Community Highlights: Meet Yuri Cunza of Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yuri Cunza

Hi Yuri, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey has been one of exploration, discovery, and serendipity. I left Lima, Peru, to pursue medicine at the University of the Northeast (UNNE) in Corrientes, Argentina, shortly after high school. Growing up, I was deeply involved in the performing arts, media, and content creation—passions I continue to pursue today. I trained in acting at the International Theater Institute (ITI-UNESCO) and the Peruvian Theater Center (CPT) in Lima, Peru. At 13, I earned a scholarship to study under veteran theater director Eduardo Navarro.

In the early ’90s, I moved to Nashville, where my medical school credits didn’t transfer. Instead of continuing in medicine, I embraced my love for the arts and enrolled in the inaugural film program at Watkins College of Art, earning my B.F.A. in Film Directing. During this transition, I worked on projects like the television series Mujeres Sin Fronteras for CVC-Argentina and the weekly bilingual segment Hispanos de Hoy on WSMV-Channel 4 Nashville.

By the late ’90s, I was independently producing the Latin American Cinema Series and the International Film Forum at the historic Belcourt Theatre. In 1999, I was recognized in the Report on Latino Culture and Traditional Arts in Tennessee by the Tennessee Arts Commission, which led to being identified as a resource during Nashville’s rapidly growing Hispanic population.

This visibility resulted in frequent invitations to join nonprofit boards, an opportunity I embraced to represent my community. The growth of Nashville’s Hispanic community brought challenges, but also the need for our voices to be heard. My perspectives on diversity were shaped by my experiences in various Latin American countries. My documentary Under the Skin (2001), which explores racial diversity and multiculturalism, was selected for the Nashville Independent Film Festival and premiered on WSMV-Channel 4 in 2001.

In 2003, I launched La Noticia, a Spanish-language newspaper in Nashville, where I serve as Editor-in-Chief and co-publisher. The newspaper has since collaborated with The Contributor, a nonprofit that provides economic opportunities to individuals experiencing homelessness. This partnership was especially meaningful during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2006, I became a U.S. citizen, an achievement marked by a ceremony at The Hermitage, the home of President Andrew Jackson. From 2010-2017, I completed executive education programs at the University of Notre Dame and Harvard Kennedy School, focusing on nonprofit leadership and public sector innovation.

In 2003, I joined the board of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NAHCC), eventually serving as board chair in 2004. I was later appointed as the first CEO of the chamber in 2009, which has grown significantly since its early days. In 2017, I was honored to receive the Chamber of the Year Award from the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC). Later, I was selected to serve on the board of the USHCC, representing Nashville and Tennessee.

In addition to my leadership at NAHCC, I co-founded the NAHCC Foundation in 2008 to provide educational opportunities for Hispanic youth and address socio-economic disparities. I am also actively involved in various local, regional, and national organizations, such as the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition and the New American Economy.

Through my work, I remain committed to supporting the growth and success of the Hispanic community, advocating for educational and economic opportunities, and continuing to foster a culture of collaboration and inclusion.

See: https://www.usglc.org/downloads/advisory-committees/TN-Advisory-Committee.pdf
https://www.newamericaneconomy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/NAE_Membership_List.pdf
https://www.ushcc.com/about-the-ushcc/board-of-directors/

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the unique journey of being a foreign-born individual of Hispanic heritage, the path is often accompanied by distinct challenges that demand resilience, adaptability, and hope. Integration into a new cultural milieu is a complex process, requiring one to navigate unfamiliar circumstances while striving to preserve the essence of one’s heritage. The experiences along the way, though rich and diverse, can also present hurdles in the form of stereotypes and misconceptions that are sometimes attached to individuals from Hispanic (or ‘other’) backgrounds in America.

The journey involves not only adapting to a new way of life but also contending with preconceived notions that may obscure one’s true character and capabilities. Overcoming such stereotypes demands perseverance and a commitment to breaking down barriers through understanding, education, and fostering open dialogue. Yet, within these challenges lies the opportunity for both personal growth and growth within the broader community. By embracing the richness of your heritage and actively participating in cultural exchange, you contribute to the vibrant tapestry of diversity that defines the American experience.

In the face of adversity, remember that each step is a testament to your strength and resilience. Your journey is not defined by the challenges you encounter, but by how you navigate and overcome them. As you continue on this path, may you find allies and kindred spirits who appreciate your uniqueness, ultimately making the journey richer and more rewarding. This is why I call Nashville home, despite not being born here.

I have often said that our Hispanic community is persistently perceived as a community in need. While it may indeed require support in various areas, it is not in need of pity; rather, it is in need of respect, opportunity, and, most importantly, appreciation—both culturally and politically.

We’ve been impressed with Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a multimedia creative, blending my expertise across various fields including non-profit management, social entrepreneurship, media, journalism, acting, visual arts, and business leadership. Passionate about using my diverse skill set to foster community engagement, I am also a dedicated advocate for positive social change and cultural empowerment.

