effort.“Many of the financial terms can be kind of difficult to understand. When I facilitate in our own language, the information is accepted with better understanding, and people receive it easier,” she adds.
A financial literacy series for female entrepreneurs was a highlight in 2026, with attendees ranging from their early 20s to mid-50s. Fernandez Aviles provided sessions on money management, building wealth, savings and credit reports. The series wrapped up with information on homeownership and various documents needed to apply for a loan. By working with ¡HICA!, SouthState can educate participants on the full range of homeownership options available to them.
“Our goal is to support ¡HICA! to work through this barrier and make sure everyone has accessible and affordable homeownership,” Ellis says.
Fernandez Aviles is planning more budgeting workshops for the holiday season. She says serving in this capacity allows her to lean into her propósito superior, or greater purpose, one of SouthState’s core values.
“Volunteering lets me connect with meaningful parts of my life where I can make a positive impact on others,” she adds. “Serving my community is something I truly enjoy.”
Support for Success Stories
Supporting ¡HICA!’s mission extends beyond education. SouthState has provided donations of varying amounts, including a $25,000 contribution to the Camino Loan Fund. This fund provides access to capital for Hispanic business owners and entrepreneurs, allowing them to begin building generational wealth."Our community has never lacked ambition. What it has lacked is access. SouthState's investment in the Camino Loan Fund helps close that gap, putting capital in the hands of entrepreneurs who are opening restaurants, building businesses, and creating jobs in their own communities. As Camino grows as a certified CDFI, partners like SouthState are what allow us to say yes to more of those dreams, and when those dreams take root, all of Birmingham grows stronger," Aleman says.
The fund has already celebrated several success stories, from sisters who opened an event planning business together to a newly opened restaurant bringing flavor and joy to their barrios, or neighborhoods. With ¡HICA!’s support, these business owners have received not only start-up capital but also business and economic coaching so they’re positioned for long-term success.
“This loan fund is helping to turn people’s aspirations into thriving businesses that contribute to the economic vitality of our communities,” Ellis says.
SouthState's support is more vital than ever as the Camino Loan Fund, ¡HICA!'s lending subsidiary, has earned certification as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Together, as SouthState Bank continues to evolve this lasting relationship with ¡HICA!, they will continue uplifting the Greater Birmingham region one family and one business at a time.
To learn more about SouthState’s presence in Alabama and find a SouthState near you, visit our Locations page.
