The holiday season is a special time here in New York City—the Rockettes, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the excitement of snow in Central Park, and the upbeat hustle and bustle that makes this city feel like a movie set. It’s also a time to slow down, reflect on the challenges we’ve faced, and be grateful for the blessings, however small, that have carried us through the year.

Despite the economic and political headwinds many in our country are navigating, I continue to believe that entrepreneurship and advocacy are the best antidotes for both economic vitality and the policy changes our communities need. U.S. entrepreneurship remains historically strong and is even slightly strengthening, but growth is uneven thriving in high-tech and AI-driven sectors while early-stage and non-tech founders face a more selective capital environment.

Within that landscape, Latino entrepreneurs are a powerful source of optimism. At forums like AVANCE Global and AVANCE Sports, we’ve seen Latino founders building companies in tech, sports, media, and real estate often with fewer resources, but with more creativity and resilience. We are redefining what opportunity looks like for the next generation.

Housing is another front where 2025 has been a pivotal year. State-level bipartisan breakthroughs are finally beginning to match the urgency of the housing crisis, yet federal policy inertia and credit access barriers still threaten Latino homeownership gains. Hispanic buyers remain the growth engine of the housing market and are projected to be 70% of new homeowners by 2040, but the affordability and supply crisis is pushing the American Dream out of reach for too many families.

On the ground, we see how construction labor scarcity and immigration policy are constraining the very housing supply we need most. At the same time, organizations like the National Hispanic Construction Alliance are stepping in with training, mentorship, and business development programs that bring more Latino contractors and tradespeople into the pipeline. When we widen access to both the tools and the jobs of the construction sector, we’re not only building more homes, but we’re also building wealth and ownership in our own communities.

Health care policy is also becoming a defining piece of the equity puzzle. At convenings like the United Nations Health Impact Forum, leaders from every sector are leaning into the idea that health is the foundation of true prosperity. The advances we’re seeing, greater attention to health equity, mental health, and culturally competent care, are encouraging. But they also remind us how much work remains if we want Latino families to have not only access to care, but the trust and stability needed to thrive.

Taken together, the story of 2025 is one of optimism with urgency. The trends in entrepreneurship, housing, construction, and health care are all moving, but they won’t move far enough or fast enough without intentional leadership. That’s where each of us comes in.

Looking ahead to 2026, there is much to be excited about:

AVANCE Global España – The entrepreneurship platform will be extending the AVANCE experience across the Atlantic, connecting Latino and Spanish leaders around business, culture, and generational wealth. I’m looking forward to exploring how this bridge can open new doors for our community. Registration info here.
America’s 250th Anniversary in July – Through Sail4th 250, the grand parade of tall ships and navy vessels into New York Harbor will offer a once-in-a-generation moment to tell our nation’s story in a more inclusive way. It’s an opportunity to honor our heroes, elevate new voices, and remind the world what shared history and shared hope can look like on the water. See here for more information

On a personal note, after 12 years in the same place, I’ll be moving to a new home. It’s a practical change, but also a symbolic one: new surroundings, new routines, and new reasons to wake up every day and take on new challenges. Like so many of you, I’m embracing this season as an invitation to keep growing, to stay curious, and to keep choosing community over isolation, optimism or negativism and action over inertia.

Thank you for being part of this journey, for your partnership, your friendship, and your belief that we can build something better together.

With inspiration for the holiday season,

Orlando Camargo
Founding Partner
Ithaca Street Partners

Optimism with Urgency - Your Vision, Your Voice Holiday Update 2025- 2026