I serve as President and CEO of the NAHCC. The Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (NAHCC) is a chamber of commerce in Nashville, Tennessee; in 2008, it opposed a local English-only measure. Established in January 2000 as a 501 (c)6 non-profit corporation, the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is Tennessee’s oldest, longest-running Hispanic business membership organization, actively promoting Hispanic entrepreneurs’ economic growth and development. The NAHCC represents the interests of small business members in Nashville and surrounding areas. With more than 400 members as of 2024. the NAHCC connects entrepreneurs and micro-enterprises, facilitating strategic alliances, networking, and sharing of business and financial best practices.
Here are a few facts about my work and the organization I represent:
* On March 29, 2016, led by its President & CEO, Yuri Cunza, the NAHCC signed an inter-chamber cooperative agreement with the Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce. A similar agreement was signed by the NAHCC in October with the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce and on March 22, 2017, with Williamson Inc., chamber of commerce.
* In February 2017, the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was one of two Hispanic chambers in the country to obtain the prestigious Chamber Training Institute (CTI) National Certification designation presented by the University of Notre Dame through the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation, in collaboration with the US Black Chambers, Inc., the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce, and the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. On October 2, 2017, NAHCC President & CEO Yuri Cunza received on behalf of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce the prestigious Chamber of The Year Award by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) at their National Convention in Dallas, Texas. The USHCC recognizes the Chamber of the Year from among more than 250 Hispanic Chambers of Commerce throughout the nation. An independent panel of judges selects award recipients based on their contributions to their commercial ecosystems, outstanding accomplishments, quality of service, innovation of programs, leadership, and commitment to the Hispanic business community.
* On March 1, 2018, the NAHCC joined the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, urging Congress to take immediate action to protect the DACA program. “On behalf of approximately 2,000 Hispanic-owned businesses in Tennessee, we strongly urge Congress to take immediate action to provide a permanent resolution for DACA recipients,” said Yuri Cunza, President & CEO of the Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “The lack of certainty has caused confusion and fear among DACA-eligible young adults. Congressional inaction will result in losing our community’s highly educated and skilled workforce.” Cunza has served on the advisory board for Scarritt-Bennett Center’s “Celebration of Cultures,” the National Academy of Television Arts & Science’s board of Governors and the board of directors for the Belcourt Theatre, The Nashville Film Festival, and the American Red Cross and more than a dozen more other organizations; ranging from business, health, non-profit, arts, and culture. Cunza is a member of many national organizations, including the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP), the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and The National Council LA RAZA. Locally, he is a new Downtown Nashville Rotary Club member among civic groups. He has served on the boards of the HIV/AIDS research-based Comprehensive Care Center and Street Works, the Metro General Hospital’s “Friends in General Board.”
* In July 2010, Cunza was elected Council Member at Large to the Nashville branch of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA). He served on the board of Historic Nashville Inc., Sister Cities of Nashville, and the Community-based AIDS service organization Nashville Cares.
* In September 2013, The Tennessee Titans selected Cunza to receive the annual Titans Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award. On September 15, 2013, Yuri Cunza was presented with the SBA (U.S Small Business Administration) ‘Community Leadership Award’ by SBA-Tennessee District Director Walter Perry during a ceremony at Belmont University to mark the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month.
* On December 10, 2014, Yuri Cunza received the Outstanding Service to Forward Human Rights Award at Tennessee’s Human Rights Day ceremony at the First Amendment Center in Nashville.
* In May 2015, Cunza received the 2015 Avant-Garde MOSAIC Award for the ‘Advancement of Diversity’ from the American Advertising Federation – Nashville.
* In 2017, Cunza was appointed to the Business Advisory Board for Fisk University, a private historically black university founded 1866 in Nashville, Tennessee, and the first African-American institution to gain accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
* In 2021, Cunza was selected as one of 44 participants for the Leadership Nashville class 2022.
* In 2023, he was appointed to the Tennessee World Affairs Council (TNWAC) board of directors, Cheekwood, and the Nashville Symphony. Since 2010, Cunza has been named in Nashville Post’s “In Charge” list of business and community leaders.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was born in Lima, Peru in South America. Growing up, I was curious, driven, and deeply creative. I had a strong passion for the arts, particularly theater and media, which I pursued alongside my academic interests. I was always eager to explore new ideas, whether through acting, writing, or creating visual content. I loved expressing myself and discovering different ways to connect with others, which led me to get involved in performing arts and media from a young age. I was also a natural storyteller, always seeking to understand people’s experiences and share them with others. My personality was outgoing, and I enjoyed collaborating with others to bring ideas to life. I had a deep respect for my heritage and took pride in the rich cultural traditions that shaped me, which further fueled my desire to create and share stories that mattered.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.nashvillehispanicchamber.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yuricunza/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yuri.cunza
• Twitter: @yuricunza
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/yuricunza
• Other: http://yuricunza.com/